Creating a data map

  • Published on Jul 2, 2025
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Create a data map to link data from different data sources to your document template. The data map also contains configurations like input parameters, conditions or dynamic columns.

Tip

Once you have created a data map you can reuse it for related document templates that work with the same dox42 module environment with minimal effort. Just copy and paste the data map file into the other document template’s folder.

Prerequisite

Steps

  1. In Microsoft Word or Excel, go to the dox42 ribbon and select Data Map.

    Toolbar displaying various functions like Generate, Data Map, and Refresh Template options.

    dox42 ribbon

    The Data Map Designer window opens.

    Data Map Designer interface showing various data source options for integration.

    Data Map Designer

  2. Go to File > Save As.

  3. Enter a file name and select Save.

    Tip

    • We recommend you to save the data map folder in the same folder as the document template. In this way you can dynamically change the path to it. If you later need to move the folder, e.g. from Test to Live (see Best practice: Managing document templates) or to SharePoint, you can continue using the template without further adjustments.

    • We recommend you to choose a name that refers to the document template’s name so that it is always clearly visible to which document template a data map belongs to.

    A file with the ending .dm is created.

    File directory showing SalesConfirm documents with details like date modified and type.

    Newly created data map file

  4. Close the Data Map Designer.
    The Link Data Map to Document window opens.

    Options to link a data map to a document in the same directory or absolute path.

    Link Data Map to Document window.

  5. Keep the Data Map and Document in same Directory option selected and select OK.

  6. Save the document template.

Result

You have created a data map that is linked to your document template.

Next steps