FORM Butler TEXTAREA form-field

FORM Butler can convert a merge field in a Word document into an editable multiline text area. In this example, we will prepare a larger document field, configure it as a multiline input, and adjust its dimensions to fit the available space.

Step 01: Prepare the Word Document #

1. Open the Word document you want to use with FORM Butler.
2. Add the merge field that will become editable if it is not already present in the Word document. The same merge-field syntax used with PDF Butler can be used when creating the FORM Butler document.

In this example, the document contains a Next Steps merge field.

1. Make the table cell containing the merge field large enough to accommodate multiple lines of text. Then align the merge field to the top of the cell. 
2. Finally, add spacing before the paragraph so the text does not sit directly against the top edge of the cell.

Note: If your FORM Butler Doc Config, document upload, and required DataSources are not already set up, complete the FORM Butler Document and DataSource Setup guide before continuing. 

If the configuration already exists, review the current DataSources and add any additional DataSource required for the field you are configuring. After adding a new DataSource, click Save to Server before continuing.

Step 02: Configure the Field as a TEXTAREA Form Field #

1. On the left-hand side, click Add Config Type.

1. Enter a name for the field you want to configure. Use the same name as the corresponding merge field in the Word document. Then change the configuration type from Single to Single for Form Fields.

1. In Datasource, select the data source that contains the field you want to use.
2. In DataSourceField, select the specific Salesforce field that should supply the value.
3. In MergeField, enter the merge field from your Word document that should be linked to that Salesforce field.

In this example, the Next Steps merge field is used.

Step 03: Configure the TEXTAREA Form Field Settings #

You can now use the Form Field Data options to configure the field as a multiline text area.

1. Leave Lock when data unchecked if users should be able to edit the value after the document is generated.
2. Set the Control type to Multiline Input. Use this option for longer text that may span multiple lines, such as notes, comments, or next steps.

1. Choose the preferred measurement unit for the form field dimensions.
2. Set the width and height of the form field. For a TEXTAREA field, increase the height so the editable area fills most of the available space in the table cell. Adjust the height as needed until the form field fits the document layout.

1. Leave Validation Type unchanged when the field does not require special validation. Then click OK.

Step 04: Save and Test the TEXTAREA Form Field #

1. Click Save to Server. Confirm that the configuration validates successfully.
2. Generate a preview document to verify that the form field appears correctly and fills the intended area of the document.
3. Enter or edit multiple lines of text to confirm that the TEXTAREA field works as intended.