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Map a list to a PDF

Usually, the best way to collect information for a table within a PDF is via an list webform field, but lists can also be used to collect any repeated information on a PDF. Take the example of an Account list with subfields for account name, account number, and account type. The PDF might capture this information in the form of a table, where each item (e.g. account) maps to a row and each subfield (e.g. account name) maps to a column. In another case, the PDF might have a separate page for each account and its information.

There are two ways to map lists and their subfields to any set of PDF fields but each is best for a different use case.

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Map to a table:

For standard tables where each list item maps to a row and each subfield in the list item corresponds to a column in the table, it is easiest to connect the PDF fields into an array that will automatically assign an index number (e.g. item 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) that corresponds to the index of the item in the webform list.

How to navigate to the PDF editor

Select a PDF field.

Click on the PDF field that you want to assign to a subfield of the first item in the webform list.

Click the Advanced tab in the field editor panel.

PDF array 1

Select "Create an array".

Click Create an array. This will assign this PDF field to the first item’s subfield.

PDF array 2

Connect all subfields.

Connect the rest of the subfields of the same type (e.g. account name) in the order you want them filled in.

PDF array 3

Repeat.

When you have completed connecting all the array items for one subfield, repeat steps for any remaining subfields.

With any of the array fields selected, return to the Edit field tab of the field editor panel.

PDF array 4

Select webform list to fill the PDF array fields.

At the bottom of the Edit field tab, select the webform array field you would like to fill the PDF array from. Each field will be automatically assigned the item number in the order you connected the subfields into the array.

Learn more about connecting PDF fields to webform fields

PDF array 5




Map across PDF pages:

For assigning list subfields to different areas or pages of a PDF, you can manually assign the index number of the webform list item to an individual PDF field, without creating a PDF array.

Create a webform list field.

How to create a webform list field

How to navigate to the PDF editor

Select a PDF field.

Click on the PDF field that you want to assign to a subfield of the first item in the webform list.

Fill from form value.

Scroll down to the How would you like to fill this PDF field? section on the Field options panel. Choose From a connected webform field from the dropdown. Then select the previously added webform list field as the field to connect.

PDF array 6

Assign an index number.

Assign an index number to indicate the order of items to map from the webform list. 0 is the first item, 1 is the second, and so on.

PDF array 7

Connect a webform list subfield.

Assign the subfield from the webform list to the selected PDF field.

PDF array 8

Repeat.

Repeat for the remaining PDF fields that correspond to the webform list.

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