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Advanced PDF & HTML Templates in NetSuite

πŸ“ What Are Advanced PDF Templates?

Advanced PDF/HTML Templates let you design custom print and email layouts for NetSuite records.
Instead of relying on standard layouts, you can use FreeMarker markup + HTML/CSS to build professional, branded templates.

They are commonly used for:

  • Invoices
  • Sales Orders & Quotes
  • Packing Slips & Shipping Labels
  • Statements

πŸ”§ Key Features

  • Full control of layout and styling with HTML & CSS.
  • Use FreeMarker syntax to insert dynamic NetSuite fields.
  • Apply conditional logic (e.g., show VAT fields only for EU customers).
  • Support for multi-subsidiary branding (different logos, addresses).
  • Insert custom fields into printed/email forms.

βš™οΈ Steps to Create an Advanced PDF Template

  1. Go to Customization > Forms > Advanced PDF/HTML Templates > New.
  2. Choose a record type (e.g., Invoice).
  3. Either:
    • Start with a blank template, or
    • Customize an existing one.
  4. Use the built-in editor to add HTML, CSS, and FreeMarker code.
  5. Preview the template using sample data.
  6. Assign the template to a custom or standard form.

βœ… Example: Custom Invoice Template

Scenario: You want to create a branded invoice that includes company logo, customer name, line items, and a conditional β€œPaid in Full” stamp.

Code Snippet:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <style>
    body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; }
    .header { text-align: center; }
    .paid { color: green; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; }
    table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 20px; }
    th, td { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 5px; }
  </style>
</head>
<body>

<div class="header">
  <img src="${companyInformation.logoUrl}" alt="Company Logo" height="50"/>
  <h2>Invoice</h2>
</div>

<p><b>Customer:</b> ${record.entity}</p>
<p><b>Date:</b> ${record.trandate}</p>
<p><b>Invoice #:</b> ${record.tranid}</p>

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Item</th>
    <th>Quantity</th>
    <th>Rate</th>
    <th>Amount</th>
  </tr>
  <#list record.item as i>
  <tr>
    <td>${i.item}</td>
    <td>${i.quantity}</td>
    <td>${i.rate}</td>
    <td>${i.amount}</td>
  </tr>
  </#list>
</table>

<#if record.total == record.amountpaid>
  <p class="paid">Paid in Full</p>
</#if>

<p><b>Total:</b> ${record.total}</p>
<p><b>Amount Paid:</b> ${record.amountpaid}</p>
<p><b>Balance Due:</b> ${record.balance}</p>

</body>
</html>

πŸ‘‰ This template displays invoice details and conditionally shows β€œPaid in Full” if the balance is zero.

πŸ”— Common FreeMarker Syntax

  • Insert Field β†’ ${record.fieldid}
  • Loop through sublist β†’ <#list record.item as i>
  • If condition β†’ <#if record.total > 1000>High Value</#if>
  • Company Info β†’ ${companyInformation.companyName}, ${companyInformation.logoUrl}

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips & Best Practices

  • Use inline CSS for consistent formatting across browsers.
  • Always preview with sample transactions before deploying.
  • Store logos in the File Cabinet and reference them dynamically.
  • Document custom templates β€” especially if tied to subsidiaries.
  • Keep multiple versions for testing before replacing a live invoice.

πŸ“Œ Key Takeaways

  • Advanced PDF Templates give you full control over NetSuite’s printed and emailed documents.
  • FreeMarker + HTML/CSS allows for dynamic data, loops, and conditions.
  • Always preview and test before assigning to live forms.
  • Combine with custom fields for maximum flexibility.

πŸ‘‰ Next Page: SuiteBuilder vs SuiteScript: When to Use Which

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