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Creating Templates with PDF Monkey

Apr 7, 2025

PDF Monkey Template Creation Lecture

Introduction

  • Presenter: Simon from PDF Monkey
  • Focus: Creating a template using PDF Monkey

Starting with Templates

  • Upon first connection, users see an empty templates list.
  • Two types of templates available:
    • Code Template: Offers advanced features like conditionals, loops, and data transformation.
    • Visual Template: Suitable for simple cases like certificates or documents with background text overlay.
  • Master Templates: Default templates provided for customization or inspiration.

Creating a Template from Scratch

  • Choose a blank Master template.
  • Give the template a name and create it.
  • Editor Overview:
    • Left Panel: Editor panel
    • Right Panel: Preview panel (displays actual PDF, not a web preview).

Editor Panel Details

  • Settings Tab:
    • Change template name, retention policy, orientation, layout, and margins.
  • HTML Tab: Main area for creating the structure of the template.
  • CSS Tab: Use for styling.
  • Test Data Tab: For testing dynamic content.

Building a Simple Template

  • Start with a basic "Hello" message.
  • Add dynamic content:
    • Use test data to display names (e.g., "Jane").

Advanced Template Features

  • Dynamic Card Template:
    • Display a card with user choice-dependent images and backgrounds.
    • Gather data: name, age, preferences (e.g., unicorns, dinosaurs).
  • Conditional Statements:
    • Use if statements to change images based on preferences.
    • Assign variables for image sources.

Managing Image Sources

  • Store images in accessible public spaces (e.g., F3 or R2).
  • Define a variable for the image path for reusability.

Styling with Tailwind CSS

  • Import Tailwind CSS for styling templates.
  • Use CSS for:
    • Structuring cards with borders, backgrounds, and layout.
    • Displaying user info (name, age, preferences).

Enhancing Template Appearance

  • Use flexbox for layout control.
  • Assign background and border variables based on user choice.
  • Import web fonts for custom styling (e.g., handwritten fonts).

Conclusion

  • Tutorial focused on basics of creating and styling templates.
  • Future topics: deeper insights into conditionals, looping, and advanced features.
  • Encouragement to like and subscribe for more content.

This guide summarizes the key points of the lecture on creating templates in PDF Monkey, offering a clear pathway from basic template creation to more advanced styling and customization techniques.

Full transcript