---
title: "XL Docs messages and troubleshooting"
slug: "xl-docs-messages"
updated: 2026-10-09T18:08:34Z
published: 2026-10-09T18:08:34Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/xl-docs-messages"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.quickbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# XL Docs messages and troubleshooting

This article lists the messages XL Docs shows, grouped by where they appear, with the cause and what to do about each one. Messages are quoted exactly as they appear, including any typos, so you can search this page for the text you see. Common questions are answered in [Frequently asked questions](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#faq) at the end. For messages in the XL Docs Configurator, see [XL Docs Configurator messages and troubleshooting](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-configurator-troubleshooting).

## Where messages appear

| **Where** | **What it looks like** |
| --- | --- |
| Progress window (*ExcelGen_LP.aspx*, for example the **Create XL Sheet (PB)** button) | The window titled *Excel Document Merge* with the heading **XL Docs**. After *Processing...* and the progress bar, a green line confirms success or red text shows the error. A **Close** button closes the window. |
| Error page | Shown when a streaming button (*ExcelGen_UA.aspx*, for example **Generate XL Sheet** or **Create XL Sheet (Mobile Friendly)**) fails, when parameters are missing, or when a preview or download link fails. The heading is **XL Docs**, followed by the bold text **Something Went Wrong**, the message, and a **Close** button. File paths in a message are shortened to the file name. Many messages on this page start with a prefix; see [Message prefixes](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#message-prefixes). |
| API response | JSON with *"success": false* and the message in *errors*. See [API and Pipelines](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-api-and-pipelines). |
| Batch status field and log | The **xldbtfld** field on the control record the batch run was started from (or the **triggerfid** field on the record, for a single-record run), and the record added to the **logsdbid** log table. See [Batch processing](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-batch-processing). |
| Installation wizard | A message at the top of the **XL Docs Setup** step when you click **Next**. See [Installation wizard: XL Docs setup step](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#wizard). |

## Message prefixes

Some messages are shown after a fixed prefix. Look up the text after the prefix in the tables below.

| **Prefix** | **Where** | **What it means** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *We're sorry something went wrong! The following error occurred:* followed by the message | Error page (streaming buttons) | The document couldn't be created. The rest of the text is the reason, for example a template or data table message from this article. The progress window shows the same reason without this prefix. |
| *QuickBaseError occured* followed by the Quickbase error detail, a hyphen, and the error message | Error page (streaming buttons) | Quickbase rejected a request XL Docs made, for example a read of a field that doesn't exist, or a save the user or token isn't allowed to make. See [Storage and Quickbase errors](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#storage-messages). |
| *Quick Base Error occurred* followed by the Quickbase error code and detail | Progress window | The same kind of Quickbase error, shown in the progress window. |
| *Error occurred while generating the document:* followed by the detail | Error page, progress window, API, batch | The workbook couldn't be converted to the requested format or saved. The detail says why, for example the **PDF Pages** message in [Template and data table errors](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#template-and-data-table-errors). |

## Unexpected errors and the Reference ID

If something goes wrong that XL Docs doesn't have a specific message for, it shows:

*An unexpected error occurred generating your document. Reference ID: {id}. Contact support if this persists.*

The Reference ID identifies this exact request in our logs. Try again once; if the message comes back, submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support) and include the Reference ID, the time it happened, and the button or request you used. Copy the ID exactly.

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *An error has occurred. Please reach out to your application administrator or contact support.* | A general error with no further detail. It also appears when **request** isn't valid Base64. | Check that **request** is built with *Base64Encode()*. If it is, contact your application administrator or submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support). |
| *Document generation is temporarily unavailable. Please try again in a few minutes, or contact your Quickbase support representative if the issue persists.* | XL Docs can't create documents at the moment. No document was created. | Wait a few minutes and try again. If it continues, submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support). |

## Authorization messages

Before it creates a document, XL Docs checks that your app is authorized to use XL Docs on your Quickbase Extensions account and that the user token saved for the app works. These messages appear on the error page or in the progress window. Most are followed by a short support message.

