How to create a report template in Word or Google Docs

A report template is a repeatable document outline with placeholders for content you will pull in from data sources.

Step 1: Identify data elements for automation

To create a template, make a copy of a prior version of your report and identify the fields that change from one version to another, such as charts, data tables, metrics, client names, and images. You will replace these elements with placeholders that will be filled in from your data sources.

Step 2: Create placeholders

Slideform uses curly braces, {{ }}, to identify placeholders, called "pragmas", that will be replaced in the different versions of the report. The other text will appear the same in the final report.

Make a template version of your report in Google Docs or Word. Save it as a regular document, not a "template" type. Here's an example report template:

Tips for creating placeholders:

• Text, numbers, KPIs: Create a text placeholder inside curly braces {{ }} with the font, size, and color that you want in the output. 
• Charts and images: Create a placeholder, like {{chart:name}} or {{image:name}} where the chart or image will be placed. All charts and images are placed inline with the text.
• Data tables: Just like charts and images, create placeholder, like {{data:name}} where the data table will be placed.