Dataverse Word Templates: No-Code Word Documents

Generating polished Word documents directly from Dataverse data does not require custom code, Power Automate flows, or complicated configurations. Dataverse includes a powerful built-in Word template feature that allows users to generate professional, standardized documents directly from model-driven apps.

In this post, you will learn how to:

• Download a Dataverse Word template with the correct table schema
• Build a dynamic Word document using XML mapping
• Include related data using repeating sections
• Publish templates for organization-wide use
• Move document templates between environments with minimal effort

By the end, you will have a fully automated documentation process that saves time and improves consistency across your organization.

Why Use Dataverse Word Templates?

Many organizations still rely on users manually copying data from model-driven apps into Word documents. This process is slow, error-prone, and inconsistent.

Dataverse Word templates allow users to:

• Generate documents directly from records
• Maintain consistent formatting and branding
• Eliminate manual data entry
• Work entirely with no code

This makes Word templates one of the most valuable yet underused features in the Power Platform.

Demo Scenario: Courses and Course Evaluations

In this walkthrough, we are working with a simple model-driven app that includes:

• A Courses table
• A related Course Evaluations table
• A lookup to the User table for instructors

The goal is to allow users to open a course record and generate a Word document that includes:

• Course details
• Instructor information
• A list of related course evaluations

Accessing Word Templates in a Model-Driven App

Word templates only appear when a record is selected.

1. Open your model-driven app.
2. Navigate to a table such as Courses.
3. Select a specific record.
4. Open the Word Templates menu from the command bar.

Each Dataverse table can have its own dedicated Word templates.

Step 1: Download a Dataverse Word Template with Relationships

Even if no templates exist yet, the first step is to download one.

1. Select Word Templates → Download Template
2. Choose the primary table, in this case Courses
3. Select related tables to include:
   • One-to-many relationship: Course Evaluations
   • Many-to-one relationship: Instructor (User table)
   • Optional many-to-many relationships if needed
4. Download the template

The downloaded file looks like a blank Word document, but it contains the Dataverse schema behind the scenes.

Step 2: Enable the Developer Tab in Word

To work with Dataverse fields, the Developer tab must be enabled.

1. Open the Word document
2. Go to File → Options → Customize Ribbon
3. Enable the Developer checkbox

This allows access to content controls and XML mapping.

Step 3: Use the XML Mapping Pane

The XML Mapping Pane exposes all available Dataverse fields.

1. Go to Developer → XML Mapping Pane
2. Select the Dataverse XML schema from the dropdown
3. Expand the primary table to see all fields
4. Scroll down to view related tables such as Course Evaluations and Instructor

These XML nodes are what make the document dynamic.

Step 4: Build the Word Template Layout

You can now design the document like any normal Word file.

Add Branding and Headers

• Insert your company logo
• Add a document title
• Apply fonts, sizes, and formatting as needed

Bind Course Fields

1. Insert a table for layout
2. Place your cursor where data should appear
3. In the XML Mapping Pane, right-click a field
4. Select Insert Content Control → Plain Text

Repeat this process for fields like:

• Course Name
• Subject
• Publish Date

Plain text controls prevent users from editing values.

Step 5: Include Instructor Information

Lookup fields work the same way as standard fields.

1. Expand the Instructor relationship in the XML Mapping Pane
2. Insert fields such as:
   • Instructor Name
   • Job Title
   • Email Address
   • Phone Number

You can format these fields using tables and remove borders to match your design.

Step 6: Create Repeating Sections for Related Records

Repeating sections are used for one-to-many relationships.

Example: Course Evaluations Table

1. Insert a table with four columns:
   • Evaluator
   • Evaluation Date
   • Rating
   • Comments
2. Use two rows:
   • Row one for headers
   • Row two for data
3. Highlight the second row
4. Right-click the Course Evaluations relationship in the XML Mapping Pane
5. Select Insert Repeating Section
6. Bind each column to the appropriate field

When the document is generated, Word automatically repeats the row for every related record.

Step 7: Save and Upload the Template as a Personal Template

1. Save the Word file with a descriptive name such as Print Course
2. In the model-driven app, select Word Templates → Upload Template
3. Upload the file

This creates a personal template that only you can see. You can immediately test it by generating a document from a record.

Step 8: Make the Template Available to the Organization

To publish the template for all users, you must be a System Administrator.

1. Open Advanced Settings in Power Apps
2. Navigate to Templates → Document Templates
3. Select Upload Template
4. Upload the same Word file

The template now appears as a system Word template and is available to all users.

Step 9: Move Word Templates Between Environments

Rebuilding templates in every environment is unnecessary.

Using XrmToolBox, you can migrate templates in seconds.

1. Open XrmToolBox
2. Connect to both the source and target environments
3. Open Document Template Mover
4. Load templates from the source environment
5. Select the templates to migrate
6. Transfer the templates

The template becomes immediately available in the target environment.

Why Dataverse Word Templates Save So Much Time

Dataverse Word templates:

• Eliminate manual copy and paste work
• Enforce consistent formatting
• Require no Power Automate or code
• Are easy to maintain and migrate
• Improve overall user productivity

If your organization uses model-driven apps, this feature can have an immediate impact.

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