Skip to main content

Step 1: Create Your First Automation

Time to complete: ~2 minutes
What you'll do: Create a new automation and select your template
What you'll need: A Google account and a Google Doc template (or create one)

The first step is to create a new automation in Gdocify. This is where you'll configure everything for your document generation.

Starting from the Dashboard​

  1. Log in to app.gdocify.com
  2. You'll see your dashboard with a list of automations (empty if this is your first time)
  3. Click the "Start New Document" or "Create Automation" button
UI Navigation

Where to find it: The dashboard is the first screen you see after logging in. Look for a prominent button at the top or center of the page labeled "Start New Document" or "Create Automation".

Selecting Your Template​

You have two options:

Option 1: Use an Existing Google Doc​

  • Click "Select from Google Drive"
  • Use the Google Drive Picker to find and select your template
  • The document will open in the editor

Option 2: Create a New Template​

  • Click "Create New Template"
  • A new Google Doc will be created
  • You can start adding placeholders right away

Understanding the Editor Interface​

Once your template is selected, you'll see the Gdocify editor:

  • Left side: Your Google Doc template (embedded)
  • Right side: Configuration panels (floating buttons)
  • Top: Settings and navigation options

The editor is a full-screen Google Docs interface where you can:

  • Edit your template directly
  • Add placeholders
  • Format text and images
  • See real-time changes
Screenshot Placeholder

Screenshot needed: The Gdocify editor interface showing:

  • Google Doc template on the left
  • Floating action buttons on the right (Datasource Config, Mapping Config, Result Config, etc.)
  • Top navigation bar

Expected Result​

After completing this step, you should see:

  • ✅ A new automation created in your dashboard
  • ✅ The Gdocify editor open with your template
  • ✅ Your Google Doc template visible in the editor
  • ✅ Configuration panels available on the right side
Screenshot Placeholder

Screenshot needed: Dashboard showing the "Start New Document" button and the editor interface with template loaded.

What Happens Next?​

After selecting your template, Gdocify automatically:

  • Creates a new automation
  • Scans your document for placeholders
  • Sets up the basic configuration

You're now ready to connect your data source! Continue to Step 2: Connect Your Data Source.

Quick Troubleshooting​

"Can't find the button"

  • Make sure you're logged in
  • Check that you're on the dashboard page
  • Refresh the page if needed

"Template not loading"

  • Verify the Google Doc is accessible
  • Check that you have permission to view the document
  • Try selecting a different document

Tips​

  • Name your automation clearly: Use descriptive names like "Resume Generation" or "Invoice Automation"
  • Start simple: Begin with a basic template, you can always add complexity later
  • Test as you go: Don't wait until everything is perfect - test early and often