---
title: "Creating a data map"
slug: "creating-a-data-map"
tags: ["task", "AddIn V5.0.4.2"]
updated: 2025-07-01T09:15:40Z
published: 2025-07-02T07:05:08Z
canonical: "help.dox42.com/creating-a-data-map"
---

> ## 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.

# Creating a data map

Create a data map to link data from different data sources to your document template. The data map also contains configurations like [input parameters](/v1/docs/configuring-input-parameters-for-a-document-template), [conditions](/v1/docs/adding-conditions-to-a-text-via-automate-range) or [dynamic columns](/v1/docs/creating-a-dynamic-table).

> [!TIP]
> 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

- You have [created a document template](/v1/docs/creating-a-document-template).
- Save your document template locally on your computer before adding a data map to it.

## 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.](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/setting-up-the-d365-fscm-data-sources-image-6me2xixz.png)

**dox42** ribbon

The **Data Map Designer** window opens.

![Data Map Designer interface showing various data source options for integration.](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/Bildschirmfoto%202025-04-07%20um%2010.44.58.png)

Data Map Designer
2. Go to **File > Save As.**
3. Enter a file name and select **Save**.

> [!TIP]
> 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](/v1/docs/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.](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/Bildschirmfoto 2025-06-25 um 11.08.12.png)

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.](https://cdn.document360.io/3acc69da-1de2-431d-95a6-08ae83717b4a/Images/Documentation/Bildschirmfoto 2025-06-25 um 11.01.31.png)

**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

- When working with SharePoint, D365 FSCM, MODUS M365 dox42 Document Automation or D365 CE | Dataverse environments: [Create the connection Excel file](/v1/docs/creating-the-connection-excel-file)
- [Adding a data source to your data map](/v1/docs/adding-a-data-source-to-your-data-map)