Microsoft Dynamics 365 Document Generation

Dynamics 365 document generation lets you create documents from Dataverse records using Word and Excel templates. Users can generate a Word document from a record such as an account, opportunity or quote. For automated generation, conditional content, e-signature and updates to other systems, teams use Power Automate with premium connectors or an external document automation platform.

Native Word templates in Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 Sales and other model-driven apps support document templates:

1. An admin or user downloads a blank Word template for an entity, such as Opportunity.
2. In Word, they use the XML Mapping pane to insert fields from the record and related records.
3. They upload the template back to Dynamics 365.
4. Users open a record and generate a Word document from the template.

Excel templates work similarly for analysis and reporting. Steps and availability can change, so check Microsoft Learn for current instructions.

Limits of native templates

Power Automate options

Power Automate can populate Word templates and convert them to PDF using connectors such as “Populate a Microsoft Word template.” These connectors are premium, which affects licensing. Power Automate can also send documents to e-signature providers and save files to SharePoint.

This approach works well for Microsoft-centric teams with Power Platform skills, but complex templates and error handling can become technical.

Automated document generation with a platform

An external platform can:

1. Pull data from Dynamics 365 and other systems.
2. Fill Word templates with conditional sections and tables.
3. Route approvals.
4. Send for e-signature.
5. Update Dynamics 365 and the ERP, and save files to SharePoint.

Example: quote to contract in Dynamics 365

1. Opportunity reaches “Propose” stage.
2. A quote document is generated with products and pricing.
3. Discounts route for approval in Teams.
4. The customer signs electronically.
5. Dynamics 365 updates the opportunity to Won and attaches the signed PDF.
6. An order is created in Business Central, NetSuite or SAP.

How Noca helps

Noca generates documents from Dynamics 365 data using Word templates, collects e-signatures, notifies teams in Microsoft Teams and updates Dynamics 365 and ERPs. See the Noca Microsoft Dynamics 365 integration.

Related guides

• Salesforce Document Generation: The Complete Guide
• HubSpot Document Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dynamics 365 generate Word documents?

Yes. Dynamics 365 model-driven apps support Word templates, where you map fields from a record and related records using Word’s XML Mapping pane. Users can then generate a Word document from a record. Check Microsoft Learn for current setup steps.

How do I create a Word template in Dynamics 365?

Download a blank Word template for the entity from Dynamics 365, open it in Word, use the XML Mapping pane to insert fields, then upload the template back to Dynamics 365. Users can then generate documents from records of that entity.

Can Dynamics 365 generate PDFs?

Dynamics 365 offers PDF generation for certain entities and scenarios, depending on app and configuration. Many organizations also use Power Automate or a document generation platform to convert Word templates to PDF automatically. Check Microsoft’s documentation for your version.

Do I need Power Automate premium to populate Word templates?

The Power Automate actions for populating Word templates are premium connectors, which typically require premium licensing. Review Microsoft’s current licensing guidance before building production flows that rely on these connectors.

Does Dynamics 365 support e-signature?

Dynamics 365 integrates with e-signature providers through connectors and partner apps. Native e-signature is not a core Dynamics 365 Sales feature. Document automation platforms like Noca include e-signature and update Dynamics records when documents are signed.

Can Dynamics 365 documents include data from other systems?

Native Word templates use Dataverse data. To include data from ERPs or other systems, use Power Automate or a document generation platform that connects to multiple sources and merges the data into a single template.