In every case other than our PDF Gen API, the first decision you need to make when using Anvil is which type of document template to use.
Types of document templates: standardized vs dynamic
Standardized templates
Standardized templates allow you to upload blank PDF forms and standardized documents into Anvil and tag them (with AI assistance) to receive data. Standardized templates in Anvil are best used when working with documents that generally do not change, but the underlying PDF may need to be updated occasionally (which Anvil’s replace document feature supports). Government forms and applications are good examples of documents that are a good fit for standardized document templates.
Dynamic templates
Dynamic templates can be built from scratch with Anvil’s Document Editor and tagged with input fields and conditional content. Dynamic templates are best used when working with documents where sections and clauses may change and/or the underlying content needs to flow around filled data. Examples of dynamic templates are documents you create yourself, such as contracts and cover letters.
You've selected a template type – what next?
Once your document templates are set up, you can then decide how they will be filled and whether or not data collection or logic are needed.
With the PDF Fill API you can programmatically fill templates with data using a JSON payload.
Using Etch e-sign for document automation
Etch E-sign allows you to send documents for signature and optionally collect information from signers during the signing process. The UI version of Etch is suitable for one-off packets, as each packet will need to be set up individually. To avoid setting up packets over and over, we recommend creating packets programmatically over API, or setting up a Workflow with your document templates instead. As you are considering Etch E-sign, note that:
- Only signers can contribute information. Any other data must be prefilled by the person setting up the packet or provided over API when the packet is created programmatically.
- Which documents need signing and who needs to sign (including their name and email) must be known at the time a packet is created.
- Your users will be interacting primarily with the document, so you will not be able to create a more logic-driven experience like you would with a webform.
- Users will not be able to upload additional files as part of the signing process, those files must be requested some other way.
Why Workflows are ideal for complex processes
Workflows is Anvil’s most powerful product, and it’s hard to describe everything it can do in a few short sentences. At a high-level, Workflows manages all the data collection, mapping to PDFs, document selection, and signature requests that are required to complete any set of documents. With the assistance of AI, even the most complex business logic can be encoded into a Workflow - think calculations, data transformation, IFTTT statements. A Workflow can be set up once and then shared with users via a link or embedded in your app to collect submissions. Sit back and watch the paperwork complete itself.
Workflows are best for:
- Any document(s) that needs to be filled or signed over and over again
- Any document(s) that needs to be completed by multiple parties, including non-signers (or even your own database), or where additional files need to be provided by your users.
- Complex documents where you want to streamline the experience for your users and reduce data entry.
- Automating behind the scenes data transformation and document selection.
Whichever Anvil product you use, you’ll be delivering a next generation paperwork experience for your internal and external users. Once you’ve chosen the best product for your needs and vision, the next step is creating exactly what you want with our tools.
- For our no-code builders, our Help Center has all the resources you need.
- For developers, check out our comprehensive docs.
Key takeways:
- Choose between Standardized templates for fixed documents or Dynamic templates for flexible and customizable ones.
- Automatically fill templates with data using the PDF Fill API and a JSON payload.
- Simplify document signing with Etch E-sign and automate tasks using API integrations or Workflows.
- Automate complex processes with AI-driven Workflows that handle data collection, document selection, and more.
Need assistance? Our support team is ready to help you optimize your setup. Reach out anytime at support@useanvil.com or book a demo.