How to automate PDF Generation with Zapier and pdforge

What is Zapier?

Zapier is a nimble automation platform that bridges disparate apps without extensive coding. Its point-and-click interface transforms complex tasks into manageable steps. By orchestrating triggers and actions, it fortifies any process with reliable efficiency.

It also has a simpler interface that can be used without any coding knowledge, making it an attractive option for novices on workflow automation. However, this streamlined design means it offers slightly less flexibility compared to more advanced platforms like n8n or Make.

Zapier offers a similarly robust way to automate pdf creation. It coordinates hundreds of services to eliminate redundant tasks, letting businesses devote energy to strategic priorities.

You can check out pdforge's page on Zapier marketplace here.

What is pdforge?

pdforge is a third-party pdf generation API. You can create beautiful reports with flexible layouts and complex components with an easy-to-use opinionated no-code builder. Let the AI do the heavy lifting by generating your templates, creating custom components or even filling all the variables for you.

With native n8n integration, pdforge transforms raw data into structured, professional PDFs—whether it’s invoices, reports, contracts, or lead-generation documents. You can handle high-volume PDF generation from a single backend call or using our native node inside n8n.

Automating PDF Generation with Zapier and pdforge

To automate PDF generation in Zapier, you’ll need access to both pdforge and Zapier platforms to leverage the PDF Generation API within your workflows.

In this section, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of setting up and automating PDF creation. Let’s get started!

Creating Your PDF Template with pdforge

Here's the simple steps to generate your first pdf template on pdforge:

1. Create your account on our sign-up page.
   
   

2. Select the type of template you're trying to create
   
   

   

   
   
   

3. Use our AI Agents to create your first template.
   
   

   

   
   

4. Edit your template on our no-code builder
   
   

   

   
   
   

5. Use our 7-day free trial to access your API KEY on the Dashboard
   
   

   

   
   

Using Official pdforge Integration in Zapier

The oficial pdforge integration is the easiest way to integrate pdforge with Zapier. It's easy to use and you can do so following these steps:

1. Create a new "Zap" from scratch.

2. Choose a trigger (e.g., form submission, new record in a database).

3. Search for pdforge in the Zapier app directory and add it to your "Zap"

4. Connect the pdforge account using the provided API key.

5. Select Generate PDF or Image as the action event.

6. Pick the template you just created

7. Map form fields, database columns, or CRM data to pdforge variables.

Observation: Use each line to fill out a separate variable

6. Run the Zap, watch the PDF generate, and store or deliver it wherever needed.

This plug-and-play method simplifies setup and preserves a low-code ethos.

You can get all these information on the template visualization, on the "No-Code" tab, inside pdforge's application:

Connecting Other Apps to Your Zapier Workflow

Once the pdforge app is configured, additional apps can be linked to fully automate document workflows:

• Trigger nodes: Start the process when a new form submission, CRM update, or e-commerce transaction occurs.

• Storage nodes: Save the generated PDF to Google Drive, AWS S3, or a local server.

• Email nodes: Automatically send PDFs as email attachments to customers, employees, or leads.

• CRM nodes: Attach generated PDFs to client records in HubSpot, Salesforce, or Airtable.

By chaining multiple apps, entire document lifecycles become automated from initial input to final delivery.

Use Case Examples for PDF Generation in Zapier

Generating Invoices with Zapier

Automating invoice generation eliminates manual processing delays. When an order is placed:

1. Zapier grabs new order data from Stripe or Shopify.

2. pdforge compiles a crisp invoice.

3. The invoice is saved or emailed to the client.

This reduces human errors, speeds up invoicing, and ensures compliance with financial reporting standards.

Generating Weekly Reports with Zapier

Instead of compiling data manually, Zapier can generate automated reports by:

1. Zapier harvests data from analytics tools or databases. (Google Analytics, PostgreSQL, etc.).

2. pdforge arranges the data into a modern PDF format.

3. The document is auto-distributed to stakeholders via email or Slack.

This automation ensures that reports are delivered on time, consistently, and formatted professionally.

Generating Value to Incoming Leads with Zapier

PDF generation can be used as a lead magnet to engage potential customers:

1. A lead submits a form on a website.

2. Zapier detects fresh leads from a marketing form.

3. Data moves to pdforge for a personalized PDF offer, proposal or eBook.

4. The PDF is emailed to the lead, enhancing engagement and conversion rates.

Potential clients receive immediate, professional responses that amplify engagement.

Conclusion

Automating PDF generation in Zapier with pdforge makes workflows faster, reduces manual work, and prevents errors. Whether you need invoices, reports, or lead magnets, automation saves time and ensures consistency.

Zapier’s no-code setup makes it easy to connect pdforge without technical complexity. Just set up your triggers, map the data, and let pdforge generate professional PDFs automatically.

If you’re still creating PDFs manually, now is the time to upgrade. Automate your document workflows with Zapier and pdforge and focus your energy on what truly matters for your company.