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *Quickbase Application - <app ID> is not authorized to use <extension>.* followed by *There is no valid authorization record for client id: <client ID> application id: <app ID> …* | The app in **appid** isn't authorized for XL Docs on the account in **clientid**, or one of those two values is wrong. | Check **clientid** and **appid** in the button formula (see [Find your Client ID, table IDs, and field IDs](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/find-client-id-table-ids-field-ids)). To authorize the app, open XL Docs in the Extensions Portal and run the installation wizard (select **Setup** on the XL Docs tile, or **Authorize New App** on the XL Docs page). See the [installation wizard overview](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/juiced-add-on-installation-wizard-overview). |
| *Quickbase Application - <app ID> is not authorized to use <extension>.* followed by *The table passed in ( <table ID>) does not belong to the application passed in ( <app ID> ).* | **dbid** names a table in a different app from **appid**. | Use *Dbid()* and *AppID()* in a formula on the table, or check both IDs. |
| *Quickbase Application - <app ID> is not authorized to use <extension>.* followed by *User token ending with <last 5 characters> on the client profile is invalid. Please provide the valid user token.* | The user token saved for your account was deleted, expired, or no longer has access to the app. | Run the installation wizard again and choose a working user token on the [Authorization](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/step-2-authorization) step, or submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support). |
| *A user token is required to execute <extension>. We currently do not have a user token on file for your account.* | No user token is saved for your account. | Run the installation wizard and add a user token on the [Authorization](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/step-2-authorization) step. |
| *We do not have sufficient permission to execute this add-on with the user token that we have on file ending with <last 5 characters> -* followed by the Quickbase detail | The saved user token can't read the app or table. | Give the token's user access to the app and its tables, or choose another token in the installation wizard. |
| *Unable to get authorization details. Quickbase Rate Limit Error Code : 429* | Quickbase was handling too many requests from your account at that moment. | Wait a minute and try again. |
| Another message that starts with *Unable to get authorization details.* | The authorization check couldn't be completed. | Try again. If it continues, submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support) with the full message. |

## Temporary token (enhanced security) messages

If your account uses enhanced security, Quickbase sends a temporary token when you click an XL Docs button, and XL Docs uses it to confirm that you can see the record (**msid**) or the records (**msqry**) in the **dbid** table. The button must send that token. The buttons the installation wizard creates all do: **Create XL Sheet (PB)** and **Generate XL Sheet** are Formula - Text fields with **Allow some HTML tags** turned on, the *OpenAsPopup POSTTempToken* class, and a *data-temptokendbid* that names the same table as **dbid**, as in [Formula URL parameters](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-url-parameters#examples), and the wizard creates the Formula - URL **Create XL Sheet (Mobile Friendly)** button so it sends a temporary token too. See [Change formula fields](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/changing-formula-fields) and [Enhanced security overview](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/enhanced-security-overview). For the API, send a user token; see [API and Pipelines](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-api-and-pipelines#authentication).

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *A temporary authorization token is required for this application. Please check your field settings or contact an App Administrator.* | The request didn't include a temporary token. This happens when a button made or edited by hand doesn't send one, for example a Formula - Text button without the *POSTTempToken* class, or a plain link to the XL Docs address. | Use a button the wizard created, such as **Create XL Sheet (PB)**, **Generate XL Sheet**, or **Create XL Sheet (Mobile Friendly)**. An app admin can rebuild a hand-made button from the examples in [Formula URL parameters](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-url-parameters#examples). |
| *Your temporary authorization token does not have access to the requested record. Please contact an App Administrator if you believe you should have access to run this tool.* | You can't see the record in **msid**, or no records you can see match **msqry**. A query that matches no records also shows this message. | Check your role's access to the record and table. For **msqry**, check that the query matches at least one record (test it as a report filter). |
| *Your temporary authorization token has expired. Please try again or contact an App Administrator.* | The temporary token is only valid for a short time, for example when the record page was left open for a long time before you clicked the button. | Reload the record in Quickbase and click the button again. |
| *Your temporary authorization token is not authorized to run this tool. If you believe you should be able to, try again from Quickbase or contact your app administrator.* | The token isn't valid for the **dbid** table. Usually *data-temptokendbid* names a different table than **dbid**. | Make *data-temptokendbid* and **dbid** name the same table, then click the button again from Quickbase. |
| *Something went wrong when we checked your temporary authorization -* followed by the Quickbase detail, or *Something went wrong when we checked your temporary authorization. Please try again or contact an App Administrator.* | The check couldn't be completed. | Click the button again. If it continues, submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support) with the full message. |

