Automatic document creation and sharing from Airtable records

[JonathanB]

Ideally what I’d like is for the “page designer” block to have the ability to share its output automatically with different recipients who don’t have Airtable accounts themselves. I have a large base that is used to process reports that come in from forms. Each record is an individual report, which I can build into printable pdf using the page designer. But the only way to share these is to download each individual pdf and then send it by email. I would like to be able to automate this process, i.e. once a report is complete, the document generated by the page designer is automatically shared with a given recipient. Is this possible through Zapier, or any other platform? I’ve looked at a few google sheets add ons but I’m not sure they’re what I’m after. Thank you in advance for your advice! :slightly_smiling_face:

[Cara_Van_Meter]

Wow, there are a lot of very complex workarounds mentioned in this thread. Am I the only one that finds these type of “solutions” completely infeasible? :woozy_face:

The whole reason I came to Airtable in the first place was to be able to build what I needed without having to involve an expert programmer. :face_with_raised_eyebrow:

@Airtable, PLEASE give us the ability to use Automations in conjunction with Apps!!!

[Justin_Barrett]

@Cara_Van_Meter If you want Airtable staff to see your comments, it’s always best to contact them directly via Airtable support. Tagging @Airtable doesn’t actually tag a specific account because that’s not an account. That only creates a link in your comment to a group of all Airtable staff in this forum. To the best of my knowledge the members of that group aren’t notified.

[Tortong_Tonglor]

Hope this video can help you.

Automate Custom Docs Using Airtable, Zapier & Google Docs

Medium – 26 Jun 20

Automatically generate customized documents from Airtable in Zapier

Sometimes functionality of an Airtable page designer is not enough to deal with document generation. If you’re looking for a solution that…

Reading time: 2 min read

On2Air | Accomplish Anything with Airtable – 21 Jan 20

Pricing | On2Air

On2Air includes a bundle of 6 apps to help you make the most out of Airtable for your business. Start with a 14-day free trial today! Price options to fit your budget and needs.

[Tortong_Tonglor]

I use Zapier+Google Doc. It works!

[Hannah_Wiginton]

On2Air now has Google Functions to generate documents! :fire:

You can generate Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides using your Airtable data.

On2Air | Accomplish Anything with Airtable – 21 Sep 21

Google Docs + Airtable | On2Air

Automatically create documents in Google Docs from your Airtable data with On2Air. Edit documents, view files, and manage all of your Google Docs inside of Airtable.

Here’s an example of the Google Docs function to create an Invoice in Docs from your Airtable base. (includes a free Google Docs and Airtable template)

On2Air | Accomplish Anything with Airtable – 27 Sep 21

Automated Invoice Templates in Google Docs and Airtable (+Free Template) |...

In this guide, we’ll show you how to generate invoices using Google Docs plus how your can use your customer data in Airtable to automatically generate an invoice in Google Docs.

You can also combine it with the On2Air Amplify product to edit and view your Google files inside Airtable.

[Ion_Lape]

Jotform does the pdf generation and automation not so complex, also I was able to generate workflow easily there. Good side is prices are not that expensive like webmerge, way more cheaper.

[Rupert_Hoffsch1]

I know it's an old thread, but wanted to add my app to this conversation: DocsAutomator

It's the dynamic document creation tool I also wanted 🙂 Very happy to give a demo to anyone who's interested!

Best,
Rupert

[Emily_Johnson]

Maybe for someone else the question remains relevant. You can use apps from the Airtable extension store. For example, we use the plumsail documents (https://plumsail.com/documents/) extension:
You create a process --> set up a template and an outgoing file --> choose a delivery method and you don’t even need a connector.

[Sergio]

Hi Jonathan!

Try the plumsail documents extension. You can transfer data from your Airtable directly to a pre-prepared template.

To do this you need:
1. Create a process in plumsail documetns
2. Customize the template and match the fields in the template with the fields of your table
3. Configure the outgoing file format (anyone can use, including PDF)
4. Set up the Delivery section, where you can choose any method or even several, including delivery by mail or even sending for signature. https://plumsail.com/docs/documents/v1.x/user-guide/processes/create-delivery.html

5. Add an extension button to your Airtable database and assign a process from plumsail documents to it. You can read more here: https://plumsail.com/docs/documents/v1.x/getting-started/use-from-airtable.html

Yes, by the way, they give a free trial for 30 days, so you can test whether this solution suits you or not.