Creating document templates from PDFs
Most document templates in ContactsLaw are completely free-form; that is to say, the user has complete control over their content, formatting and the placement of fields which are populating during document creation. However, ContactsLaw also allows document templates to be created from Portable Document Format (PDF) files, providing they contain an interactive form. Since PDFs are typically read-only, this feature makes it possible to create templates from existing forms, such as those published by courts, government departments or corporate bodies.
Before you start, please be aware that:
The document must contain an interactive form (AcroForm or XFA):
AcroForm - ContactsLaw can only populate text fields. Checkboxes or buttons will not appear in the list of fields.
XFA - ContactsLaw can populate text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons and dropdown fields.
ContactsLaw cannot use PDFs which are password-protected.
If a PDF contains a digital signature, this will be removed during document production.
| For greater flexibility, consider converting the form to Word/Excel format or obtain a version of the form in this format instead. |
Uploading the template
Create a new document template in ContactsLaw.
Browse for the PDF file you want to upload.
If you receive an error message at this point, the document may be unsuitable for use as a template. Check the document and try again.
Mapping the fields
A list of the fields in the document will appear. Each bears a name which was set by the author of the document. If you did not create the PDF file yourself, the fields may have confusing or unintuitive names; however, they will likely be listed in the order in which they appear in the document.
Fill out the name of the template, its document type and workgroup to ensure that the appropriate ContactsLaw fields are made available.
Map appropriate fields from ContactsLaw onto the fields in the PDF document. You can use formatting rules and composite fields if you need to change the way the information is presented. If you want to leave a particular field empty, you can map the 'Placeholder' field onto it.
Verify that all fields have been mapped and save the template.
Testing the template
Select a representative file/contact with which to test the template.
Start the document creation activity and select the template.
Step through the wizard and verify that the correct information appears at the final step. If it does not, go back to the template editor and correct the mappings.
Click Finish and examine the resulting document. If the information is not presented as you would like it, go back to the template editor and apply the necessary formatting rules.