## Success and status messages

| **Message** | **Where** | **Meaning** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *Processing...* | Progress window | The document is being created. Don't close the window. |
| *1 Document(s) generated and uploaded successfully.* | Progress window (green) | The number of documents created and saved. With **msqry**, it counts every document saved. |
| *Document(s) were created and uploaded successfully.* | Result | The documents were created and saved. |
| *Process Complete!* / *Document(s) were generated successfully.* | Completion page (heading **XL Docs**, **Close** button) | The run finished. |
| *Batch Execution Requested_<date and time>* | Batch trigger field | The **Execute Batch** or **Execute XL Docs Batch** button was clicked and the email notification should start the run. |
| *PROCESSING_<date and time>* | Status field (**triggerfid**, single-record batch runs) | The batch run has started. |
| *PROCESS COMPLETED_<date and time>* | Batch status field (**xldbtfld** or **triggerfid**) | The batch run finished without errors. If it failed, the field shows the error message instead. |
| **Status** *Completed*, **Notes** *Documents Generated Successfully.* | Batch log record (**logsdbid**) | The run succeeded. The record also has **Start**, **End**, **Related Batch Processing**, and **Documents Processed**. On failure, **Status** is *Error* and **Notes** holds the error. |

## Request and parameter errors

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *A required parameter is missing or malformed. Please double-check your request, or contact your Quickbase support representative if the issue persists.* | A required parameter is missing or empty (**clientid**, **appid**, **dbid**, **tpdbid**, **tpid**, **fn**), or the request has neither or both of **msid** and **msqry**. | Check the button formula against [Formula URL parameters](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-url-parameters#required-parameters). Make sure field values used in the formula (such as the Record ID# or a table alias) aren't empty on this record. |
| *Invalid parameters.* | API only. The same problem as above. | Check the query string. Parameters must be in the URL, not the request body. |
| *The '<parameter>' parameter is required.*, *Either the 'msid' or 'msqry' parameter is required.*, or *Supply either 'msid' or 'msqry', not both.* | Batch runs. The same problems as the first row, shown in the status field and the log record. | Fix the batch arguments field. Use exactly one of **msid** and **msqry**. |
| A temporary token message | Your account uses enhanced security, and the request didn't pass. | See [Temporary token (enhanced security) messages](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#temporary-authorization). |
| A setting has no effect, with no error | Parameter names that XL Docs doesn't recognize are ignored. | Check the spelling of the parameter name. Write **docfmt** values in lowercase (*pdf*, *csv*, *xlsx*). |

