DataPublisher for Word — Complete Feature Overview

Four capabilities. One Word add-in.

Build templates. Send personalized documents. Collect structured data back. Close with a legally binding signature. Every step of the document lifecycle — without leaving Word.

Generate
Distribute
Collect
Sign

Templates

A DataPublisher template is a standard Word document with merge tokens where the data goes. Build it once. Run it against any data source. Get a personalized document for every row.

The token syntax — simple but not simplistic

<<FieldName>>

Text tokens

Replaced with the value from the matching column in your data source. Inherits the paragraph style of the surrounding text — no reformatting required.

Example: <<PropertyAddress>>

[[filename.jpg]]

Image tokens

Pulls the named image from your uploaded library and places it at exact size. Fallback images handle missing files gracefully — no broken placeholders.

Example: [[property-photo.jpg]]

{{Function:Field}}

Logic tokens

Apply post-processing functions: format dates, calculate values, apply conditional logic, or transform text before it hits the document.

Example: {{FormatDate:ClosingDate}}

Templates run in both directions

A DataPublisher template is a document running forward — data in, personalized document out.

A DataRequest uses the same template running in reverse — the recipient fills in the data, and it comes back as a structured response tied to the original record.

One template. Two directions. The document you generate and the DataRequest you send are two sides of the same coin.

Generate
Template → Document
Collect
DataRequest → Response

The same template powers both directions — no duplicate maintenance.

Connect to any data source

CSV / Excel files

Upload directly or link to a shared drive. Supports files up to 50 MB. Background processing with real-time status — no waiting at the screen.

Google Sheets

Connect your Sheet via OAuth. DataPublisher reads live data on each run — no export, no download, no copy-paste.

Microsoft Excel 365

Pull directly from Excel workbooks stored in OneDrive or SharePoint via Microsoft Graph — stays in your M365 ecosystem.

SQL Server

Connect to MSSQL for enterprise data. Write a query, map the columns, run the merge. Works with any table or view your account can reach.

Classification Grouping — smart section headers from your data

Directories, catalogs, and reference documents need section headers that appear once per category — not repeated on every record. Classification Grouping detects the category column in your data and inserts the header automatically. "Restaurants" appears once. Not 47 times.

DataRequests

The problem isn't generating documents — it's getting data back from recipients without managing a flood of email replies, phone calls, and manual re-entry. DataRequests close that loop. Each recipient gets a unique, secure link. They fill in a form. The response comes back as structured data, archived to the original record.

Generate
Distribute
Collect
Sign

How a DataRequest works

1

Select a template

Choose any document template from the task pane. DataPublisher generates one personalized DataRequest per recipient row.

2

Distribute

Send via Microsoft Graph email or SMS. Each message contains a unique, secure link — no shared links, no login required for recipients.

3

Collect

Recipients open the link on any device. A mobile-optimized form lets them fill in fields, upload files, and submit — all in one step.

4

Archive

Responses arrive as structured data, automatically matched to the original record. Monitor completion status from the task pane dashboard.

What makes it work

Unique secure links

Every recipient gets a JWT-secured URL tied to their specific record. Links can't be shared to submit on someone else's behalf. One link, one response, one record.

Mobile-first forms

DataRequest forms work on any device, no app download required. Recipients fill in fields, upload files, and e-sign in a single session from their phone.

File attachments

Recipients can upload supporting documents — licenses, photos, contracts — directly through the DataRequest form. All files archive to the originating workspace.

Response dashboard

See completion status at a glance from the task pane. Pending, submitted, and signed — tracked by record, not by inbox. No more chasing replies.

  Full DataRequest overview

Distribution

Generating documents is only half the work. DataPublisher distributes them — one personalized document per recipient, delivered via your existing Microsoft 365 account or zero-cost SMS. No third-party email service. No per-send billing surprises.

Microsoft Graph email

Email goes out through your own Microsoft 365 account using the Graph API — so it comes from your domain, hits deliverability standards you already maintain, and stays fully within your M365 security boundary.

  • Sends from your own domain — not a shared sending pool
  • Personalized subject line and body per recipient
  • Attachments generated per record — not a mass blast
  • Open and click tracking built in
  • Full audit trail in your M365 Sent Items

SMS delivery

DataRequest links can be delivered by SMS through zero-cost carrier gateway delivery — no Twilio account, no per-message fees, no third-party SMS platform to manage. Recipients get a text with their unique link and open it on their phone.

  • Zero cost — carrier email-to-SMS gateway
  • No third-party SMS service or account required
  • Works for US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more)
  • Ideal when email is unreliable for your recipient base

Email tracking — built into the task pane

Open tracking

See who opened, when, and from what device. Track opens per record, not just aggregate campaign stats.

Click tracking

Know exactly when a recipient clicked the DataRequest link. Trigger follow-ups based on engagement, not guesswork.