Use Document Text and Document Image Fields

Add fixed creator-controlled content to a Template, upload Document Images with aspect ratio/alpha handling, and distinguish fixed document elements from signer-editable fields.

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

  • Open the current Template draft in the visual builder and confirm the PDF page you are editing is visible before placing or moving fields.
  • Decide which fields are signer-interactive, which are fixed creator content, and which values should be entered at Request time.
  • Keep assignment and required-state decisions intentional; the builder can publish reusable unassigned fields, but Send Now requires all interactive fields to resolve correctly.

Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Open the Template draft in QCDS and wait until the PDF is visibly rendered.
  2. Make the field/layout/content change described in this guide.
  3. Review assignment, Required state, links/options, and page placement.
  4. Run Validate and correct every real problem before publishing.
  5. Save/publish, then start a test Request to verify the signer and Completed PDF behavior.

Add fixed creator-controlled content to a 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 Use Document Text and Document Image Fields, 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.

Upload Document Images with aspect ratio/alpha handling

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 Use Document Text and Document Image Fields, 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 distinguish fixed document elements from signer-editable fields

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

Field choice determines both the signer experience and the evidence rendered into the final artifact. Use the current streamlined palette for new Templates; legacy registry types may remain readable for compatibility but are not the design target for new work.

Field properties should communicate a clear signer task. Required fields should be discoverable, signer-information fields should reflect the participant snapshot, and fixed creator content should not masquerade as editable signer input.

Verify the Result

  • 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

  • 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.