## Template and data table errors

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *The template table was not found. Please make sure that the tpdbid parameter field is correct.* | **tpdbid** doesn't point at your Document Templates table. | Use the table alias, for example *[_DBID_DOCUMENT_TEMPLATES]*. |
| *The template record was not found. Please make sure that the tpid parameter field is correct.* | No record with the Record ID# in **tpid** exists in the Document Templates table. | Check **tpid** against the template record's Record ID#. |
| *The template record exists but there is no file associated to it. Please make sure that a template file is attached to the template record.* | The template record has no Excel file attached. | Attach the template workbook to the template record. See [Build a document template](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-build-a-template). |
| *The template record was found, however the 'Document Subtable Excel DBID' field was missing or blank. Please make sure that the field exists and is set to the DBID of the 'Document Subtable Excel' table.* | The template record doesn't say where its data tables are. | Set **Document Subtable Excel DBID** on the template record. See [Document Templates table reference](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-document-templates-table). |
| *This version of Excel Generator only supports .xls, .xlsx, or .xlsm template files. Please open the template file in Word, save it as a .xls, .xlsx, or .xlsm file, reupload to your QB Template table and try again.* | The attached template isn't an Excel workbook of a supported type. | Open the template in Excel, save it as *.xlsx*, *.xls*, or *.xlsm*, and attach it again. Use a lowercase file extension. |
| *Something's wrong with the pages you selected. You entered more than the sheets you have in your template.* | The template's **PDF Pages** field lists more worksheets than the template has. It's shown after *Error occurred while generating the document:*. | Correct **PDF Pages** (for example *1,3-5*) so it only lists sheets that exist. |
| *Clist was empty on related subtable #{RecordID} - please enter in at least one field into the clist for this subtable, or unrelate it from the Document Template.* | A Document Subtable Excel record linked to the template has no cell map. | Add at least one field to that record's **clist**, or remove it from the template. See [Document Subtable Excel table reference](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-document-subtable-excel-table). |
| *Subtable #{RecordID} references Sheet {Sheet}, but the template only has {n} sheet(s) - please fix the Sheet value on this subtable, or add the missing sheet to the template.* | A data table points at a worksheet the template doesn't have. | Fix the record's **Sheet** value, or add the worksheet to the template. |
| *Image Error* in a cell | An image in the cell map couldn't be loaded. | Check that the image field or URL has a value and that the file can be opened. See [Build a document template](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-build-a-template). |
| *Error occurred while generating the document: {detail}* | The workbook couldn't be converted to the requested format or saved. | Read the detail. Check **docfmt**, **docpw**, and the template. If the template is complex and processing hangs, try **parse=y**. |

## Multiple records and limits

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *You cannot generate more than {N} files. Please open a Quickbase support ticket for further information.* | **msqry** matched more records than you can create in one request (up to 50 by default; your account's limit may differ). | Narrow the query or report, or use [batch processing](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-batch-processing). To discuss a different limit, submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support). |
| *There no records retrieved form Quickbase based on filter criteria. No, files to generate.* | **msqry** (or the report) matched no records. | Check the query, the field IDs in it, and the values the formula inserts. Test it as a report filter. |
| *Error occurred while adding new tabs for 'Same Workbook' mode.* | With **sameworkbook=y**, a worksheet couldn't be added for a record. | Check the template opens normally in Excel. Try again with fewer records. |
| *Error occurred while naming new tabs for 'Same Workbook' mode.* | A tab couldn't be named from the **snfid** field. | Check that the **snfid** field has a value on every record and that each record's value is different (Excel tab names must be unique), or leave **snfid** out. |

## Merging PDFs

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *The 'addfiles'/'prefiles' parameters are only supported when 'docfmt' is 'pdf'.* | **addfiles** or **prefiles** was used with Excel or CSV output. | Add **docfmt=pdf**, or remove those parameters. |
| *You cannot merge more than {N} addfiles/prefiles file(s). Please open a Quickbase support ticket for further information.* | **addfiles** and **prefiles** together list more files than allowed (up to 10 by default; your account's limit may differ). | List fewer files. To discuss a different limit, submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support). |
| *Invalid parameters in prefiles: …* / *Invalid parameters in addfiles: …* | An item in the list couldn't be read or found. | Check each item's format: a field ID, *dbid:recid:faid*, *S3\|<object key>*, *RID*, or *FID* plus a field ID. See [Output and storage](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-output-and-storage#merge-other-pdfs). |
| *Failed to download additional file(s): …* | A listed file couldn't be downloaded. | Check the file exists in that field, record, or S3 key, and that it's a PDF. |
| *The 'mrgdbid'/'mrgfa'/'mrgrid' parameters are only supported when 'docfmt' is 'pdf'.* | Merging many records into one file was requested with Excel or CSV output. | Add **docfmt=pdf**. Merging works only with PDF output. |

