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Getting Started with CuratePDF: From Zero to Your First PDF

Getting Started with CuratePDF: From Zero to Your First PDF

Getting Started with CuratePDF: From Zero to Your First PDF

Welcome to CuratePDF, the most intuitive way to create professional PDFs with a drag-and-drop editor and powerful automation capabilities.

Why CuratePDF is Different

Unlike traditional PDF tools that require complex HTML/CSS knowledge, CuratePDF combines:

  • Visual drag-and-drop editor for designers
  • JSON-based templates for developers
  • Dynamic field support for automation
  • AI-assisted template generation from existing documents

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit app.curatepdf.com/signup to create your free account. Once verified, you'll access the dashboard where all the magic happens.

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point

Option A: Start from Scratch

  1. Click New Template in your dashboard
  2. Use the drag-and-drop editor to add elements

Option B: AI Template Generation (Recommended)

  1. Upload an existing PDF or image of your desired layout
  2. CuratePDF's AI will automatically generate a drag-and-drop template
  3. Fine-tune the generated template to match your needs perfectly

Step 3: Design Your Template

Adding Elements

  • Text blocks: For static content and headings
  • Dynamic fields: Use {{variable_name}} for data that changes
  • Images: Upload logos, signatures, or decorative elements
  • Shapes: Lines, rectangles, and borders for structure
  • Tables: Create structured data layouts with customizable columns and rows. Choose between static or dynamic tables.
  • Charts: Add visual data representations like bar, line, and pie charts

Pro Tips for Better Design

  • Use consistent fonts (2-3 maximum)
  • Maintain proper spacing with alignment guides
  • Preview frequently to see real-time changes
  • Save templates for reuse across projects

Step 4: Test with Real Data

Before going live, test your template:

  1. Click Preview to see how it renders
  2. Use sample data to fill dynamic fields
  3. Check alignment and spacing
  4. Generate a test PDF to verify everything looks perfect

Step 5: Automate with the API

Once your template is ready, integrate it into your workflow:

const response = await fetch('https://api.curatepdf.com/api/generate-pdf', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'x-api-key': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    template_id: 'your-template-id',
    data: {
      customer_name: 'John Doe',
      invoice_number: 'INV-001',
      amount: '$1,250.00'
    }
  })
});

No-Code Automation Platforms

Don't want to write code? No problem! CuratePDF integrates seamlessly with popular automation platforms:

Zapier: Connect CuratePDF to 5,000+ apps without coding. Trigger PDF generation from form submissions, new CRM entries, or scheduled events.

Make.com: Build visual workflows that generate PDFs when specific conditions are met. Perfect for complex multi-step automations.

n8n: Open-source automation that gives you full control. Self-host or use their cloud service to create custom PDF generation workflows.

Common No-Code Workflows:

  • New Stripe payment → Generate invoice PDF → Email to customer
  • Google Form submission → Create certificate PDF → Save to Google Drive
  • New Airtable record → Generate report PDF → Send to Slack

Common First Projects

Invoices: Perfect for learning dynamic fields and branding Certificates: Great for practicing layout and typography Reports: Excellent for understanding data integration

Ready to create your first professional PDF? Start for free today!