---
title: "Loading XML/JSON data from an input parameter"
slug: "loading-xml-json-data-from-an-input-parameter"
tags: ["xml_json", "task"]
updated: 2026-11-13T08:14:18Z
published: 2026-11-13T08:14:18Z
canonical: "help.dox42.com/loading-xml-json-data-from-an-input-parameter"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.dox42.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Loading XML/JSON data from an input parameter

If you want to work with XML/JSON data but the data source is not available as a file or URL, there is another option besides loading XML/JSON data from a file or URL. dox42 can also receive XML/JSON via an input parameter, e.g., request body, and parse its content.

In dox42, input parameters influence how the data is to be structured when returned.

## **Principles of input parameters**

- An input parameter mostly refers to a specific data source and is set up within the data map in the Data Map Designer.
- A data map can contain several input parameters, relating to either a single data source or several.
- The value of an input parameter can be provided by another data field, free text, or a JSON request body, depending on the data source.
- An input parameter’s syntax varies depending on the data source.

## Prerequisites

- [You have created a document template](/help/docs/creating-a-document-template).
- [You have created a data map](/help/docs/creating-a-standard-data-map).

## Steps

1. In Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint, open your document template.
2. Next, go to the **dox42** ribbon and select **Data Map**.

![Toolbar displaying various functions like Generate, Data Map, and Refresh Template options.](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/connecting-the-dox42-d365-ce-crm-data-source-to-microsoft-dynamics-crm-or-d365-ce-image-yhjte275.png)

**dox42** ribbon

The **Data Map Designer** window opens and previously added data sources appear.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/XML_JSON_data_map_clear.png)

Data map with no data sources
3. Select **Input Parameter**.
4. In the **Input Parameter name** text field enter a name for the parameter, for example `RequestBody`*.*
5. From the **Input type** dropdown select **Text.**
6. In the text box enter your XML/JSON data which you obtained from another source.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/XML_JSON_RequestBody_input_parameter.png)

Input parameter with JSON Request Body
7. Select **OK**. A data field called **RequestBody** has been created.
8. Select the **XML/JSON** data source from the **Data Sources** tab**.** The **XML/JSON** window opens.
9. In the **Data Source** tab, enter a name for the new data source in the **Name** field.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Names should follow your internal guidelines consistently to help template users understand and navigate your templates easily.
10. Select **GET** from the **URL/XML/JSON** dropdown.
11. Select the **Insert Data Field** button. The **dox42 Data Fields** explorer opens.
12. Select the previously added **RequestBody** data field from the list and select **OK**. The XML/JSON data source now uses the input parameter’s request body.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/XML_JSON_insert_data_field.png)

XML/JSON data loaded as data field from an input parameter

## Result

You have loaded XML/JSON data from an input parameter.

## Next step

- Structure your XML/JSON data according to step 7 and the following in the article [Importing and structuring flat XML/JSON data](/help/docs/adding-an-xml-json-data-source-to-your-data-map).