## Storage and Quickbase errors

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *Cloud storage upload could not be configured for this request. Please contact support.* | **amazons3=y** or **dropbox=y** was used, but no credentials for that provider are saved for your account. | Set up the provider (see [Amazon S3 setup](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/cloud-provider-amazon-s3-setup) or [Dropbox setup](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/cloud-provider-dropbox-setup)), or submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support). |
| A message that starts with *QuickBaseError occured* or *Quick Base Error occurred*, or another message that includes a Quickbase error code and detail | Quickbase rejected a read or a save, for example a field ID that doesn't exist or isn't a file attachment field, a missing application token, or a user without permission. | Read the Quickbase error detail. Check **faid**, **rpfafid**, **mrgfa**, **swbfaid**, **apptoken**, and the user's permissions on those tables and fields. To check a field ID, see [Find your Client ID, table IDs, and field IDs](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/find-client-id-table-ids-field-ids). |

## Pre-action (preqbaction) messages

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *Direct Call's URL is invalid.* | The **preqbaction** call doesn't point at your own Quickbase realm. | Build the call with *URLRoot()* and wrap it in *Base64Encode()*. See [Run a Quickbase API call before generating](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-url-parameters#run-a-quickbase-api-call-before-generating). |
| A Quickbase error from the call | Quickbase rejected the **preqbaction** call, so no document was created. | Check the API call (action, record ID, field IDs) and the user's permission to make that change. |

## Preview and download messages

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *We're sorry but something went wrong previewing the file to the browser! The document reference was invalid.* | The link to a streamed PDF isn't valid. | Select the button again to create a new PDF. |
| *We're sorry but something went wrong previewing the file to the browser! The file: {fileName} cannot be found.* | The streamed PDF has already been shown and removed from the server. Streamed PDFs can be viewed once. | Select the button again, or open the copy saved on the record. To keep a copy, add **faid** to the button. |
| *Error downloading file: a required parameter is missing or malformed. Please double-check your request, or contact your Quickbase support representative if the issue persists.* | A download link is missing **clientid**, **appid**, **dbid**, or **msid**. | Check the link formula. See [Output and storage](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-output-and-storage#download-links). |
| *Error downloading file: no file was specified to download. Please double-check your request, or contact your Quickbase support representative if the issue persists.* | The link has no file: neither **dropboxfile**, nor **psu=y** with **fn**. | Add the file's key to the link, and check the key field isn't empty on the record. |
| *Error downloading file: file downloads are not configured for this environment. Please contact your Quickbase support representative.* | Download links aren't available on this server. | Submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support). |

## Batch processing

Batch runs write their result to the status field (**xldbtfld** on the control record, or **triggerfid** on the record for a single-record run) and to the log record. Some problems stop the run before it can write anything.

