PDF Template Settings
Configure departments and template types to organize your PDF templates effectively.
Accessing Settings
1
Navigate to PDF Templates
2
Click the Settings (gear) icon in the header
3
Select the Departments or Template Types tab
Departments
Departments organize templates and provide default branding (headers and footers) for documents.
Department List
The left sidebar shows all departments:
- Search — Filter departments by name
- Select — Click a department to view/edit details
- Add — Click Create Department to add new
- Delete — Click the trash icon to remove (confirmation required)
Department Details
Each department has:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Department Name | Display name for the department |
| Default Header | Rich text that appears at the top of templates |
| Default Footer | Rich text that appears at the bottom of templates |
Creating a Department
1
Click Create Department in the sidebar
2
Enter the Department Name
3
Click Create
4
The new department opens for editing
Editing a Department
1
Select the department from the sidebar
2
Update the fields:
- Department Name — The display name
- Default Header Text — Rich text editor for header content
- Default Footer Text — Rich text editor for footer content
3
Click Save to apply changes
Header and Footer Editors
The header and footer editors support:
- Text formatting — Bold, italic, underline, colors
- Font selection — Choose from available fonts
- Alignment — Left, center, right, justify
- Images — Upload logos and graphics
- Tables — Structured layouts
- Links — Clickable URLs
Image Upload
Upload department logos and graphics directly into headers. Supported formats include PNG, JPG, and GIF.
Header Best Practices
What to Include
- Department logo — Official branding
- Department name — Full official name
- Contact information — Address, phone, website
- Jurisdiction name — City/County/State as appropriate
Example Header Structure
[Logo] Department of Building Services
123 Main Street, Suite 100
Anytown, ST 12345
(555) 123-4567 | building@anytown.gov
Footer Best Practices
What to Include
- Page numbers — "Page X of Y" (if supported)
- Legal disclaimers — Required legal text
- Document reference — Permit/license number placeholder
- Date generated — Generation timestamp
Example Footer Structure
This permit is issued in accordance with local building codes.
Generated: [Date] | Permit #: {{ permit_number }}
Deleting a Department
Before Deleting
Ensure no templates are using the department. Templates associated with a deleted department may lose their header/footer settings.
1
Click the trash icon next to the department name
2
Confirm the deletion in the dialog
3
The department is permanently removed
Template Types
Template types categorize documents for organization and filtering.
Template Types List
The grid displays:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Template type name |
| Description | Brief description of the type |
| Actions | Edit and delete options |
Creating a Template Type
1
Click Add Template Type
2
Enter the details:
- Name — The template type name (e.g., "Permit Certificate")
- Description — Explain when to use this type
3
Click Create
Editing a Template Type
1
Click the edit icon in the row actions
2
Update the name or description
3
Click Save
Deleting a Template Type
Before Deleting
Check if any templates use this type. Deleting a type in use may affect template organization.
1
Click the delete icon in the row actions
2
Confirm the deletion
3
The type is permanently removed
Common Template Types
Consider creating these standard types:
| Type | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Permit Certificate | Official permit documents issued to applicants |
| License Certificate | Business/professional license documents |
| Invoice | Payment invoices and fee summaries |
| Inspection Report | Inspection results and findings |
| Notice Letter | Official notices and correspondence |
| Receipt | Payment confirmation documents |
| Application Summary | Application details for review |
Search and Filter
Searching Template Types
Use the search bar to filter by name or description.
Pagination
Large lists are paginated. Use the pagination controls to navigate.
Tips
Department Organization
- Match your org structure — Create departments that align with your organizational hierarchy
- Shared departments — Some templates (like receipts) might use a general "Administration" department
- Consistent branding — Use the same header/footer style across related departments
Template Type Strategy
- Be specific — "Building Permit Certificate" is better than just "Certificate"
- Include document purpose — Makes filtering easier
- Plan ahead — Create types for all document categories you'll need
Maintenance
- Review periodically — Remove unused departments and types
- Update headers — When contact information changes, update all affected departments
- Document conventions — Keep a record of your naming conventions for consistency