Create Document Type
Step-by-step guide to create custom document types using the AI-powered creation wizard
Create Custom Document Type
This guide will help you create a custom document type using Docutray's AI-powered creation wizard.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- An active Docutray account
- At least one sample document of the type you want to create (PDF, JPG, PNG, etc.)
- A clear description of the data you want to extract from the document
Step 1: Access the Creation Wizard
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Log in to your Docutray account at https://app.docutray.com
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In the sidebar menu, navigate to Document Types
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Click the New Document Type button
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Step 2: Upload Sample Documents
The wizard will show you an upload zone where you can upload your sample documents.
Supported Formats
- PDF: PDF documents
- Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WebP
Limits
- Maximum size: 10MB per file
- Maximum quantity: 5 files at a time
How to Upload
You have two options:
- Drag and drop: Drag files directly to the upload zone
- Select files: Click the upload zone to open the file selector
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Tip: Upload multiple examples of the same document type to get better schema generation results.
Step 3: Describe the Data to Extract
Once at least one document is uploaded, a configuration panel with a text field will appear.
Describe the Fields
In the description field, clearly indicate what data you want to extract from the document. Be specific about:
- Field names you want to obtain
- Expected data types (text, numbers, dates, lists)
- Approximate location in the document if relevant
Description Example
Extract the following data from the invoice:
- Invoice number
- Issue date
- Issuer tax ID
- Issuer company name
- Recipient tax ID
- Net total
- Tax (e.g., VAT)
- Total amount due
- List of items with: quantity, description, unit price, and total![]()
Step 4: Generate the Schema
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Click the Generate Schema with AI button
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The system will analyze your documents and automatically generate:
- A JSON schema with detected fields
- A suggested name for the document type
- A description of the document type
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While generating, you'll see progress indicators:
- Analyzing documents...
- Generating schema...
- Extracting test data...
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Generation can take 10-30 seconds depending on document complexity.
Step 5: Review and Edit the Schema
Once generated, you can view and edit the schema in an interactive table.
Edit Fields
For each field you can modify:
- Name: The field identifier name
- Type: Text, Number, Boolean, Array, or Object
- Description: A field description
- Required: Whether the field is mandatory
Available Field Types
| Type | Icon | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Text | A | Text strings |
| Number | # | Numeric values |
| Boolean | Toggle | True/False |
| Array | [ ] | Arrays of values |
| Object | { } | Nested structures |
Add or Remove Fields
- Add: Use the "Add Field" button at the bottom of the table
- Remove: Use the trash icon on each row
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Step 6: Test the Extraction
The system automatically runs an extraction test after generating the schema.
View Results
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Switch to the Results tab
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You'll see the extracted data from the sample document in structured format
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You can toggle between tree view and JSON to review the data
If Results are Incorrect
- Go back to the Configuration tab
- Adjust the schema as needed
- Click Regenerate to test again
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Step 7: Configure Metadata
Before creating the document type, configure its information:
Name (Required)
- Enter a descriptive name for the document type
- Example: "Electronic Invoice", "Fee Receipt"
Description (Optional)
- Add a description to help identify the document's purpose
Save as Draft
- Check this option if you want to save the type without activating it immediately
- Drafts are not available for API use until activated
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Step 8: Create the Document Type
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Review that all data is correct
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Click the Create Document button in the top right corner
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The system will save the document type and redirect you to its detail page
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Congratulations! Your new document type is ready to use.
Error Handling
Common Errors
| Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| File too large | Reduce file size to under 10MB |
| Unsupported format | Use PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, or WebP |
| Generation error | Check your connection and retry |
| Extraction error | Adjust the description and regenerate schema |
Retry Operations
If an error occurs during generation or extraction:
- An alert will appear with the error message
- Use the Retry button to re-execute the operation
- If the error persists, try with a more detailed description
Next Steps
Once your document type is created, you can:
- Use the API: Convert documents using the
/api/convertendpoint - Create Flows: Automate processing with DocFlows
- Configure Webhooks: Receive notifications when documents are processed
Keyboard Shortcuts
For faster navigation:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open file selector | Enter or Space on upload zone |
| Navigate between fields | Tab |
| Expand/collapse nested fields | Enter on expand button |