Storm's AI Templates feature inspects uploaded documents and generate structured Dashpivot templates automatically, helping teams digitize existing paperwork faster without rebuilding templates manually. This is ideal for migrating paper-based workflows, digitizing existing forms, recreating customer-supplied documents, and accelerating template setup across projects and teams.
Prerequisites
Before you begin make sure you have the following:
Plan: All Plan Types
Permission: Org Controller, Project Controller, or Team Controller.
Subscription: Dashpivot
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open the Templates Area
Navigate to your Workspace and open either the Home Folder or a specific Team Folder.
Select Templates from the menu.
Click Add Template.
Step 2: Access Storm AI Templates
Select Build with AI to open the Storm AI Templates canvas.
Choose Import.
Step 3: Upload Your Files
Drag and drop your files into the designated upload area.
Supported File Types:
.pdf,.docx,.xlsx,.csv,.png, and.jpeg.
💡 Add a Prompt alongside a File Import (Optional)
Include a custom text prompt alongside your file upload to steer Storm with specific instructions. This helps produce higher-quality results with less post-generation cleanup.
Use the prompt to:
Extract specific pages
Example: Extract the first, second and last page onlyGive steering guidance
Example: Make sure to use the reference list 'Machinery List' for the category field. Add a weather field at the top.Build variants of a document
Example: Create a checklist like the attached Daily Machinery Checklist but for a Building & Pest (B&P) Inspection — use the same structure with different content.Control layout & template settings
Example: Make sure it's a workflow template with Landscape orientation
Step 4: Adjust Optional Preferences (Optional)
You can customize how Storm generates your imported templates. Available preferences apply to all files included in the import batch and may include:
Page orientation
Required fields
Checklist handling
Template structure preferences
Step 5: Build and Process
Click Build. Storm will begin processing the uploaded files in the background to examine document structure, detect headings, identify fields or tables, and preserve formatting.
Processing Time: This may take several seconds to several minutes per file, depending on file size, formatting complexity, scan quality, and the number of uploaded files.
Background Multi-tasking: You can wait for processing to finish or continue working elsewhere in Dashpivot. A new template will appear in your list showing a "processing" state until the generation completes.
Step 6: Review and Edit the Generated Template
Once processing finishes, the template is fully active. You can use it immediately or open the standard Dashpivot template editor to modify layouts, add fields, refine workflows, insert logic, or configure specific team permissions.
Note: Always review imported templates before operational use. Safety, compliance, and approval workflows in particular should be checked and refined before deployment.
Best Practices for Better Results
Import Similar Documents Together
For the best results, import similar document types in the same batch (e.g., import checklists together, SWMS documents together, or permits together). Grouping similar files helps Storm apply preferences consistently, interpret layouts more accurately, and maintain uniform formatting across templates.
Use High-Quality Files
Storm performs best when uploaded documents are clearly formatted, contain readable text, use structured layouts/headings, and are not heavily scanned or distorted. Low-quality scans or complex layouts may require additional manual refinement after import. For scanned or photographed documents, shoot flat and square-on in good light. Angled or shadowed scans significantly reduce OCR accuracy.
Current Limitations
File Constraints: Maximum file size of 100 MB per file and a maximum of 10 files per batch.
Unsupported Files: Password-protected or encrypted files are not supported.
Structural Elements: Conditional logic generation and automated formulas are not fully supported yet.
Layout Adjustments: Some complex layouts may require manual adjustment or refinement after generation.
Troubleshooting Failed Imports
If a template fails to generate, it will display an error state.
Common Causes of Failure | Recommended Solutions |
• Corrupted files | • Re-export the file from its source |
• Password-protected documents | • Remove encryption before uploading |
• Unsupported file structures | • Simplify the layout or headings |
• Poor scan quality or oversized files | • Upload a cleaner version or split large files into smaller batches |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I import multiple templates at once?
Yes. AI Templates supports importing up to 10 files at a time in a single batch.
Can I add custom instructions when importing a document?
Yes. You can add a supporting prompt in the import flow to steer Storm — for example, to extract specific pages, adjust layout settings, or build a variant of the document. Note that custom prompts are not currently supported for bulk imports.
Are imported templates editable?
Yes. All imported templates are fully editable using the standard Dashpivot template editor.
Will imported templates perfectly match the original document?
Not always. Storm attempts to preserve structure, headings, tables, layouts, and formatting. However, complex documents may require manual refinement after import.
Is my uploaded data used to train AI models?
No. Storm does not use customer data submitted through AI Templates to train AI models.