# CloudFiles x Salesforce - Document Generation Use Cases

> Document Generation merges Salesforce data into Word, Excel or PowerPoint templates and outputs a DOCX or PDF in one click. See real use cases, from merged files to e-signature.

*Document generation use cases*

## Document generation for every Salesforce workflow

Document Generation merges your Salesforce data into a Word, Excel or PowerPoint template and outputs a ready DOCX or PDF in one click. See how, below.

[Read the technical guide](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/generating-documents) · [Talk to a document expert](https://meet.cloudfiles.io/salesforce?utm_content=sf-use-cases-generate-documents-hero)

*Loved and trusted*
Logos: General Mills, Dun & Bradstreet, Wingstop, PenFed, Aviva, Ohio University, CA Conservation Corps, NC State Auditor, Arthrex, Commvault, Computacenter, Aggreko, ITW, Lummus, Northumbrian Water, Hamptons, Anteriad, BrightNight

## Generate documents in 3 simple steps

- **Set up the integration** — Install the CloudFiles Word add-in and connect it to Salesforce for seamless, data-driven document creation.
- **Create & publish templates** — Design templates with Salesforce fields, images and formatting, then publish them to Salesforce.
- **Generate & automate** — Generate documents manually, or automate the process with Salesforce Flow and the CloudFiles LWC.

*Beyond the basic template*

## What Document Generation can do beyond one template

- **Merge multiple Salesforce files into one PDF** — Select files on a record and CloudFiles combines them into a single consolidated PDF, attached automatically to the record. [Learn more](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/merge-documents)
- **Merge files from SharePoint or Google Drive into one PDF** — The same merge runs on files stored outside Salesforce, consolidating documents from your own external storage into one file. [Learn more](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/merge-external-documents)
- **Generate a document from typed input, not just Salesforce fields** — A guided screen flow collects runtime details from the person generating the document and produces it on the spot, emailed to the recipient automatically. [Learn more](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/real-time-document-generation-with-runtime-variables)
- **Password-protect and lock a generated PDF** — Add a view password and disable editing, copying or printing on a generated PDF before it goes out. [Learn more](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/secure-pdf-generation)
- **Trigger generation automatically from a Salesforce Flow** — A record-triggered flow generates and attaches a document the moment a record is created, no manual click required. [Learn more](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/automated-doc-gen)
- **Send a generated document for e-signature** — Send a generated Word or PDF document for signature through DocuSign, with signature fields and signing order set on the template. [Learn more](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/e-signature-support)

*More to explore*

## More use cases to explore

### Dataroom sharing & receiving

A Dataroom bundles files and folders from multiple storage platforms behind one shareable link, with a built-in File Request to collect uploads back. A document generated here can go out through that same link instead of an email attachment.

- Share files and folders from multiple storage platforms through a single link
- Collect files from people with no Salesforce or storage access, straight into a chosen folder, using a File Request
- Add a password, an expiry date or email validation to the shared link

[Learn more](https://www.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/use-cases/secure-datarooms-sharing)

### File & folder metadata updates

A record's connected folder renames itself automatically when the record name changes, and the same automation can tag files with metadata like industry or customer tier. A folder holding a generated document stays in sync with its record the same way.

- Rename a record's folder in external storage automatically when the record name changes
- Set or update metadata columns on a folder, or on individual files inside it, automatically
- Apply metadata tags automatically based on record fields, such as industry type or customer tier

[Learn more](https://www.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/use-cases/metadata-updates)

### Permission handling

CloudFiles ships granular permissions, from creating and deleting folders to sharing files externally, plus ready-made admin and standard permission sets. The same permissions decide who can share, download or update a document once it's generated.

- Control who can share a file or folder externally through a CloudFiles link
- Control who can upload, download, update or delete files and folders
- Assign a ready-made CloudFiles Admin User or CloudFiles Standard User permission set instead of building one from scratch

[Learn more](https://www.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/use-cases/permission-handling)

## Stay compliant & secure.

CloudFiles is independently audited for SOC 2 Type II, certified to ISO 27001, and compliant with HIPAA and GDPR. Data residency is supported in the US, EU, UK, and AU. Your files stay in your own storage, CloudFiles never re-hosts them, and are not used to train our AI models.

