Start a New QCDS Request from a Published Template

Use a published Template, open Use, load the transient Request editor, and understand why unpublished or deleted Templates cannot start a normal new Request.

This guide applies to All plans; sender and follows the accepted QC Digital Signature 2.0.7 implementation. Where older walkthrough language differs from the current interface or source behavior, use the current QCDS state as the authority.

Before You Begin

  • Use a published Template and confirm the required Contacts are present before opening the Request workflow.
  • Finish unsent work in the current browser session. The streamlined flow does not present ordinary new Requests as persistent server-side drafts before Send Now.
  • Confirm Joomla mail and the current request allowance before production sending so a delivery or entitlement issue is found early.

Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Open QCDS > Templates.
  2. Find the published Template you want to use and click Use.
  3. Complete Request Details, including title, expiration, invitation subject/message, and delivery mode.
  4. Open Prepare & Send and assign every signer-interactive field.
  5. Choose routing and Identity Verification requirements as needed, click Check, resolve any problems, and use Send Now when ready.

A published Template

A Template is reusable document preparation. It stores the protected PDF source, field layout, assignments/properties, and published version used to start future Requests. Editing and publishing a later Template version does not rewrite Requests that were already sent. The Use action should be treated as the handoff from reusable preparation into one transaction-specific Request.

For Start a New QCDS Request from a Published Template, verify this behavior using the actual object involved rather than a generic assumption. A global administrator setting, a sender-workspace preference, a reusable Template, and a sent Request have different ownership and history rules. QCDS is intentionally designed so changes for future work do not silently rewrite the evidence of an already-sent transaction.

Open Use

A Template is reusable document preparation. It stores the protected PDF source, field layout, assignments/properties, and published version used to start future Requests. Editing and publishing a later Template version does not rewrite Requests that were already sent. The Use action should be treated as the handoff from reusable preparation into one transaction-specific Request.

For Start a New QCDS Request from a Published Template, verify this behavior using the actual object involved rather than a generic assumption. A global administrator setting, a sender-workspace preference, a reusable Template, and a sent Request have different ownership and history rules. QCDS is intentionally designed so changes for future work do not silently rewrite the evidence of an already-sent transaction.

Load the transient Request editor

A Template is reusable document preparation. It stores the protected PDF source, field layout, assignments/properties, and published version used to start future Requests. Editing and publishing a later Template version does not rewrite Requests that were already sent. The Use action should be treated as the handoff from reusable preparation into one transaction-specific Request.

And understand why unpublished or deleted Templates cannot start a normal

A Template is reusable document preparation. It stores the protected PDF source, field layout, assignments/properties, and published version used to start future Requests. Editing and publishing a later Template version does not rewrite Requests that were already sent. The Use action should be treated as the handoff from reusable preparation into one transaction-specific Request.

How This Fits into the QCDS Workflow

The Request editor is the boundary between reusable preparation and an immutable transaction. QCDS lets you make Request-specific choices before sending, then freezes the final participants, fields, routing, message source, and other transaction context when Send Now succeeds.

Because Send Now is the transaction boundary, review the entire transaction immediately before sending: people, assignments, routing, expiration, invitation source, verification requirement, and request allowance.

Verify the Result

  • The Template validates and a new test Request renders the expected field/content behavior without changing older Requests.
  • Request Details shows the expected lifecycle, participant, Timeline, and delivery state after the action.
  • A direct follow-up test confirms the change affects future/current workflow behavior without rewriting historical sent Request evidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Publishing before running Validate and resolving actual configuration problems.
  • Assuming a later Template edit will update a Request that was already sent.
  • Cancelling/recreating an otherwise valid Request just to repair one failed email address.
  • Leaving transient unsent work and expecting it to appear later as a persistent draft Request.

Troubleshooting

  • If the PDF preview or completed artifact fails, reproduce with a small known-good PDF and check QCDS Status/Scheduled Task health before changing field data.
  • If the Request is partly successful, preserve it and repair the failed participant/delivery step. Successful links and recorded history should remain usable.

Operational Best Practice

Test meaningful changes with controlled data before relying on them in production. Keep QCDS, Joomla mail, Scheduled Tasks, and entitlement health observable; preserve successful Requests and completed evidence; and make the smallest change that solves the actual problem. For handoff or support, record the QCDS version, relevant Request/Template reference, the exact action taken, and the visible result without including secrets.

Community Discussion

Want to compare workflows, share practical tips, or discuss how you use this QCDS feature? Visit the QC Digital Signature Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific issues, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.