---
template: "page.peb"
title: "Batch document generation"
displayName: "Batch Document Generation"
description: "Use a published Document Builder template to create PDF documents for Salesforce records. Configure a Batch Definition, preview the settings, and review the Batch Run."
category: "support"
contentType: "guide"
audience: "admin"
tags: "support,salesforce,document-builder,batch-definitions,batch-runs,document-generation,pdf,experience-templates"
section: "support"
seoTitle: "Batch Document Generation in Salesforce | iDialogue Support"
seoDescription: "Create PDF documents from a published Document Builder template. Set up a Batch Definition, test a small batch, and review the documents on the Batch Run."
seoImage: "https://www.idialogue.app/assets/img/support/batch-document-generation/batch-document-generation-04-template-selection.png"
---

Use a published Document Builder template to create PDF documents for a group of Salesforce records. Each document uses data from its source record.

A **Batch Definition** stores the template, record selection, and output settings. A **Batch Run** records one execution of that definition. This procedure attaches the generated documents to the Batch Run.

## Before you start

- Confirm that iDialogue is installed and connected. See [Install and configure iDialogue](/start/index.html).
- Confirm that you can create Batch Definitions and read the source records.
- Identify the Salesforce object for the documents, such as **Account** or **Opportunity**.

## 1. Open iDialogue Content

1. In Salesforce, open the **App Launcher**.
2. Select **iDialogue Content**.

![Salesforce App Launcher with iDialogue Content selected](/assets/img/support/batch-document-generation/batch-document-generation-01-content-app.png)

## 2. Create and publish the template

1. Open the **Document Builder** tab.
2. Create a new template for the source object. Configure its content and record data.
3. Select **Publish Template**.

Use a **Data Merge Template** for documents that contain Salesforce record data. Keep the template active. The published template must use the same source object as the batch.

![Document Builder with the template editor, Publish Template button, and Published stage](/assets/img/support/batch-document-generation/batch-document-generation-02-publish-template.png)

*The required action is Publish Template. Template export is not necessary for this procedure.*

## 3. Create the Batch Definition

1. In **iDialogue Content**, open the **Batch Definitions** tab.
2. Select **New**.
3. Enter a descriptive name, such as **Account Batch Letter Creation**.
4. Complete the required fields.
5. Select **Save**.
6. Open the **AI Assistant** tab on the new record.
7. If the **Create Default AI Agent** button appears, select it.
8. Ask the **Batch Definition Agent** to configure the batch.

Use the prompt below. Replace the text in brackets with your values.

```text
Help me configure this Batch Definition for document generation.
Use the published template [template name].
Use records from [object API name] that meet these conditions: [record selection criteria].
Set Query Limit to 5 for the first test.
Set Batch Size to 1.
Attach the PDF documents to the Batch Run results.
Show me the settings for approval before you save them.
```

9. Review the proposed settings.
10. Give the assistant any missing information.
11. When the settings are correct, select **Approve configuration** in the assistant.

![AI Assistant tab with the Batch Definition Agent and a review of the batch settings](/assets/img/support/batch-document-generation/batch-document-generation-03-ai-assistant.png)

*The screenshot shows an example with a Query Limit of 20.*

## 4. Check the settings and select the template

1. Open the **Details** tab.
2. Select **Edit** if changes are necessary.
3. Check the settings in this table.

| Setting | Value for the first test |
| --- | --- |
| Batch Type | **Document Generation** |
| Salesforce Object Source API Name | The object used by the template, such as **Account**. |
| Query | A query that selects the required source records. Use the assistant to configure it if necessary. |
| Query Limit | A whole number from **3 to 10**, such as **5**. |
| Batch Size | **1** |
| Attach Document to Batch Run Results | Selected. |
| Attach Document to Record | Cleared. |

**Query Limit** sets the maximum number of source records for the run. **Batch Size** sets the number of records in each processing group.

Use **Query Limit** to control the test quantity. Do not add a `LIMIT` clause to **Query**.

4. If you changed the settings, select **Save**.
5. In **Batch Definition Template Selection**, select **Experience Templates**.
6. Select the template that you published in Document Builder.
7. Select **Next** to save the template selection.
8. Review the confirmation.
9. Select **Finish**.

This selection sets the document output to **PDF**.

![Batch Definition details beside Experience Templates, the selected template, and the Next button](/assets/img/support/batch-document-generation/batch-document-generation-04-template-selection.png)

*The screenshot shows a Query Limit of 20. Use 3 to 10 for the first test.*

## 5. Preview the batch

1. Select **Preview Batch Run**.
2. On **Preview Batch Process**, check the **Errors** row.
3. If an error appears, correct the Batch Definition or template.
4. Open **Preview Batch Run** again after each correction.
5. Confirm that **Errors** shows **(None)**.
6. Check the source object, query, Query Limit, and document template title.

The preview checks the batch settings. Document generation errors can still occur during the run.

![Preview Batch Process with Errors set to None, the batch settings, and the start button](/assets/img/support/batch-document-generation/batch-document-generation-05-preview-batch.png)

*The preview must show your test Query Limit. The example above shows 20.*

## 6. Start the batch and review the documents

1. Select **Looks good. Start the batch** once.
2. Wait for the batch start message.
3. Open the **Batch Run** link in that message.
4. Refresh the Batch Run page at intervals as documents appear.
5. Open the attached PDF documents.
6. Check their content, record data, and layout.

The batch runs in the background. Document generation can take several minutes. The Batch Run page contains the document attachments.

After the test documents are correct, increase **Query Limit** to the required quantity. Preview the settings again before you start the larger batch.

## Correct common problems

| Problem | Action |
| --- | --- |
| The template does not appear. | Confirm that it is an active, published Data Merge Template. Check that its source object matches the batch. |
| The template selection is not saved. | Select the template under **Experience Templates**. Select **Next**. |
| The preview reports a Query Limit error. | Enter a positive whole number in **Query Limit**. Remove any `LIMIT` clause from **Query**. |
| The preview reports a document destination error. | Select **Attach Document to Batch Run Results**. Clear **Attach Document to Record**. |
| The query returns no records. | Check the source object and record selection criteria with the assistant. |
| Documents are missing after the run. | Refresh the Batch Run page. Check **iDialogue Events** for errors if documents remain missing. |

If the problem continues, [submit a support request](/support/request/index.html). Include the Batch Run ID and the error message.