DataPublisher for Word · May 2026
The Samples Tab is the fastest on-ramp for new users and a useful reference for experienced ones. It's a library of pre-built, ready-to-run projects that demonstrate what DataPublisher for Word can do — with real data and real output, in under 5 minutes.
Document automation involves three things working together: data, template, and configuration. For a first-time user, setting up all three from scratch takes time. The Samples Tab gives you working examples of all three, pre-assembled, that you can run immediately to see real results — then use as a model for your own work.
The Business Directory sample, for example, takes 400 business listings and generates a formatted multi-column directory. Running it takes about 30 seconds and shows you exactly how Flow Columns layout works at scale. No CSV to upload, no template to design — just click and watch.
Every sample in the library is a complete project package:
When you click Use This Sample, all three are copied to your account at once.
The sample cards are filterable by category:
All — shows every sample in the library
Quick Start — the fastest samples to run, chosen specifically for new users. Minimal complexity, maximum clarity.
Industry — vertical-specific documents: real estate listings, school reports, construction proposals, product catalogs, and more. If you work in one of these industries, start here.
Master-Detail — samples that demonstrate the relationship between a master record and multiple related detail records. An invoice with line items is the classic example. These show how {#FOREACH} loops work in practice.
Advanced — templates that use the full feature set: conditional blocks, image insertion, dynamic formatting, chained post-processing functions. Good reference material once you're comfortable with the basics.
Browse the sample cards. Each card shows the sample name, category, and a one-line description.
Click a card to open the Preview modal. The modal shows a full description of what the sample produces, what fields the template uses, and what the output looks like.
Click Use This Sample inside the preview modal (or directly on the card). The data file, template, and configuration are all copied to your account.
Switch to Actions → Merge. Your data file and template are already selected — the merge is pre-configured.
Click Run Action. The progress bar runs; your document fills with generated content. For a 400-record directory, this takes about 30 seconds.
Once you've copied one or more samples, a My Samples panel appears at the top of the Samples Tab. It lists your copied samples for quick re-access — you can re-run them, use them as a starting point for your own customization, or simply refer to them as examples.
Copied samples are regular data files and templates in your account. You can edit them, rename them, and run them with your own data just like any other project.
Day 1 — Run three samples:
1. A Quick Start sample to see one-per-page merging
2. A Quick Start sample to see Flow Columns layout
3. A Master-Detail sample to see how loops work
Day 2 — Customize a sample:
1. Open a sample template in Word (Data → Files → Load)
2. Look at how placeholders are placed and styled
3. Edit the template to match your own layout needs
4. Swap in your own CSV (same column names to start)
5. Run it — your data, your layout
Day 3 — Build from scratch:
1. Upload your own CSV (Data → Files)
2. Use Data → Builder to insert placeholders
3. Set up your own merge action
The User Guides sub-tab is the second sub-tab inside Samples (right next to the sample library). It is a built-in reference library for the entire product — organized by tab and purpose, and readable without leaving Word.
The guides are grouped into four sections:
| Section | Guides Available |
|---|---|
| Overview | Documentation Index — full guide list and reading paths |
| Home Tab | Tour · Quick Reference |
| Data Tab | 5-Minute Start · Quick Reference · Full Guide · Visual Guide |
| Actions Tab | 5-Minute Start · Quick Reference · Full Guide · Visual Guide |
| Samples Tab | Tour (this document) · Quick Reference |
Every guide opens as a floating popup window directly inside Word. Click any card to open it; click the × button or press Escape to close.
The Samples library (first sub-tab) gives you working examples you can run immediately. It answers the question: "Show me what the output looks like."
The User Guides (second sub-tab) explain how each feature works in detail. They answer the question: "How do I set this up myself?"
For new users, the recommended sequence is: run a sample first → read the relevant guide second. The sample gives you the mental model; the guide fills in the mechanics.
Each tab in the product has two guide types: