Connecting a template

A feed renders through a template. The mapping decides which column fills which dynamic element. When a feed doesn't do what you expect, the mapping is the first place to look.

Setting up the mapping

The mapping pairs each dynamic element of the template with a column. Say your template has three dynamic elements: Address, Photo, and Price. The mapping then has three pairs, each with the column of the same name. You set it up when you connect a template. Later, you can change it with Edit Mapping.

The dialog suggests a column for each dynamic element by name. In most cases, you only check its suggestions. Where no column matches, it suggests a new one. For each element you choose an existing column, New column, or Don't map. Nothing changes until you confirm. Confirming never alters the data you already have. A placeholder inside a text, such as {{name}}, gets a line of its own and can have its own column.

When a column seems to be ignored

A column is ignored when no element in the mapping points at it. Usually the element is set to Don't map. Open Edit Mapping and pick the column for the right element.

Don't map is still a valid choice. The template then uses its own value for that element in every video. That suits something that should look the same everywhere, such as a logo.

When the template changes

When you change the template, the feed checks the mapping the next time you open it. Two things can be out of step. The template has a new dynamic element without a column, or the mapping points at an element that no longer exists. In both cases the feed asks you to Review Mapping. There you pick a column for the new element. For the element that's gone, you keep or remove its link.

Until you do, the feed still renders. A new element uses the template's own value. A link to a missing element is skipped. Once you confirm, the rows you rendered under the old mapping are marked as outdated. That way you can see which ones to render again.

When the element you need isn't listed

The mapping only offers elements that are marked as dynamic. If you have a column with nowhere to go, the template needs a change, not the feed. Open the template in the editor, mark the element or property as dynamic, and publish. The new element then shows up in the mapping.

Disconnecting a template

Disconnecting a template removes its mapping. Your columns and data stay. If a connected template is deleted from the project, the feed shows it as Deleted in the Template dropdown. Your data stays as it is. You can remove the connection or connect another template instead.