> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.heisenware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-frontend/pdf-template-editor.md).
# PDF Template Editor
The PDF Template Editor provides a visual workflow for designing dynamic documents. You create a Template by placing dynamic Placeholders onto an uploaded PDF background.
{% hint style="info" %}
The Template Editor works exclusively with the [PDF Template](/app-builder/build-backend/function-explorer/utilities/pdf-templates.md) Class. When you create a Template, an Instance is automatically generated within this Class, containing the `fillTemplate` Function required to populate your document with data.
To see the complete process in action, follow our [step-by-step guide](/tutorials/app-templates/automating-pdf-reports.md).
{% endhint %}
## Creating a PDF Template
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### Open Template mode
Select Template Editing mode from the main Toolbar.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Define properties
Enter a unique name for your Template and choose a standard page size (`A4`, `A5`, or `Letter`).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Generate Instance
Click Create Template. This automatically generates the corresponding Instance in your Function Explorer.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Designing the layout
Once your Template is created, set up the visual background and place your dynamic fields.
### Managing pages and backgrounds
To use an existing document as a layout, first upload its pages as separate PDF files to the [File Explorer](/app-builder/build-backend/file-explorer.md).
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### Add blank pages
Add a blank page for each page of your source document using the Add Page icon (:circle-plus:).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Set background
Drag each page file from the File Explorer onto the corresponding blank page. This sets the file as a static background.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Organize
Right-click a page to open the context menu. Here you can move pages up or down, or manage the layering (Bring to Front / Send to Back).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% hint style="danger" %}
Deleting a page (using the Trash icon) is a permanent action that removes the page, its background, and all Placeholders on it. It is not currently possible to simply replace the background of an existing page.
{% endhint %}
### Placing and configuring Placeholders
Placeholders are the dynamic slots where your logic inserts data.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### Add Placeholder
Click the Text or Image Placeholder icon in the Toolbar (:text-size:, :image:), then click the page to place it.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Assign variable
Select the Placeholder and click the gear icon. Provide a variable name (e.g., `firstName`).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Style
Adjust the font, size, or colors for text, or resize the bounding boxes to define the final content area.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% hint style="info" %}
#### Data matching
The variable name you enter (e.g., `invoiceNumber`) must exactly match the key in the data object you provide in your backend logic later. The editor adds the `<>` tags automatically.
{% endhint %}
## Populating the Template
To bring your PDF to life, use the [`fillTemplate`](/app-builder/build-backend/function-explorer/utilities/pdf-templates.md#filltemplate) Function within your backend logic. This Function is the engine: it takes a data object (like a JSON object from a database), merges the values into your visual Placeholders, and outputs the finished PDF document. For detailed input and output specifications, see the [PDF Templates Class documentation](/app-builder/build-backend/function-explorer/utilities/pdf-templates.md).
To see these concepts in action, follow our step-by-step guide on [automating PDF reports](/tutorials/app-templates/automating-pdf-reports.md).
## Deleting a Template
If you no longer need a PDF Template, you can permanently remove it and its associated Function:
1. Navigate to the [Function Explorer](/app-builder/build-backend/function-explorer.md).
2. Open the PDF Templates Class.
3. Right-click the specific Template Instance.
4. Select Remove.
{% hint style="danger" %}
This action is irreversible. Deleting an Instance removes it completely. Any logic in your Backend Builder referencing this Template will break.
{% endhint %}
---
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