![image](https://rapidapi.com/rapid-assets/api-tutorials/api_87868806-7343-4ad2-a5ce-2afe45b7a065/b5183df3-c4b5-412b-92ab-098d7a54cb30-tutorial-3-image_1.png) # PDF Generation and Email Integration Learn how to generate PDF documents from your templates and automatically send them via email using XLSX Template Engine. ## Overview This tutorial covers two powerful features of XLSX Template Engine: 1. Converting Excel templates directly to PDF files 2. Sending generated documents as email attachments These capabilities allow you to create complete document automation workflows, from template to delivery. ## Prerequisites - Familiarity with XLSX Template Engine basics - RapidAPI account with XLSX Template Engine subscription - Understanding of SMTP email configuration ## Part 1: Generating PDF Documents While XLSX Template Engine is named for Excel, you can output your documents in PDF format with a simple parameter change. ### Basic PDF Generation To generate a PDF instead of an XLSX file, simply change the `downloadFiletype` parameter: ```javascript const options = { method: 'POST', url: 'https://xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com/generate', headers: { 'content-type': 'application/json', 'X-RapidAPI-Key': 'YOUR_RAPIDAPI_KEY', 'X-RapidAPI-Host': 'xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com' }, data: { templateFileBase64: "UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQBBN4LPbgEA...", // Your template jsonData: { // Your data }, downloadFilename: "document", downloadFiletype: "pdf" // Changed from "xlsx" to "pdf" }, responseType: 'arraybuffer' }; ``` ### Font Replacement for PDF Generation When converting to PDF, certain fonts might not be available on the server. You can specify font replacements to ensure consistent rendering: ```javascript const options = { // ... other options as before data: { // ... other data as before downloadFiletype: "pdf", replaceFonts: "Noto Sans CJK JP" // Replace all fonts with this one } }; ``` For more specific replacements: ```javascript const options = { // ... other options as before data: { // ... other data as before downloadFiletype: "pdf", replaceFonts: { "Yu Gothic": "Noto Sans CJK JP", "Arial": "Liberation Sans" } } }; ``` ### PDF Page Setup Your Excel template's page setup settings (margins, orientation, paper size) will be respected when converting to PDF. To control PDF appearance: 1. In Excel, go to Page Layout > Page Setup 2. Set your preferred margins, orientation, paper size, etc. 3. Save the template 4. When generating the PDF, these settings will be applied ## Part 2: Email Integration XLSX Template Engine includes powerful email capabilities, allowing you to generate documents and send them in a single API call. ### Setting Up Email Configuration First, you need to configure your email settings: #### Option 1: Store Mail Configuration in the Cloud ```javascript // Store your mail configuration const mailConfigOptions = { method: 'POST', url: 'https://xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com/mail/config', headers: { 'content-type': 'application/json', 'X-RapidAPI-Key': 'YOUR_RAPIDAPI_KEY', 'X-RapidAPI-Host': 'xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com' }, data: { host: 'smtp.example.com', port: 587, secure: true, auth: { user: 'your_email@example.com', pass: 'your_password' } } }; axios.request(mailConfigOptions) .then(response => { console.log('Mail config stored with ID:', response.data.mailConfigId); // Save this ID for future use }) .catch(error => console.error(error)); ``` #### Option 2: Provide Mail Configuration Inline You can also provide your mail configuration directly in the send mail request: ```javascript const mailConfigInline = { host: 'smtp.example.com', port: 587, secure: true, auth: { user: 'your_email@example.com', pass: 'your_password' } }; ``` ### Sending Email with Attachments Now you can send emails with generated document attachments: ```javascript const options = { method: 'POST', url: 'https://xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com/mail/send', headers: { 'content-type': 'application/json', 'X-RapidAPI-Key': 'YOUR_RAPIDAPI_KEY', 'X-RapidAPI-Host': 'xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com' }, data: { // Option 1: Reference stored mail config by ID mailConfigId: 'YOUR_MAIL_CONFIG_ID', // Option 2: Or provide inline config // mailConfig: mailConfigInline, mail: { from: 'Your Company <info@yourcompany.com>', to: 'customer@example.com', subject: 'Your Invoice', text: 'Please find your invoice attached.', html: '

Please find your invoice attached.

