Bubble

How to create a workflow to generate PDFs in Bubble.io?

Learn how to generate PDFs in Bubble.io by integrating third-party tools like PDFMonkey. Follow this step-by-step guide to set up your app, design templates, and automate workflows.

Developer profile skeleton
a developer thinking

Overview

Creating a workflow to generate PDFs in Bubble.io involves integrating third-party tools, as Bubble lacks a built-in PDF feature. Popular solutions include PDFMonkey and PDF API. Start by setting up your Bubble app, designing the PDF template, and installing a suitable PDF plugin. Next, configure the necessary API, add a workflow trigger, and define the dynamic content for your PDF. Test the workflow thoroughly, save the generated PDFs, and deploy the changes. Enhance user experience with notifications and keep APIs updated.
Get a Free No-Code Consultation
Meet with Will, CEO at Bootstrapped to get a Free No-Code Consultation
Book a Call
Will Hawkins
CEO at Bootstrapped

How to create a workflow to generate PDFs in Bubble.io?

  Introduction   Creating a workflow to generate PDFs in Bubble.io involves several steps. Bubble.io does not have a built-in PDF generation feature, but you can integrate third-party tools and APIs to accomplish this. One of the popular solutions is to use the PDFMonkey or PDF API for this purpose.   Step 1: Set Up Your Bubble.io App   - You’ll need a Bubble.io account and a project where you plan to add PDF generation functionality. - Log in to your Bubble.io account and open the project where you want to generate PDFs.   Step 2: Design the Template   - Create a new page or choose an existing page where you will design the template for your PDF. - Add all the dynamic elements that you want to appear in your PDF. This will typically include Text elements, Image elements, etc.   Step 3: Install the PDF Plugin   - Go to the Bubble Plugin Marketplace. - Search for the ‘PDF Generator’ plugin or any other PDF-related plugin you prefer (e.g., PDFMonkey, DocRaptor). - Click 'Install' to add the plugin to your project.   Step 4: Configure the API   - If using an external API like PDFMonkey, sign up for an account on their website. - Obtain the API key provided by the service. - In Bubble, go to the API Connector (if you’re using it) and add a new API. - Enter the API key and configure the necessary API calls following the documentation provided by the third-party service.   Step 5: Add a Workflow Trigger   - Go back to your Bubble app's Workflow tab. - Create a new workflow that triggers the PDF generation. This could be when a user clicks a button or at the end of a process. - Add an Action: Select the plugin or API you configured in Step 4.   Step 6: Define PDF Content   - Define the content that will be sent to the PDF generator. This includes mapping your Bubble data to the fields expected by the PDF API. - Make sure to include all dynamic content that should appear in the PDF template.   Step 7: Generate and Save the PDF   - Configure the PDF generation action to output a PDF. - Specify where you want to save this PDF. You can save it in Bubble’s database or send it directly to the user via email. - If saving in the database, create a ‘File’ data type to store the PDF URL or file.   Step 8: Test the Workflow   - Test the new workflow by simulating actions that would trigger PDF generation. - Check the output to ensure that the PDF generates correctly and contains all the expected data. - Debug any issues prior to going live.   Step 9: Deploy and Use   - Once tested, deploy the app changes. - Users can now generate PDFs via the workflow you’ve created.   Additional Tips   - Consider adding loading indicators or notifications to inform users about the PDF generation status. - Regularly monitor and update your API configurations to deal with any changes from the third-party services.

Explore more Bubble tutorials

Complete Guide to Bubble.io: Tutorials, Tips, and Best Practices

Explore our Bubble.io tutorials directory - an essential resource for learning how to create, deploy and manage robust server-side applications with ease and efficiency.

Why are companies choosing Bootstrapped?

40-60%

Faster with no-code

Nocode tools allow us to develop and deploy your new application 40-60% faster than regular app development methods.

90 days

From idea to MVP

Save time, money, and energy with an optimized hiring process. Access a pool of experts who are sourced, vetted, and matched to meet your precise requirements.

1 283 apps

built by our developers

With the Bootstrapped platform, managing projects and developers has never been easier.

hero graphic

Our capabilities

Bootstrapped offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities tailored for startups. Our expertise spans web and mobile app development, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure high performance and scalability. The team excels in creating intuitive user interfaces and seamless user experiences. We employ agile methodologies for flexible and efficient project management, ensuring timely delivery and adaptability to changing requirements. Additionally, Bootstrapped provides continuous support and maintenance, helping startups grow and evolve their digital products. Our services are designed to be affordable and high-quality, making them an ideal partner for new ventures.

Engineered for you

1

Fast Development: Bootstrapped specializes in helping startup founders build web and mobile apps quickly, ensuring a fast go-to-market strategy.

2

Tailored Solutions: The company offers customized app development, adapting to specific business needs and goals, which ensures your app stands out in the competitive market.

3

Expert Team: With a team of experienced developers and designers, Bootstrapped ensures high-quality, reliable, and scalable app solutions.

4

Affordable Pricing: Ideal for startups, Bootstrapped offers cost-effective development services without compromising on quality.

5

Supportive Partnership: Beyond development, Bootstrapped provides ongoing support and consultation, fostering long-term success for your startup.

6

Agile Methodology: Utilizing agile development practices, Bootstrapped ensures flexibility, iterative progress, and swift adaptation to changes, enhancing project success.

Yes, if you can dream it, we can build it.