# 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.
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The Template Editor works exclusively with the [PDF Template](https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-backend/functions-library/utilities/pdf-templates) 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](https://docs.heisenware.com/tutorials/app-templates/automating-pdf-reports).
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## Creating a PDF template
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#### Open template mode
Select Template Editing mode from the main toolbar.
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#### Define properties
Enter a unique name for your template and choose a standard page size (`A4`, `A5`, or `Letter`).
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#### Generate instance
Click Create Template. This automatically generates the corresponding instance in your logic library.
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## Designing the layout
Once your template is created, you need to set up the visual background and place your dynamic fields.
### **Managing pages and backgrounds**
To use an existing document as a layout, you must first upload the pages as separate PDF files to the [Internal File Server](https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-backend/internal-file-server).
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#### Add blank pages
Add a blank page for each page of your source document using the Add Page icon (:circle-plus:).
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#### Set background
Drag each page file from the Resources panel onto the corresponding blank page. This sets the file as a static background.
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#### Organize
Right-click a page to open the context menu. Here you can move pages up/down or manage the layering (Bring to Front / Send to Back).
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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.
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### **Placing and configuring placeholders**
Placeholders are the dynamic "slots" where your logic will insert data.
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#### Add placeholder
Click the Text or Image Placeholder icon in the toolbar (:text-size:, :image:) then click on the page to place it.
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#### Assign variable
Select the placeholder and click the gear icon. Provide a variable name (e.g., `firstName`).
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#### Style
Adjust the font, size, or colors for text, or resize the bounding boxes to define the final content area.
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#### 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.
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## Populating the template
To bring your PDF to life, use the [`fillTemplate`](https://docs.heisenware.com/build-backend/functions-library/utilities/pdf-templates#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/output specifications, refer to the [PDF Templates class documentation](https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-backend/functions-library/utilities/pdf-templates).
To see these concepts in action, follow our step-by-step guide on [automating PDF reports](https://docs.heisenware.com/tutorials/app-templates/automating-pdf-reports).
## Deleting a template
If you no longer need a PDF template, you can permanently remove it and its associated function:
1. Navigate to the [Functions Library](https://docs.heisenware.com/app-builder/build-backend/functions-library).
2. Open the PDF Templates Class.
3. Right-click the specific template instance.
4. Select Remove.
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This action is irreversible. Deleting an instance removes it completey. Any logic in your Flow Builder referencing this template will break.
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{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Define properties
Enter a unique name for your template and choose a standard page size (`A4`, `A5`, or `Letter`).
{% endstep %}
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#### Generate instance
Click Create Template. This automatically generates the corresponding instance in your logic library.
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