| **Message or problem** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A **Notification Error** when you save the email notification, saying the account may only send email to verified Quickbase users | Your Quickbase account can't send notifications to addresses outside your users, and the batch request address is outside them. | Submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support) to allow your account to send emails to non-registered Quickbase users. |
| The trigger field still shows *Batch Execution Requested_<date and time>* and nothing else changes | The run never started, or it stopped before it could write a status. Common causes: the email notification isn't set up or doesn't fire on the trigger field; the notification goes to the wrong address or the arguments have the wrong **type**; a required parameter is missing; or **xldbdbid**, **xldbrid**, or **xldbtfld** is missing, so there's nowhere to write the status. | Check the notification and the arguments field as described in [Batch processing](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-batch-processing). US accounts use *xldocsbatch@xldocsbatch.quickbasetools.com* with *type=xldocsbatch*; EU accounts use *xldocsbatcheu@xldocsbatch.quickbasetools.com* with *type=xldocsbatcheu*. |
| The status field doesn't change, and no log record is added | The authorization check failed (see [Authorization messages](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#authorization)). A batch run that isn't authorized stops without writing a status. | Check **clientid** and **appid** in the arguments, that the app is authorized for XL Docs, and that the saved user token works. Try the same parameters on a button: the button shows the authorization message. |
| *No ConfigID was passed in. This configuration requires a ConfigID.* | The arguments have no **configid**. Every batch run is checked against a batch configuration, so the arguments must name one. | Add the **configid** the wizard created, or create a configuration. See [Use a configuration in batch runs](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/batch-config-portal-use). |
| *Could not find a Config with ConfigID <ID> - this configuration requires a ConfigID.* | The **configid** doesn't match a saved configuration. | Check the ID in the Batch Config Portal. See [Use a configuration in batch runs](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/batch-config-portal-use). |
| *The following parameters do not match the configuration: [<parameter names>]* | The arguments were changed after the configuration was saved, so the listed values no longer match. | Update the configuration to match the arguments, or change the arguments back. See [Batch Config Portal messages and troubleshooting](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/batch-config-portal-messages). |
| *Encountered duplicate parameter [<name>]* | A parameter appears twice in the arguments. | Remove the duplicate from the arguments field. |
| *No parameters passed in for batch configuration to process.* | The run received no arguments to check. | Check that the notification sends the arguments field. |
| The status field shows another error message | The batch run failed. The same message is in the run's log record (**Notes**), with **Status** *Error*. | Look the message up in this article. Fix the arguments and request the run again. |

## Installation wizard: XL Docs setup step

These messages appear at the top of the **XL Docs Setup** step when you click **Next**. See [XL Docs setup](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-setup).

| **Message** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| *Please select a table.* | No table is chosen in **Select a Table**. | Choose the table to create documents from in **Select a Table**. |
| *The usertoken selected does not have permissions to create fields in the <table name> table. XL Docs needs permissions to create fields in order to continue the setup.* | The wizard adds fields to the table, but the user token chosen on the [Authorization](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/step-2-authorization) step belongs to a user who can't change the table's fields. | Choose a token that belongs to a user who can change the table's fields, such as an app admin, or give the user that permission. |
| *Please upload a valid file for the custom template.* | **Upload Custom Template** is selected, but no file was chosen, or the file isn't a valid template file. | Choose an Excel file (*.xlsx*, *.xls*, or *.xlsm*). |
| *Must supply a Record ID# for the existing template.* | An existing template is selected, but its Record ID# is blank. | Enter the template record's Record ID#. |
| *No filtering mode was selected. Please select a filtering mode.* | Bulk setup only. Neither **Select a Report** nor **Filter By Query** is chosen. | Choose **Select a Report** or **Filter By Query**. |
| *Report-mode selected, but no report chosen. Please choose a report.* | **Select a Report** is chosen, but no report is selected. | Choose a report. |
| *Query-mode selected, but query is blank. Please fill in a query.* | **Filter By Query** is chosen, but the query builder has no filter. | Build at least one filter in the query builder. |

## Other problems

| **Problem** | **Cause** | **What to do** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Processing hangs on a complex template | The template has broken links or pivot table problems that slow down reading the workbook. | Add **parse=y** so each worksheet is parsed only when it's needed. Check the template for broken links or pivot table problems. |
| Excel opens the document in Protected View | That's Excel's own banner for downloaded files. | Select **Enable Editing**, or see [Tips and examples](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-tips-and-examples). |
| A PDF opens as a spreadsheet, or a streamed file has the wrong type | The **docfmt** value isn't written in lowercase. | Write **docfmt** in lowercase: *pdf*, *csv*, or *xlsx*. |
| Nothing is shown after selecting the button | A button using *ExcelGen_UA.aspx* without **stream=y**, or with **msqry** and no **sameworkbook=y**, saves documents but shows nothing. | Use *ExcelGen_LP.aspx* to show a result. |
| The file name is missing characters | XL Docs removes *\ / : * < > \| ? "* and periods from **fn**. | Leave those characters out of the file name. See [Output and storage](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-output-and-storage#file-names). |

