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Using completed TypeForms to populate a Google Doc template


I’m trying to set up a Zap where, when someone fills out a specific Typeform, Zapier grabs the info, finds a specific Google Docs template, creates a new version, and populates the template in the correct areas.

 

I’ve got it set up so it sees the Typeform submission, and I’ve even got it so that it grabs the Doc template, and even populates the person’s name in the title of the Google Doc along with the rest of the specified title. But I can’t get it to populate the Doc itself. It used to ask me which fields I wanted to include in the Doc from Typeform (although I couldn’t really format the presentation of the answers in the Doc), but I got a message in Zapier saying “You’re using a legacy version of Google Docs, let’s get you upgraded.” From that point on it doesn’t ask me for specific fields anymore, and the generated Google Doc (with the correct title!) is always empty.

 

I read something about finding “hidden fields” or “field keys” in Typeform, but I can’t find them anywhere (there was mention of a “Test Data” page?). I think if I can find the codes for each field in the survey, I’ll be able to specify where they go in the template, but at the moment I’ve hit a wall.

 

Can anyone give me a step-by-step? Just a gentle reminder that I’m not seeing those fields as options in the Zap anymore.

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6 replies

Troy Tessalone
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Hi ​@codycomposer 

Help links about using GDocs in Zaps: https://zapier.com/apps/google-docs/integrations#help

Learn more about how to create and autopopulate a Google Docs template.

My template fields aren't appearing in Zapier or they all have generic names

This may be due to your template format. Remove any HTML formatting, and check your template field formatting.

Remove any HTML formatting

If you copy and pasted fields in your template, they may contain HTML formatting. The HTML formatting won't be visible in your Google Doc, but you will need to remove it before using your Doc in Zapier.

There are two ways to delete the HTML in your Google Docs template:

Manually enter the template field

  1. Delete the template field and the text around the template field
  2. Manually type in the template field and the text around it.

Remove formatting

  1. Highlight the template fields.
  2. In the top menu, click Format.
  3. Select Clear formatting.

If you already selected the template in your Zap, click Refresh fields at the bottom of your Google Docs step. This will reload your template and display your template fields.

Check your template field formatting

To correctly format your template fields in Google Docs:

  • Template fields must be wrapped in double curly braces.
  • Remove any spaces.
  • Remove any special characters like punctuation marks.
actionEdit icon Example

Here’s an example of a properly formatted template field: {{MyTemplateField}}.

 


Thanks Troy, lots of helpful information. The challenge I’m having is finding the template field language in the first place. Do you know where I might find that info in Typeform so that I can type them in to the Google Doc template?


JammerS
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  • Zapier Staff
  • 2288 replies
  • January 20, 2025

Hi ​@codycomposer,

 

Welcome to the Community.

 

To find the template field language in Typeform for Zapier integration, log in to your account, open your form, and navigate to the "Results" tab and "Responses" section. The column headers in the responses table represent the template field language, which must match exactly with your field names for proper integration. Let me know if you need further assistance!

 

I hope this information helps you with your concern. Let us know if you have any further questions.


Hi ​@JammerS, thanks for the help. Ok, stupid question to make sure I’m following what you’re saying. Essentially you’re saying that the column headers in the Responses section, which are essentially the text of any questions I’ve asked in the survey, are those field names I’m looking for, is that right?

If so, do I have these examples correct, based on ​@Troy Tessalone’s reply?

  1. Let’s say one of those headers says “First name”. Would I then type {{First name}} in the Google Doc template? Or do I add an underscore in between? ( {{First_name}} )
  2. If one of them is a full on question, like “What did you eat for lunch yesterday?” would I put {{What did you eat for lunch yesterday?}} in the Google Doc template?

Sorry for needing such mind-numbing detail! 😂


Troy Tessalone
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@codycomposer 

In the GDoc Template your {{PLACEHOLDER}} can be any value you want that conforms to these defined requirements.

To correctly format your template fields in Google Docs:

  • Template fields must be wrapped in double curly braces.
  • Remove any spaces.
  • Remove any special characters like punctuation marks.
actionEdit icon Example

Here’s an example of a properly formatted template field: {{My_Template_Field}}.


JammerS
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  • Zapier Staff
  • 2288 replies
  • January 23, 2025

Hi ​@codycomposer,
 
We just wanted to see how everything is going with your Zap. Did Troy's recommendation get the job done? Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance with your Zap. We're glad to address any concerns and assist you.
 
We're looking forward to your response.