Check a template with Preview, Validate and proofs

Last updated 26 October 2026.

By the end of this guide your template has a clean Validate and PDF and Word proofs, ready for approval. It is for template authors.

Docable Studio previewing a Ternbrook delivery note on order TB-DN-55821 for Ashby Garden Centres Ltd: the filled-in page with the delivery address, ordered, delivered and outstanding quantities and an Outstanding items section, and a panel with the record, the answer asked at generation and the proof checks with a Make PDF and Word proofs button. Numbered callouts: 1, The test record.; 2, The page; 3, Answers.; 4, Proofs.. They are described in the list below the image.
  1. The test record. Preview uses one record. Change it to see other values.
  2. The page with approximate values from that record. This is not the output file.
  3. Answers. The questions asked when someone generates the document, simulated here.
  4. Proofs. Three checks, then the button that makes the PDF and Word proofs.
Preview of a sales quotation with the sample record FF-Q-0284. View full size

  1. PreviewIn the editor

    Approximate values from one test record. Proves nothing about the output files.

  2. ValidateIn the editor

    Lists what is wrong with the template, one problem per block.

  3. ProofReal record

    The exact PDF and Word files for a real record, with any warnings.

  4. ApprovalA person, if used

    Optional. A person accepts one exact version. By default not its author.

    Approval does not activate

  5. ActivationA person

    Makes that version available to generate. Checks the Brand Kit, access, validation and a fresh proof.

Each check has its own name and button. None implies another.

Before you start

  • You have the Template Author role (Docable Configure and Docable Proof Author).
  • You can read a real record for the template.

Steps

  1. Choose Validate. The panel reads No problems found, or N to fix · M to check.

  2. Choose Go to it beside each problem and fix it.

    Validate on a template with a problem: 1 to fix · 0 to check, the Needs mapping item with Go to it, the chip it points to on the page, and Check again.
    Validate on a template with a problem: 1 to fix · 0 to check, the Needs mapping item with Go to it, the chip it points to on the page, and Check again.

  3. Choose Check again until the panel reads No problems found.

  4. Choose Save. Proofs use the saved draft.

  5. Choose Preview and pick a test record. Search by number, subject or account name.

  6. Under Answers, answer each question the template asks.

  7. Choose Update preview and check the page. Preview is approximate; the proofs are the real files.

  8. Under Proofs, check that Record chosen, Changes saved and No validation problems are done.

  9. Choose Make PDF and Word proofs.

    The Proofs section with every step done: Record chosen, Changes saved, No validation problems, and Make PDF and Word proofs.
    The Proofs section with every step done: Record chosen, Changes saved, No validation problems, and Make PDF and Word proofs.

  10. Choose Open the PDF proof and Open the Word proof. Check the values, the layout and every warning.

  11. If the template allows other Brand Kits when generating, choose each one under Prove with and choose Make PDF and Word proofs again. A run can choose a kit only once it is proved with the version that goes live.

Example

The ForgeFlow quotation, proved on the quote FF-Q-0284.

Step Setting
Preview record FF-Q-0284 for Harrowgate Brewing Co. Ltd
Answers Issue date 5 October 2026, Customer reference HB-CAPEX-0412, Invite acceptance ticked, Include charts ticked, Deposit rate left blank
Proof Make PDF and Word proofs makes both files. The proof lists no warnings

Check it worked

Validate reads No problems found, both proofs open, and their values match the record. Approval and activation refuse a draft that has problems.

If it doesn’t work

What you see What to do
Make PDF and Word proofs is greyed out. Read the line under it. Save, run Validate, and choose a record.
Validate lists a placeholder under Needs mapping · blocks proof. Choose Go to it and connect the field or choose the picture. Proofs, approval and activation wait until it is connected.
A proof warns that a font was replaced. The PDF replaces a font that is not a standard PDF font and not uploaded. Upload the font in Page › Fonts, or in the Brand Kit.

Next

Something unclear or wrong? Tell support. Product page: Proof and approval.