TypeFlow Import Methods for Softr

Support documentation for the different methods to integrate TypeFlow with Softr.

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Overview

TypeFlow offers 4 methods to generate PDF documents from Softr:

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1. Database Formula (Recommended for beginners)

Description

Adds a formula field in the Softr database that generates a clickable URL for each record.

Advantages

• ✅ Works with all Softr plans (including free)

• ✅ 2-minute setup

• ✅ No external tools needed

Setup

Step 1: Copy the formula

"https://premium.typeflow.us/api/generate-doc-softr?record_id="&RECORD_ID()&"&table_id=[TABLE_ID]&flow_id=[FLOW_ID]"

> Note: [TABLE_ID] and [FLOW_ID] values are automatically filled in the TypeFlow interface.

Step 2: Create the field in Softr

1. Open Softr Studio → Database

2. Select the relevant table

3. Add a new field of type "Formula"

4. Paste the formula

5. Name the field (e.g., "Generate PDF")

6. Save

Step 3: Usage

• Click the generated URL to create the PDF

• The PDF opens in a new tab

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2. Interface Button

Description

Adds a button on a Softr page that opens the PDF generation URL. Combines the Formula method with a visual button.

Advantages

• ✅ More professional user interface

• ✅ Works with all Softr plans

• ✅ Customizable button (text, color)

Setup

Part A: Create the Formula field (same procedure as method 1)

Part B: Add the button to the page

1. Open Softr Studio → Pages

2. Edit the page where you want to display the button

3. Add a "Button" component or use an "Action Button" in a List/Table block

4. Configure the button:

• Action: "Open URL"

• URL: Select the formula field you created (e.g., "Generate PDF")

5. Customize the button text (e.g., "Download PDF")

6. Publish

Use cases

• Record detail pages

• Client portals

• Dashboards with actions

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3. Softr Workflow

Description

Uses Softr's native workflows to automatically trigger PDF generation on events (record creation, button click, etc.).

Requirements

⚠️ Requires a paid Softr plan (Business or higher)

Advantages

• ✅ 100% automatic generation

• ✅ No manual intervention required

• ✅ Triggered by events (creation, update, etc.)

Setup

Step 1: Copy the API URL

https://premium.typeflow.us/api/generate-doc-softr?record_id=[Record ID]&table_id=[TABLE_ID]&flow_id=[FLOW_ID]

Step 2: Create the workflow

1. Open Softr Studio → Workflows

2. Create a new workflow

3. Configure the trigger:

• "When record is created"

• "When record is updated"

• "When button is clicked"

• Or other event as needed

Step 3: Add the HTTP action

1. Add a "Make HTTP Request" or "Call API" action

2. Configure:

   • Method: GET

   • URL: Paste the API URL

   • Replace [Record ID] with the dynamic record ID variable from the trigger

Step 4: Test and activate

1. Test the workflow with a record

2. Verify the PDF is generated

3. Activate the workflow

Trigger examples

• Automatic generation when an invoice is created

• Confirmation PDF after form submission

• Certificate generated after course completion

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4. Make & Zapier

Description

Uses external automation platforms (Make/Integromat or Zapier) to create more complex workflows with TypeFlow.

Advantages

• ✅ Complex multi-step workflows

• ✅ Integration with 1000+ apps

• ✅ Advanced conditional logic

• ✅ PDF post-processing capabilities

Setup with Make

Step 1: Create the scenario

1. Open Make.com

2. Create a new scenario

3. Add a Softr module as trigger (or webhook)

Step 2: Add the HTTP module

1. Add an "HTTP" → "Make a request" module

2. Configure:

• URL: https://premium.typeflow.us/api/generate-doc-softr?record_id=[Record ID]&table_id=[TABLE_ID]&flow_id=[FLOW_ID]

• Method: GET

• Map the Record ID from the Softr trigger

Step 3: Additional actions (optional)

• Send the PDF by email

• Save to Google Drive

• Update the Softr record with the PDF link

• Notify via Slack

### Setup with Zapier

Step 1: Create the Zap

1. Open Zapier.com

2. Create a new Zap

3. Select Softr as trigger

Step 2: Add the Webhook action

1. Add a "Webhooks by Zapier" action

2. Choose "GET"

3. Configure the URL with dynamic parameters

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Method Comparison

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API Endpoints

Google Docs (default)

https://premium.typeflow.us/api/generate-doc-softr

Generates a PDF from a Google Docs template.

HTML Builder

https://premium.typeflow.us/api/generate-doc-builder-softr

Generates a PDF from TypeFlow's built-in HTML builder.

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URL Parameters

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Troubleshooting

PDF doesn't generate

1. Verify the flow is properly configured and active in TypeFlow

2. Check that the IDs (table_id, flow_id) are correct

3. Test the URL directly in the browser

"Record not found" error

• Verify the record_id is correct

• Ensure the record exists in the table

Authentication error

• Check the Softr connection in TypeFlow

• Reconnect the account if necessary

Softr workflow doesn't trigger

• Verify the workflow is activated

• Confirm the trigger conditions are met

• Check the workflow logs in Softr

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Resources

• Softr Studio

• Softr Workflows Documentation

• Make - Softr Integration

• Zapier - Softr Integration