Skip to main content
arrow-left Back to Docusign.com
Question

Using Template Assistant for Word - Updating Base Document

E
Newcomer
Forum|alt.badge.img+1

I found the function to use Template Assistant for Word and thought it would be an amazing tool for automating a Candidate Registration Pack / Employment contract. 

I don’t need many sender fields, but it will make the usability for our teams that will be sending it out miles easier. 

When I updated the word doc with the sender fields and uploaded to a template, I started mapping the signer fields etc. I then realised I needed to change some formatting / spacing in the base word doc, I made the changes then Upload > Existing Template > Replace Document. Then bam, all the fields I had spent hours meticulously placing with AutoPlace were gone. 

Am I doing something wrong? I’ve lost work, re-done it, saved backups and also tried uploading as an additional doc instead of replacing, but then my AutoPlaced fields weren't mapping to the new document, only on the old one. I can force it if I click autoplace & re-apply, but that's for every individual field. 

If I ever need to update the base document, it’s like I have to map the whole thing over again. 

I’ve tried using the new template builder in Docusign that works kind of like a word doc within DS. But then I can’t use conditional rules for the signer’s fields. 

Can anyone help? 

I’ve been trying to get assistance from Docusign support but they only call me outside my work hours. 

Thanks. 

2 replies

JohnSantos
Valued Contributor
Forum|alt.badge.img+18
  • JohnSantosValued Contributor
  • Valued Contributor
  • 975 replies
  • March 27, 2025

​@Ellie - McArthur 

When you manually place fields in DocuSign using the “drag-and-drop” or “point-and-click” interface, DocuSign basically stores those fields by page and coordinate reference. Once you replace the underlying document (even if only slightly changed), those page/coordinate references don’t match up anymore—hence losing your work.

Use Anchor Text (AutoPlace)
Anchor Text (AutoPlace) is designed so DocuSign can automatically place tags based on text “anchors” in the document (e.g., \s1\ or [SignatureHere]).

 

Welcome to the DocuSign Community! Your feedback is highly valued. If you find my response helpful, please give it a "Like" and consider marking it as the "Best Answer" to assist others with similar issues.
E
Newcomer
Forum|alt.badge.img+1

Hi ​@JohnSantos 

I am already using the AutoPlace function and anchoring the text. The fields are still disappearing even though the autoplace text has not changed. 

As mentioned in my original post: 

AutoPlaced fields weren't mapping to the new document

Thanks for your response. 

Reply


Most helpful members this week

Code of Conduct

Docusign Community

Code of Conduct