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When creating an Excel file from a Template, the following error may display:
"Error creating document. An error occurred when creating the document using a template. Please try again."
Cause
This issue is typically caused by one of the following:
- Merge Fields have been entered incorrectly or modified within the Template.
- The Template has been edited using the online version of Excel, which does not support inserting Merge Fields correctly.
- Incorrect or unsupported Merge Fields have been used.
- The Excel workbook contains hidden worksheets with errors, such as broken references (for example, cells displaying #REF!).
Solution
Follow the steps below to identify and resolve the issue.
Step 1: Check Merge Field formatting
- Ensure Merge Fields include the correct opening and closing brackets:
{{and}}. - Ensure there is a space after the opening brackets and before the closing brackets.
- Confirm the Merge Field appears on a single line with no line breaks.
Refer to Including Merge Fields in Excel Templates.
Note: When using Merge Names in Excel Templates, curly brackets are not required. Refer to Including Merge Names in Excel Templates.
Step 2: Reinsert the Merge Field
- Delete the existing Merge Field from the Template.
- Reinsert the field using the Template Editor to ensure the correct format and field name are applied.
Refer to:
Step 3: Confirm the Excel version used
- Ensure Merge Fields are inserted using the desktop version of Excel.
- Avoid creating or editing Merge Fields in the online version, as this can result in invalid field formatting.
Step 4: Validate the selected Merge Fields
- Confirm that the selected Merge Fields are valid and supported.
- Check that the field names have not been altered.
Refer to the following articles for additional information:
Step 5: Check for hidden worksheets
- Right-click any visible worksheet tab and select Unhide.
- Select each hidden worksheet and review for errors.
- Resolve any issues such as broken references before re-hiding the worksheet if required.
After completing these steps, attempt to create the document again.