Preview HTML and Send a QCDS Email Template Test

Use Preview HTML with sample token data, Send Test to the signed-in Joomla user's email, and verify mail identity/rendering before production.

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 and locate the relevant template.
  2. Use Preview HTML to render the current template with sample token values and inspect layout/branding.
  3. Save any intended changes.
  4. Choose Send Test; QCDS sends the test to the signed-in Joomla user’s email address.
  5. Confirm sender identity, subject, token substitution, format, and actual delivery through Joomla mail.

Preview HTML with sample token data

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 Preview HTML and Send a QCDS Email Template Test, 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.

Send Test to the signed-in Joomla user's email

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 Preview HTML and Send a QCDS Email Template Test, 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.

And verify mail identity/rendering before production

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

  • Following old instructions that require entering a current license key instead of using Authorized Domains.
  • Starting the one-time Max Preview merely to inspect a feature before you are ready to evaluate it.
  • 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.

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.
  • If a paid feature unexpectedly locks, inspect Authorized Domain resolution, Base/Effective tier, and the hourly Entitlement Revalidation task before changing saved configuration.

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.