Certifications: SOC 2 (Type II), HIPAA (Compliant), ISO 27001 (Certified), GDPR (Compliant)

[Security overview](/security)

## CloudFiles Will Change How You Create Documents

But don’t just take it from us.

> "CloudFiles has saved us many hours of repetitive work and boosted our productivity. It has taken our automation capabilities to new heights! Definitely recommended." — **Jeremy Ahoyo, Atlante**

> "CloudFiles is incredibly robust and handles our document processes flawlessly. The highly responsive team are true problem solvers. Worth every dollar. Absolutely recommend for Salesforce." — **Victor Villalobos, The Financial Interior, LLP**

> "Using CloudFiles' SharePoint integration with Salesforce has saved us on data storage costs. Their support and flow templates for file permissions are excellent. Highly recommended!" — **Ed Pashkin, Rainforest Alliance**

> "CloudFiles offers great value for connecting storage solutions. Automate tasks like folder creation and file copying. Excellent support at no extra cost. Highly recommend!" — **Irwin Mencias, Mālama Solar**

> "CloudFiles' SharePoint integration with Salesforce has reduced data storage costs, simplified document management, and enhanced efficiency. Outstanding support. Highly recommend for reducing storage expenses." — **Latha Davuluri, W. R. Grace & Co.**

> "Flawless app with exceptional support. CloudFiles exceeds expectations in testing, implementation, migration, and automation. Highly recommend exploring this solution for connecting file storage to Salesforce" — **Mark Salib, BDA Partners**

> "CloudFiles seamlessly integrates OneDrive with Salesforce, offers flexible Apex actions, and provides outstanding support. Vishesh and team ensured a smooth setup and file migration." — **Oscar Chacón, Sagicor Financial Corporation**

> "CloudFiles is an excellent, easy-to-use app. It quickly solved our Salesforce to SharePoint file transfer crisis with seamless implementation and outstanding customer support. Highly recommend!" — **Vishal Talpallikar, Aviva**

> "CloudFiles' SharePoint/Salesforce integration is excellent. The team is collaborative, responsive, and highly knowledgeable. They go the extra mile to meet our needs. Highly recommend." — **Adam Ady, Anteriad**

## Questions about Document Generation in Salesforce

**Q: Can Document Generation output more than one file format?**
Yes. Document Generation produces DOCX, XLSX, PPTX or PDF from the same Salesforce record, using templates built in Word, Excel or PowerPoint.

**Q: Can I combine several files into one PDF before sending it out?**
Yes. Document Generation merges multiple Salesforce files, or files from SharePoint or Google Drive, into a single consolidated PDF automatically.

**Q: Can a document be generated from information that isn't in Salesforce yet?**
Yes. A guided screen flow can collect runtime details from the person generating the document and produce it on the spot, without those values needing to live in a Salesforce field first.

**Q: Can a generated PDF be password-protected?**
Yes. Document Generation can apply a view password and lock a generated PDF against editing, copying or printing before it's shared.

**Q: Does a document have to be generated by hand every time?**
No. A Salesforce Flow can trigger generation automatically, for example the moment a record is created, and attach the result with no manual click.

**Q: Can a generated document be sent out for signature?**
Yes. Document Generation integrates with DocuSign, so a generated Word or PDF document can be sent for e-signature directly from Salesforce.

**Q: Do templates use live Salesforce data instead of static text?**
Yes. Templates merge fields directly from the Salesforce record, so a quote, contract or proposal always reflects current data.

**Q: Where does a generated document end up?**
Wherever you choose: downloaded locally, copied into Salesforce Files on the record, or moved to your own external storage through CloudFiles Document Management.

## Book a demo

Book a 30-minute demo and see how Document Generation turns your own Salesforce data into a ready DOCX or PDF.

[Book a demo](https://meet.cloudfiles.io/salesforce?utm_content=sf-use-cases-generate-documents-footer)