2020.2

Designing a template without sample data
Strictly speaking, you don't need sample data to design a template; the only thing you really
need in order to add variable data fields to a template is a Data Model.
You can open a Data Model without data by importing a Data Model file, a JSON file or a
Connect template file from within the Data Model pane, using the top-right icon: . The file's
data model structure will be displayed in the Data Model pane, but the data is not included.
You can also add fields and tables and set default values for fields in the Data Model pane; see
"Changing the Data Model" on page1043. This way you could even build a Data Model in the
Designer from scratch.
However, without sample data you won't be able to preview the template with actual data in the
Designer.
Tip
It isn't possible to enter values directly in the Data Model pane, but there is a workaround:
click the JSON Sample Data toolbar button on the Data Model pane. You will see a
JSON string that represents a single record based on the current Data Model, with
dummy values (like empty strings and zeros). Edit that JSON string and click OK to insert
the data in the Data Model.
Note
Generally, the best way to access data is by creating a data mapping configuration. With
a data mapping configuration you can, among other things:
l Use Workflow to automate the extraction of data from this kind of data file.
l Load transactional or structured data. If there are detail lines, transactions, or any
variable number of items to put into the template, you need a data mapping
configuration to extract them.
l Format, transform, conditionally include/exclude and enhance data from the source
file.
l Use other field types. When loaded from a file or database, all fields contain strings.
l Use the same data file with different templates, or use different kinds of data files
with the same template.
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