The quick answer
In the visual Advanced PDF/HTML editor, place the caret in the target cell and insert Record → Date with Include Label selected. Preview the label and date, then save and reopen the template.
The screenshots show a recorded demonstration with sample data. Use your own records and values when following the steps.
Before you start
Use an existing custom purchase-order Advanced PDF/HTML template with an empty summary cell below its header, and a role allowed to edit it. Keep Source Code off. The preview uses representative data; assigning the template to a transaction form is a separate task.
01. Inspect the existing visual template
Open your existing template at Customization → Forms → Advanced PDF/HTML Templates and edit Purchasing Summary PDF/HTML Template. With Source Code off, find the empty summary cell immediately below the document header.
02. Compare the starting preview
Click Preview and locate that same empty cell. The header already contains an unlabelled date; this change adds an explained date in the summary area. Return to the editor.
03. Insert the transaction date and label
Click inside the empty cell. On New Element, open Fields with the plus icon, select Include Label, and choose Record → Date. Check the ID is trandate, rather than Ship Date or Receive By.
04. Separate the two placeholders
Inspect the two Date placeholders. One supplies the label and the other supplies the value. Put the caret between them and type a space so the rendered text stays readable.
05. Check the new preview
Click Preview again. The summary cell now reads Date 09/08/2026 in the sample. This checks the current edit, but Preview does not save it.
06. Save and reopen the template
Return to the editor, open the Save menu and choose Save and Edit. Return to the template list, reopen the same template, and preview it again. Confirm the label and date persisted.
Check the result
- The date appears in the intended summary cell with a readable label.
- The same label and value persist after saving and reopening.
- The template is saved; form assignment is a separate task.
Common questions
How do I add the transaction date and its label to a purchase-order template?
Open the template at Customization > Forms > Advanced PDF/HTML Templates and edit it in the visual editor with Source Code off. Click the empty summary cell, open the Fields picker, enable Include Label, then select Record > Date with field ID trandate. Add a space between the inserted label and value placeholders.
What does Include Label do, and why are there two Date placeholders?
Include Label inserts both the dynamic field label and its value. The two expressions are ${record.trandate@label} for the label and ${record.trandate} for the date. They update from each purchase order; fixed text does not.
Does Preview save the change or use a real purchase order?
No. Preview shows the current template with representative sample data, such as a sample date; it is not a printout of a particular purchase order and does not save the edit. Choose Save and Edit, reopen the template, and preview it again to confirm that the change persisted.
Will editing the template automatically make purchase orders use it?
No. Editing the template does not change a custom transaction form’s Print Template assignment. Assign the template separately to the applicable purchase-order form before treating it as the operational print template.