Once a template is created, generation is a single click (or a single API call). This article covers the user experience, automation options, and the underlying mechanics.
From the UI
- Open the source record (e.g. an order).
- Click Generate document.
- Pick the template (if multiple available).
- Choose action: view, download, email, attach to the record.
- Done — PDF generated and either previewed, saved or emailed.
From the API
POST /api/v1/documents/generate with body { template_id, record_id, action }. Useful for automated workflows — e.g. when an order is marked shipped, generate the invoice and attach to the order automatically.
From Workflows
Add a “Generate Document” step in any workflow. Configure template and action — fire-and-forget for the workflow author.
What's Saved
- The generated file (PDF, DOCX, etc.) is stored in the file store.
- A document record links source → generated → template + timestamp.
- The source record's documents tab shows all generated outputs.
- Re-generation creates a new version; old versions retained for audit.
Worked Examples
- Order to invoice: When an order is marked shipped, a workflow automatically generates the invoice PDF and emails it to the customer.
- Bulk certificate: Course manager clicks “Generate certificates for all completed attendees” — 200 PDFs generated and emailed.
- Sales quote: Sales rep clicks generate, chooses template, downloads PDF, attaches in their own email client.
- Contract on signup: When a new customer signs up at the Enterprise tier, a signed-ready contract DOCX is generated and routed for e-signature.