' }, attachments: [ { // Option A: Reference cloud-stored template templateFilename: 'invoice_template.xlsx', jsonData: { // Your data to populate the template } } // Option B: Or provide base64 template // { // templateFileBase64: "UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQBBN4LPbgEA...", // jsonData: { /* Your data */ }, // downloadFilename: "invoice.pdf" // Name of the attachment // } ] } }; axios.request(options) .then(response => { console.log('Email sent successfully:', response.data); }) .catch(error => console.error(error)); ``` ### Sending Multiple Attachments You can include multiple attachments in a single email: ```javascript const options = { // ... other options as before data: { // ... mail config and content as before attachments: [ { templateFilename: 'invoice_template.xlsx', jsonData: { // Invoice data }, downloadFilename: "invoice.pdf" }, { templateFilename: 'receipt_template.xlsx', jsonData: { // Receipt data }, downloadFilename: "receipt.pdf" } ] } }; ``` ## Practical Example: Automated Invoice Workflow Let's create a complete workflow that: 1. Generates an invoice as PDF 2. Sends it to the customer 3. Sends a copy to your accounting department ```javascript const axios = require('axios'); const sendInvoice = async (invoiceData) => { try { const options = { method: 'POST', url: 'https://xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com/mail/send', headers: { 'content-type': 'application/json', 'X-RapidAPI-Key': 'YOUR_RAPIDAPI_KEY', 'X-RapidAPI-Host': 'xlsx-template.p.rapidapi.com' }, data: { mailConfig: { host: 'smtp.example.com', port: 587, secure: true, auth: { user: 'invoicing@yourcompany.com', pass: 'your_password' } }, mail: { from: 'Your Company Invoicing <invoicing@yourcompany.com>', to: invoiceData.customer.email, cc: 'accounting@yourcompany.com', bcc: 'invoice-archive@yourcompany.com', subject: `Invoice #${invoiceData.invoice.number}`, html: `

Dear ${invoiceData.customer.name},

Please find attached your invoice #${invoiceData.invoice.number} for ${invoiceData.invoice.amount}.

Payment is due by ${invoiceData.invoice.dueDate}.

Thank you for your business!

Regards,
Your Company Team

` }, attachments: [ { templateFilename: 'invoice_template.xlsx', jsonData: invoiceData, downloadFilename: `Invoice-${invoiceData.invoice.number}.pdf` } ] } }; const response = await axios.request(options); console.log(`Invoice #${invoiceData.invoice.number} sent successfully to ${invoiceData.customer.email}`); return response.data; } catch (error) { console.error('Error sending invoice:', error); throw error; } }; // Example usage const invoiceData = { invoice: { number: "INV-2025-042", date: "2025-04-07", dueDate: "2025-04-21", amount: "$1,250.00", items: [ { description: "Consulting Services", quantity: 5, price: 150, total: 750 }, { description: "Software License", quantity: 1, price: 500, total: 500 } ], subtotal: 1250, tax: 0, total: 1250 }, customer: { name: "John Smith", company: "Acme Inc.", email: "john.smith@example.com", address: "123 Business St, New York, NY 10001" } }; sendInvoice(invoiceData) .then(result => console.log('Workflow completed')) .catch(err => console.error('Workflow failed:', err)); ``` ## Best Practices for PDF Generation and Email 1. **PDF Optimization**: - Design your template with PDF in mind (consider page breaks, headers/footers) - Test PDF output with various data sizes to ensure proper pagination - Use `#pagebreak` directive to control page breaks in large documents 2. **Email Content**: - Use both HTML and plain text versions for better compatibility - Keep email content brief and direct the recipient to the attachments - Include relevant information in the email body (invoice number, total, due date) 3. **Security and Privacy**: - Never store sensitive mail credentials in client-side code - Consider using BCC for internal copies to protect recipient privacy - Follow applicable data protection regulations for your region 4. **Error Handling**: - Implement proper error handling for both document generation and email sending - Set up notification systems for failed document deliveries - Consider retry mechanisms for transient email failures ## Conclusion With XLSX Template Engine's PDF generation and email integration capabilities, you can create end-to-end document automation workflows. This can save significant time in business processes while ensuring consistent, professional document delivery. ## Next Steps - Set up scheduled document generation and delivery using your own backend services - Create template variants for different document types (quotes, invoices, reports) - Implement tracking systems to monitor document delivery and interaction