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FAQ

Use this page for short answers and quick direction. If you need a full fix or step-by-step recovery path, go to Troubleshooting.

What Is Bulk Fill For?​

Bulk Fill is for generating many PDFs from one configured workflow and many CSV rows. That workflow can use static overlays, CSV-mapped overlays, supported native PDF form fields, or a mix of those methods.

Can Doqlo Fill Existing Fillable PDF Forms Natively?​

Yes. Bulk Fill can map CSV data into supported non-XFA AcroForm text fields, checkboxes, single-select dropdowns, and radio groups.

What Is The Difference Between Overlays And Native PDF Form Fill?​

Overlays place content on top of the PDF wherever you need it. Native PDF form fill writes into the PDF's own supported AcroForm fields when those fields already exist.

If you need free placement anywhere on the page, overlays are usually the right path. If the source PDF already contains supported native fields, native fill is often the cleaner path.

Do I Need To Redesign My PDF As A Template?​

No. Bulk Fill starts with the source PDF you already have. Depending on the document, you can place overlays on top of that PDF, use supported native form fields, or combine both methods in one workflow.

What Kind Of PDF Do I Need?​

Use a clear, stable source PDF with enough room for variable text. If the PDF is locked, incompatible, or too crowded, fix that before mapping. See Prepare your PDF.

Does Native PDF Form Fill Support Dropdowns And Radio Buttons?​

Yes. In the current product, supported native non-XFA AcroForm mapping covers text fields, checkboxes, single-select dropdowns, and radio groups.

Does Native PDF Form Fill Support XFA?​

No. XFA stays outside the supported native workflow. If the PDF is XFA, use overlays instead.

What Format Does My CSV Need To Use?​

Use a standard UTF-8 CSV and keep column order stable. In the current product, every row is data and columns are identified by position as column_0, column_1, and so on. In the web app, unnamed or generated columns are shown with friendly labels such as Column 1, Column 2, and so on, but the saved and public contract still uses the positional column_N keys. See Prepare your CSV.

Does Bulk Fill Treat The First Row As Headers?​

No. Bulk Fill does not auto-detect headers and does not skip row 1. If your CSV includes a header row, exclude it when you export the batch.

What Is A .doqlo Project File?​

A .doqlo project file is the saved Bulk Fill workflow configuration you can reopen in the editor or use later with the Public API. It stores the placement, mapping, and related setup for that workflow. It is not the final exported PDF.

Read What a .doqlo project file is for the full explanation.

Can I Preview Rows Before The Full Batch?​

Yes. Preview is part of the core Bulk Fill workflow. Validate a few representative rows first, then run the full batch when the output looks right.

Why Did Some Fields Not Fill In?​

Usually the field is unmapped, mapped to the wrong column, or the source cell is blank for that row. Start with Field Mapping Guide.

When Should I Still Use Overlays Even If The PDF Has Form Fields?​

Use overlays when:

  • the PDF does not already contain the native fields you need
  • you need extra text, QR codes, or barcodes in places the form does not provide
  • the PDF is XFA
  • the native field type you need is outside the supported scope

You can also mix methods in one workflow.

Why Is The Text In The Wrong Place?​

The field placement or the source PDF layout probably needs adjustment. Check the field position in the editor, then preview a few representative rows again. See Preview, Validation, and Export.

Can I Test A Small Sample First?​

Yes. You should preview a few rows and export one preview PDF before you run the full batch.

Where Should I Look First If The Export Is Wrong?​

Check the field mapping, then the CSV row values, then the preview results. Those three checks explain most output problems.

How Does Bulk Fill Relate To The Public API?​

The web app and the public API serve the same Bulk Fill product line, but this section documents the web workflow. Once you validate the layout in the editor, you can export it as a reusable .doqlo package and execute it through the Public API. If you need integration guidance, start in the API section. If you want the basic .doqlo explanation first, read What a .doqlo project file is.

When Should I Use The API Instead Of The Web App?​

Use the web app to upload the PDF, upload the CSV, place fields, and preview rows. Use the API after that when another system needs to run the same validated package repeatedly.

Is Bulk Fill Right For Every PDF?​

No. Bulk Fill works well with repeated or closely related layouts. It is not a guarantee that every PDF structure or every layout edge case will work without adjustment, and it is not a full PDF editor.

Where Should I Start If I Need The Full Method Comparison?​

Start with Choose the right fill method, then go to Work with native PDF forms (AcroForm) if the PDF already contains supported fillable fields.