## Frequently asked questions

### My button shows a temporary token error. What do I do?

Your account uses enhanced security, so the button must send a temporary token. The buttons the installation wizard creates, including **Create XL Sheet (Mobile Friendly)**, all send one. A Formula - Text button you build yourself needs **Allow some HTML tags** turned on, the *OpenAsPopup POSTTempToken* class, and a *data-temptokendbid* that names the same table as **dbid**. Find your exact message in [Temporary token (enhanced security) messages](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#temporary-authorization).

### What does "A required parameter is missing or malformed" mean?

The button formula is missing **clientid**, **appid**, **dbid**, **tpdbid**, **tpid**, or **fn**, or a field it uses is empty on this record, or it has neither or both of **msid** and **msqry**. Compare it with [Formula URL parameters](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-url-parameters#required-parameters).

### Where do I get my server URL and Client ID?

The installation wizard writes both into every XL Docs button it creates. Open a wizard-created button's formula, for example **Create XL Sheet (PB)**, and copy the server URL and the Client ID (the value that starts with *Q*). See [Find your Client ID, table IDs, and field IDs](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/find-client-id-table-ids-field-ids).

### How do I find a field ID or a table ID?

See [Find your Client ID, table IDs, and field IDs](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/find-client-id-table-ids-field-ids). In short: a table's **Settings** > **Fields** page shows each field's ID, and the table ID is in the table's URL.

### I need more documents than one request allows. What can I do?

One request can create up to 50 documents by default; your account's limit may differ. Narrow the query or report, or use [Batch processing](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-batch-processing), which runs in the background.

### My batch run never finishes, or the status never changes. Why?

See the batch rows in [Batch processing](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-messages#batch-messages) above. The usual causes are the email notification (not set up, wrong address, or not firing on the trigger field), a missing required parameter, missing **xldbdbid** / **xldbrid** / **xldbtfld**, or an authorization failure. None of these can write a status. For a single-record run, add **triggerfid** to see *PROCESSING_* and *PROCESS COMPLETED_* on the record.

### My data table shows every record, or the wrong records. Why?

The data table's **qry** must filter on the field that links the child records to the record you're creating the document for, usually with a *[RK]* variable from the clist. Without it, the data table lists every record in the child table. See [Data tables (subtables)](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-data-tables).

### My line items run past the area in my template. How do I stop that?

Set **Max Line Items** and **Max Lines Type** on the data table: *Insert New Rows* adds rows to fit, and *Insert New Tab* continues on a copy of the sheet. See [Data tables (subtables)](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-data-tables).

### The documents for multiple records come out in the wrong order. Why?

Records are processed in the table's default sort order. To choose which records run, use a report (**msqid**, or **msqry** with a report ID) or a query (**msqry**). See [Generate documents for multiple records](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-multiple-records).

### An image is missing, or the cell shows "Image Error". Why?

*Image Error* means XL Docs found an image but couldn't load it, for example because the file is damaged or the link no longer works. If the image field is empty on the record, the cell is left blank. See [Build a document template](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-build-a-template).

### My PDF is missing sheets, or has the wrong ones. Why?

The template's **PDF Pages** field chooses which worksheets go into the PDF, and **Excel Sheet #** chooses the sheet that the master fields fill. Check both on the template record. See [Document Templates table reference](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-document-templates-table).

### The XL Docs Configurator button is missing, or says a field is missing. What do I do?

See [XL Docs Configurator messages and troubleshooting](https://help.quickbase.com/quickbase-extensions/docs/en/xl-docs-configurator-troubleshooting). The wizard's upgrade adds the buttons and any missing fields.

If you can't resolve a message, submit a [technical support case](https://help.quickbase.com/docs/get-help-from-quickbase-technical-support) with the exact message (and Reference ID, if there is one), the time it happened, and the button formula or request.