Create Your First PDF Template

PDF templates in Odella are perfect for form-based documents where layout precision matters. Our AI automatically detects form fields and helps you configure intelligent filling instructions for seamless automation.

Step-by-Step Template Creation

1

Upload Your PDF Template

Start by uploading your PDF document to Odella. Navigate to the Templates section and click “Create New Template,” then select “PDF Template” and upload your file. Ensure your PDF contains form fields for optimal AI detection.
2

AI Form Field Detection

Once uploaded, our AI automatically scans your PDF and detects all available form fields. The system identifies field types (text, checkboxes, dropdowns, signatures) and generates initial filling instructions for each field based on field names and context.
3

Name and Describe Your Template

Give your template a clear, descriptive name and detailed description. This is crucial - your AI employees use this information to determine which template to use in different contexts. Be specific about the document’s purpose, when it should be used, and any special requirements.
4

Review and Configure Form Fields

Enter the template drafting view where you can review all detected form fields and their auto-generated instructions. Each field displays its type, current instruction, and preview of how it will be filled.
5

Customize Field Instructions

Fine-tune the instructions for each form field to match your specific needs. You can set default values, specify formatting requirements, adjust the drafting tone, or provide contextual guidance for the AI employee.
6

Review and Publish

Review your template configuration to ensure all fields are properly configured and instructions are clear. Once satisfied, publish your template to make it available for use by your AI employees and in workflows.

Advanced Field Configuration

Default Values

Set standard default values for fields that typically contain the same information, such as company names, addresses, or standard legal language.

Formatting Instructions

Specify formatting requirements like date formats (MM/DD/YYYY), currency notation, or text case preferences (uppercase, lowercase, title case).

Conditional Logic

Create smart instructions that adapt based on context, such as “Use formal tone for court documents, casual tone for internal communications.”

Validation Rules

Define validation criteria to ensure data accuracy, such as required field lengths, acceptable value ranges, or format validation.

Instruction Examples

Best Practices

1

Descriptive Naming

Use clear, specific names like “Court Filing Motion Template” rather than generic names like “Legal Form 1.” Include the document type and purpose.
2

Comprehensive Descriptions

Write detailed descriptions explaining when to use the template, required information, and any special considerations. This helps AI employees select the correct template.
3

Field Organization

Group related fields logically and provide context about how they relate to each other. This improves the AI’s understanding of the document structure.
4

Regular Updates

Periodically review and update your templates based on usage patterns and feedback to maintain accuracy and relevance.

Using Your PDF Template

Once published, your PDF template can be used in two main ways:

AI Employee Integration

Attach the template directly to an AI employee to enable automatic document generation as part of their capabilities. The AI employee can then generate documents using this template when needed.

Workflow Integration

Integrate the template into your custom workflows using the “Populate Template” block, enabling automated document generation at any stage of your business processes.
Ready to create your first PDF template? Follow these steps to transform your static forms into intelligent, AI-powered document generation tools!