How to get the value from a specific column and row within a Data Source using DataSources[]

This article explains what the DataSources[] function is and provide examples of how it can be used with the binding syntax in smart templates.

What is the DataSources[] function? 

DataSources[] is a function that returns the values from a specific data source row.

DataSources[] logic

DataSources[] function examples

In the examples below these data sources are used. The column Country of the Offices data source is a reference to the column Name of the Countries data source:

Example 1

Using the DataSources[] function with plain text to retrieve the postal code of the Eindhoven office.

Example 2

Using the DataSources[] function with the "OfficeName" flexible dropdown question originating from the response form to retrieve the correct postal code for the office. 

Example 3

Using the DataSources[] function with the "OfficeName.Name" dropdown question originating from the response form to retrieve the correct postal code for the office.

Example 4

Using the DataSources[] function with the "OfficeName" flexible dropdown question originating from the response form to retrieve the country of the office.

Example 5

Using the DataSources[] function with the "OfficeName" flexible dropdown question originating from the response form to retrieve multiple fields from the data source row.

Example 6

Using the DataSources[] function to insert an image stored in a data source. 

Example 7

If you want your email signature or Word document to contain a 'tip of the day' (showing a different tip every day) then create a data source containing all 366 possible dates (format 'month/day') and texts like this:

Insert a tip based on today's date:

Insert a tip based on the value of the "Date" question originating from the response form:

Example 8

Using the DataSources[] function with a HostSystem binding.

This example shows how the DataSources[] function can be used to add a specific image to a document, while the external data originating from the App connector or API request only contains text.

In the example this JSON file is used:

{
   "email": "john@mycompany.com",
   "data": {
      "Language": "en-us",
      "OrderId": 12345,
      "Product": "Apple"
   }
}

The product can be any fruit, like 'Apple', 'Banana', 'Orange' etcetera.

The template currently only contains fields to display the Order ID and Product. Both fields are configured like this:

To add a field showing an image of the selected fruit in the document, follow the steps below:

1. In the Admin Center, create a Products data source.
2. Add a field of Type 'Image' and the name 'Image'. The result looks like this:
   
3. In the Products data source add the value 'Apple' to the Name column and a picture of an apple to the Image column. Do the same for the other types of fruit. The result looks like this:
   
   
   

   Important Values in the Name column must match the names used in the external data source. Values are case sensitive.

4. In the template position the cursor below the Product field.
5. In Template Designer click + Add smart field.
6. Click Custom image binding.
7. In the Display name field enter a name, for example 'Product image'.
8. In the Image field use the binding {{DataSources.Products[HostSystem.Product].Image}}.
9. Optional: set the Height to '2 cm'. The result looks like this:
   
10. Save the template and upload it to the Admin Center.
11. When a user creates a document using the Templafy API, the document now also shows an image of the selected fruit: