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How to add editable/custom fields to print templates

An overview of how to use the PDF Editor and add editable fields to a PDF template

Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke
Updated this week

Use editable fields in Katana’s PDF Editor to allow text entry after the PDF has been generated. This is useful for adding last-minute or handwritten-style info — like a truck number, delivery note, or signature — to a printed document.


Why use editable fields?

Editable fields let you:

  • Add custom info after printing (e.g. name, signature, truck number)

  • Make certain fields fillable in a digital PDF viewer (like Adobe Reader)

  • Keep your template clean while enabling real-world flexibility


How to add editable fields in a template

Screenshot of the PDF editor

Here’s how to create an editable field in a PDF print template using Katana’s PDF Editor:

1. Open the PDF editor

  • Navigate to Settings → Print templates

  • Click on a (non-default) template's 3-dot menu and choose Edit or create a new template to open the PDF Editor

    Screenshot showing how to begin editing a custom print template

2. Add or select a field

Screenshot showing how to add a field in a custom print template
  • You can create a new text field using the Component Toolbar, or

  • Click on an existing field (if you want to make it editable)

3. Enable editing

Screenshot showing where to enable 'Render as an editable Field' for custom print templates
  • Double-click on the field you want to edit

  • In the right-hand Properties panel, go to the ADVANCED tab

  • Toggle the option: Render as an editable field

  • Press Apply when you're done

4. Save your template

Screenshot showing the save icon for custom print templates
  • Hit Save in the top-left

  • When the document is generated, that field will now be fillable in the final PDF

Example:

Example of a custom-made printout

Tip

Editable fields work best for short, user-input text like:

  • Signatures

  • Truck or delivery numbers

  • Manual approval initials

  • Additional notes

They are not intended for pulling real-time data from Katana — use regular data fields for that.


Your feedback is invaluable. Let us know your thoughts on this article or anything in Katana you'd like to see improved: support@katanamrp.com

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