> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.templated.io/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# "Zapier and Make: Troubleshooting Tips"

This article covers the problems customers see most often when using Templated with Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat). For the first setup, see "Getting Started with Zapier" and "Getting Started with Make".

## The render works but the text or image does not change

This is the most common issue in both Zapier and Make. Check:

1. **Layer name.** The layer name in the step must match the layer name in the template exactly (hyphens, underscores, spaces). A wrong name is ignored without an error.
2. **Empty mapped field.** If the field you mapped is empty for that record, the empty value replaces the template text or image. Run the step again with a record that has data.
3. **Remapped fields.** If you changed the trigger (new spreadsheet, new form, renamed column), the old mapping may now point to nothing. Remove the field and map it again.
4. **Right property.** Use `text` for text layers and `image_url` for image layers.

To see what Templated received, open **Renders** in the dashboard, open the render card menu and click **View Payload**. See also "My Render Was Created but My Changes Don't Appear".

## Image does not appear

The image URL must be public and open directly as an image. Test it in a private browser window. Links to pages (instead of the image file) and private links (for example a private Google Drive or an Instagram page link) will not work.

## Authentication error in Zapier

If Zapier shows an error like "Cannot refresh authentication" or asks you to reconnect:

1. Check that you still have credits in your Templated account. Running out of credits can show up as an authentication error in Zapier.
2. If you regenerated your API key, reconnect the Templated account in Zapier with the new key from https://app.templated.io/api-key
3. Make sure you are connecting the key of the account that owns the template.

## Video (mp4) and ZIP in Zapier

The Templated Zapier app does not include video parameters (like duration and fps) or the `zip` option. To use them, call the API directly:

1. Add a **Webhooks by Zapier** action and choose **Custom Request** (or POST).
2. Method: `POST`. URL: `https://api.templated.io/v1/render`
3. Headers: `Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY` and `Content-Type: application/json`
4. Data (raw JSON), for example:

```json
{
  "template": "TEMPLATE_ID",
  "format": "mp4",
  "duration": 10000,
  "layers": { "title": { "text": "Mapped value here" } }
}
```

The same approach works in Make with the **HTTP > Make a request** module.

## Multi-page templates

- If you render a multi-page template, the response is a **list of renders**, one per page. In Zapier and Make you get several items or an array. Use the item you need, or loop over them.
- To get one PDF with all pages, use `"format": "pdf"` with `"merge": true`. To get one ZIP, use `"zip": true`. If these options are not available in the app step, use an HTTP request as shown above.
- See "Multi-Page Renders: Specific Pages, Repeating Pages, Merge and ZIP".

## Credits in automations

Every render created by a Zap or scenario uses credits, including test runs. A multi-page render uses 1 credit per page. Check your usage in the Renders page of the dashboard.

## FAQ

Q: My Zap or scenario runs but the image shows the template's default text.
A: The layer name is wrong or the mapped field is empty. Check the payload with View Payload in the Renders page.

Q: Zapier says "Cannot refresh authentication".
A: Check your credits first, then reconnect with your current API key.

Q: Can I generate videos with Zapier?
A: The Zapier app has no video options. Use Webhooks by Zapier to POST to `https://api.templated.io/v1/render` with `"format": "mp4"`.

Q: Can I get a ZIP file in Zapier?
A: Not with the Templated app step. Use a Webhooks by Zapier request with `"zip": true`.

Q: My multi-page template returns several renders in Zapier.
A: That is expected: one render per page. Use `merge` for one PDF or `zip` for one archive.

Q: The most common Make error?
A: A layer name that does not match the template, or an empty mapped value. Remap the field and check the layer name.

Q: Do test runs use credits?
A: Yes. Every render uses credits.