Creating a Google Docs templates can save time and ensure consistency across documents, but still requires some manual tasks to fill those templates.
In this guide will explain the steps to automate Google Docs generations using third-party sources like Google Sheets to automated your workflow.
Users often need to generate documents with similar structure and content. Instead of copying and pasting, one can use pre-defined templates. Autopopulating these templates streamlines workflows, making it easier to manage and update information automatically.
This method is particularly useful for professionals who frequently handle reports, letters, or invoices. Implementing this workflow can drastically improve efficiency and accuracy, helping users focus on more critical tasks.
Google Docs Templates
Google Docs templates are pre-made documents that provide a formatted starting point. They save time and help maintain consistency across documents. Users can select a template and modify it to meet their needs.
Templates come in various types. Common ones include:
- Resumes
- Reports
- Invoices
- Meeting Notes
Usually have text, images, tables, and more and they serve as a blueprint for different kinds of documents.
Before you start, you'll need to be sure that your document template exists in Google Docs. That means you have to first create a Google Doc template.
Adding Placeholder Text
Placeholder text guides users on where to add their content. Use brackets or curly braces to indicate where text should be entered, like ${Name} or [Date]. Be clear and specific, so users understand what to input.
To make it easier, type the placeholder text and format it in a different color or italicize it. This helps distinguish placeholders from actual content.
Create a Google Sheet spreadsheet
If you wish to populate google sheets data, then you'll also need to set up a Google Sheets spreadsheet containing the data intended to replace the placeholders mentioned earlier. Be sure to create column headers that match the formatting and labels of the fields in your job offer document, but remember to remove the double braces.
Additionally, include some sample data. This will be useful later when you map the data from the spreadsheet to your template.
How to use Automated Docs to create a document from a template
AutomatedDocs simplifies document generation by combining templates with data from spreadsheet apps like Google Sheets. Follow these steps to create and populate a document template efficiently.
Upload Your Template
Start by creating a template in Google Docs or Word. This template acts as the framework for your document, including placeholders for data.
- Open your template document.
- Go to AutomatedDocs.
- Upload the template to the platform by following the on-screen instructions.
The placeholders in your template will be replaced with actual data during the automation process.
Connect Google Sheet with AutomatedDocs
We already have a ready-to-use sheet in Excel with the information that we wish to merge into our template.