Migrating from Autocrat to Sheet to PDF
Autocrat has been the default Google Sheets PDF generator for 10 years. It still works. But Sheet to PDF is a generational improvement, and migration takes 30 minutes. Here's how.
What's the same
- Reads data from a Google Sheet
- Uses a Google Doc as the template
- Generates one PDF per row
- Free tier available
What's better in Sheet to PDF
- Modern syntax:
{{Variable}}instead of<<Variable>>(industry standard, used by Handlebars, Mustache, Liquid) - Smart templates:
{% if %}, filters, loops — Autocrat has none - Bulk email built-in: Autocrat's email feature is a separate config that breaks regularly
- Public share links: Autocrat doesn't have these
- Pre-built template gallery: 13 templates ready to copy. Autocrat: zero.
- Modern UX: sidebar with live preview, quota gauge, templates browser. Autocrat: 2014-era forms.
- Active development + support: Autocrat hasn't seen a meaningful update in years.
The migration in 5 steps
1. Install Sheet to PDF
Install from the Marketplace. 10 seconds.
2. Convert your placeholder syntax
Open your Autocrat template Doc. Find & Replace:
- Find:
<<→ Replace:{{ - Find:
>>→ Replace:}}
That's it. Your <<Client>> becomes {{Client}}.
3. Keep your sheet as-is
Sheet to PDF reads column headers exactly like Autocrat does. No changes needed.
4. First generation test
Open Sheet to PDF sidebar, pick your template, generate. Verify the output matches what Autocrat produced. Check formatting, alignment, page breaks.
5. Update your workflow
Update any docs/SOPs that reference Autocrat. Train your team (10-minute walkthrough usually does it — the UX is more intuitive).
Edge cases
If your Autocrat config uses dynamic filenames
Sheet to PDF supports this too. Click "Customize filename" in the sidebar and use the same column name pattern.
If your Autocrat config uses output to multiple folders
Sheet to PDF saves all output to one folder you choose. To split by category, generate in batches with a sheet filter active.
If you used Autocrat's email feature
Upgrade to Sheet to PDF Pro (€15/mo) for built-in bulk email. Better deliverability and more reliable than Autocrat's.
Can I run both in parallel?
Yes. Both add-ons coexist. Keep Autocrat configured if you have a legacy workflow you don't want to touch, but build new workflows in Sheet to PDF.
Cost comparison
- Autocrat: free, no paid tier
- Sheet to PDF: free (10/mo), €5-180/mo paid
Pay if you need: >10 PDFs/month, smart templates, bulk email, hosted share links, or want to remove the "Made with Sheet to PDF" footer.