Choose Built-In HTML or Custom HTML for QCDS Email Templates

Plain-text source, built-in styled HTML, Custom HTML mode, sanitization/safety, and current rule that Custom HTML is available on all plans.

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

  • Verify Joomla itself can send mail before troubleshooting QCDS message templates.
  • Keep supported template tokens intact; QCDS protects/restores tokens during rendering and translation.
  • Remember that QCDS maintains one authoritative creator-authored source rather than asking you to maintain a separate editable copy for every language.

Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Open QCDS > Email Templates or the owning language setting.
  2. Review the current source language, template mode, tokens, and participant-language fallback.
  3. Make the intended change without altering token syntax.
  4. Preview and/or Send Test as appropriate.
  5. Verify a real test recipient receives the intended language, format, sender identity, and rendered values.

Plain-text source

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 Choose Built-In HTML or Custom HTML for QCDS Email Templates, 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.

Built-in styled HTML

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 Choose Built-In HTML or Custom HTML for QCDS Email Templates, 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.

Custom HTML mode

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.

Sanitization/safety

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 current rule that Custom HTML is available on all plans

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

QCDS resolves participant language at use time and can translate frozen creator-authored communication when needed. Historical deliveries keep their original evidence while later reminders or signer-page loads can use a Contact’s newly selected Preferred Language.

Treat translated communication as delivery-time presentation of a frozen creator source. That protects historical meaning and makes fallbacks deterministic if a translation provider cannot safely translate one message.

Verify the Result

  • A real test message leaves Joomla and arrives at the intended mailbox with the correct sender identity and format.
  • The Template validates and a new test Request renders the expected field/content behavior without changing older Requests.
  • 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.
  • Troubleshooting QCDS message content before confirming Joomla itself can send mail.
  • Editing the characters inside a supported token or translating the token name.

Troubleshooting

  • If the email does not arrive, test Joomla mail, check QCDS delivery history, then distinguish authentication/connection problems from a rejected recipient address.
  • 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.

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.