Document Types
EventWorks supports several different document types and document creation methods. Understanding the differences helps you choose the quickest option for the kind of document you need to create.
Getting There
Most custom event documents start from an event:
- Open an event.
- Click More > Documents.
- Click Create document.
Documents that are not attached to a specific event live in the global Documents library and can be reused as templates from the Select template option above. The settings-managed template families (quotes, invoices, purchase orders, job sheets, notes) are a separate system, used by their own areas of EventWorks.
Overview
When you create a document for an event, EventWorks offers four document creation methods. These cover everything from uploading a ready-made file to building a reusable structured document inside the system.
Key Concepts
Event Document Creation Methods
These are the four options in the Create document window:
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Upload file | Existing Word or file-based documents you already have. Files are stored as-is — for ${...} variable substitution, upload the Word file as a template in your global Documents library and use Select template instead. |
| WYSIWYG editor | Simple documents you want to write directly in EventWorks. Supports ${...} placeholders, which are filled in when the document is saved on an event. |
| Template builder | Structured reusable documents with sections, fields, and print settings. Fields bind directly to event data instead of using text placeholders. |
| Select template | Creates a new event document from any document in your global Documents library that is not attached to an event. |
Template Families in Settings
Separate template types also exist elsewhere in EventWorks:
- Quote templates — used when generating quote PDFs from an event's Quotes tab
- Invoice templates — used by invoices and credit notes
- Purchase order templates — used when generating purchase order PDFs
- Job sheet templates — used by the job sheet output
- Note templates — reusable note content
These are completely separate from the four event document creation methods above. They are used by their own parts of EventWorks and do not appear in the Select template dropdown when creating an event document.
How To...
Choose the Right Document Type
Use this guide when deciding:
- Choose Upload file if you already have a finished file or Word-based document.
- Choose WYSIWYG editor if you just need to type and format a simple document.
- Choose Template builder if you want reusable sections, dynamic fields, or multiple export formats.
- Choose Select template if someone has already created a suitable template for you.
Use Template-Builder Documents for Structured Output
Template-builder documents are the best option when you need:
- Reusable document sections.
- Fields that pull through event information.
- Header and logo controls.
- Different export formats for different audiences.
Use Settings Templates for Specific Financial or Operational Documents
Go to Settings when you need to manage branded templates for:
- Quotes.
- Invoices and credit notes.
- Purchase orders.
- Job sheets.
- Reusable note content.
Settings & Configuration
- Event document types are chosen from the event's Documents tab.
- Quote, invoice, purchase order, job sheet, and note templates are managed in Settings.
- Header defaults for template-builder documents are managed in Settings > General > Document Defaults.
Tips & Best Practices
Tip: If a document will be reused often, start with Template builder or a saved template instead of recreating it manually each time.
Tip: If you need a branded financial document such as a quote or invoice PDF, update the relevant settings template rather than creating a custom event document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a document template and a document type?A document type is the method you choose when creating a document. A template is a reusable starting point or layout used by that method or by other parts of EventWorks.
Q: When should I use Template builder instead of WYSIWYG editor?Use Template builder when you need structure, reusable sections, header controls, or export formats. Use WYSIWYG editor for quicker, simpler documents.
Q: Are quote and invoice templates part of the event document modal?No. They are managed separately in Settings and never appear in the Select template dropdown — that dropdown only lists documents from the global Documents library.