Blocks DataSource

Modified on Wed, Dec 21, 2022 at 4:52 PM

Blocks DataSource for Bootstrap allows you to upload an excel file, modify the data as well as map which fields in the data source go with which blocks.

Getting Started

The first thing to do is configure your block file. The PDFLib block file should be exactly the same as any other block file and the regular Blocks upload except that you need to specify which Blocks need to be mapped. I.E. Information would be coming from the Excel Database.

Blocks Function: status

Value: mappable

Go ePower Set Up

Upload Block file to ePower. Select Product Type Blocks - DataSource.

If Blocks-DataSource does not appear in the product type list, please email Racad Tech in order to enable.

Datasource Tab

Type - For the Excel you can choose if the user must always upload a database or are they allowed to reuse a previously uploaded database.

Theme/Transition/Show Nav/ Height - All these control the look of the Data Source Wizard. Please note that this product does not work with Bootstrap Layout. All the pages are inside of the wizard.

To control the looks, you can use the css classes and IDs within the Layout CSS or Company Bootstrap Custom CSS.

Use Quantity From Uploaded List - This can be used to have the quantity of each job as part of the uploaded records. A block named Quantity is required in the PDF template. It must also be mappable.

Map blocks to Extra Option - This will allow a product extra option to be part of the upload. Add mappable extra="Option Title" or extra=ID in status of block. Make sure to have the extra option hidden in the extra option settings. This only works with the text box extra option. Also, Product Style can be mapped as an extra option. The child record needs to be named product style in the extra option.

Split Records - This will split each record into a different job so that if you upload 10 records you will have 10 jobs in your cart. (Don't forget to use Mainline in the Design Tab)

User Interface

Step 1. Upload or Select previously uploaded Excel.

Step 2. Modify any information by clicking within a cell and confirming your change by clicking on the checkmark. You can scroll through your pages.

Step 3. Map the fields on your database. You no longer need to supply your spreadsheets. Users can use their own. Any fields not mapped will be ignored.

Step 4. Preview. Select number of records to proof. If it is set to popup it will still popup, if your preview setting is the default for bootstrap then it will display on the screen.

Step 5. Confirm and Order.