---
title: "Configuring Document Export Materials"
slug: "configuring-document-export-materials"
updated: 2026-08-07T21:31:16Z
published: 2026-08-07T21:31:16Z
canonical: "knowledge.technolutions.net/configuring-document-export-materials"
---

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

# Configuring Document Export Materials

A document export query returns only the materials you have configured for export. You configure custom materials and Slate system materials differently:

- **Custom materials** need an export value.
- **System materials** need an export value, and most also require a new material that uses a reserved key beginning with `sys:`.

Configure your materials in **Database → Materials** before you build the document export query.

## Before you begin

Every material type in this article sets two things, and they do different jobs:

- **Material key:** identifies the material inside Slate. Slate reserves specific `sys:` keys for the system material types documented in this article. Don't use the `sys:` prefix for any other material.
- **Export value:** makes a material exportable. Set it to the material code your external system expects. If your system doesn't require a specific code, any value works. The export values in this article are examples.

> [!NOTE]
> 🔑 Required permissions
> 
> - **Database:** required to create and edit materials
> - **Query, Query (Configurable Joins - Base Access) - Related / Documents:** required to build a document export query
> - **Query (Configurable Joins - Join Access) - Related / Material:** recommended to build a document export query

### 📖 Related articles

- [Getting Started with Document Exports](/v1/docs/getting-started-with-document-exports)
- [Building a Document Export Query](/v1/docs/creating-a-document-export-query-with-configurable-joins)
- [Scheduling Document Exports](/v1/docs/scheduling-document-exports)
- [Materials Overview](/v1/docs/materials-overview)
- [Choose PDF / Document or File (no conversion) for Material Uploads](/v1/docs/material-uploader-widget). A material to be exported through a document export query must use the PDF / Document upload type.
- [Export Form Responses as Individual Files](/v1/docs/export-form-responses-as-individual-files), a worked example of [exporting form, event, Scheduler, and application creation form responses](/v1/docs/configuring-document-export-materials#form-registration)

## Configuring custom materials

Custom materials must have an export value configured. For example:

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "written_statement", Name "Personal Written Statement (optional)", and export value "WS".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-15SLVCSH.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

An **Export Value** makes a custom material eligible for document export. Set it to the material code your external system expects. If your system doesn't require a specific code, any value works. Every material that has an **Export Value** appears in the export whenever that material exists for a record.

## Configuring system materials

Most Slate system materials, such as decision letters, don't appear in **Database → Materials** until you create them. Each system material type has its own section in this article. Find the type you want to export, create a material using the key given there, and set the export value your external system expects.

> [!TIP]
> ⭐ Best Practice
> 
> When adding system materials, set the status to **Inactive** and append **(For Doc Export)** to the name. This helps prevent users from inadvertently uploading documents to this material type.
> 
> The transcript materials are the exception. For [Transcript (Copy)](/v1/docs/configuring-document-export-materials#transcript-copy) and [Transcript (Official)](/v1/docs/configuring-document-export-materials#transcript-official), add an export value to the existing material and leave both the key and the status as they are.

> [!CAUTION]
> 🔔 Important: Don't upload materials to these keys
> 
> Slate reserves these material keys for exporting system documents only. Don't choose these keys when uploading a new material. If you intend to use this material for an export/import process, be sure to create a separate non-system custom material to import to.

> [!CAUTION]
> 🔔 Important: The sys: key prefix is reserved for special use-cases
> 
> Only the system material types documented in this article should use the special **sys:** key prefix.
> 
> - **Don't use the sys: prefix for any other material:** a custom material with a **sys:** key doesn't inherit the features of the standard system materials that Slate provisions with your database, such as Transcript (Official) and Transcript (Copy).
> - **Don't use** the **sys:** key prefix for *any* custom transcript materials.

### Any decision letter

**Material key:** `sys:decision`

**What this key does:** Exports the decision letter for any released, printable decision on the record.

**Example export value:** `LTR`

**Configuration:** Set the [Decision Code](/v1/docs/decision-codes#decision-code-settings) to [Printable](/v1/docs/download-and-print-decision-letters), and [release](/v1/docs/releasing-decisions) the decision on the record. Slate exports the letter only when both are true.

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:decision", Name "Decision Letter (for Doc Export)", and export value "LTR".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-Z6B9DF76.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

> [!WARNING]
> 📝 Note
> 
> Adding this `sys:decision` material prevents the use of the [Specific decision letter](/v1/docs/configuring-document-export-materials#specific-decision-letter) materials. To filter on specific decision letters, remove the Any decision letter material.

### Specific decision letter

**Material key:** `sys:decision_` followed by the decision code.

**What this key does:** Exports only the decision letters associated with one specific decision code. For example, a material with the `sys:decision_AD` key exports letters using the code `AD`.

**Example export value:** `ALTR`

**Configuration:** Set the [Decision Code](/v1/docs/decision-codes#decision-code-settings) to [Printable](/v1/docs/download-and-print-decision-letters), and [release](/v1/docs/releasing-decisions) the decision on the record. Slate exports the letter only when both are true.

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:decision_AD", Name "Admit Decision Letter (for Doc Export)", and export value "ALTR".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-004WMCPK.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

### Slate-hosted automapped application or mapped application.pdf

**Material key:** `sys:application`

**What this key does:** Exports the mapped PDF of a Slate-hosted application. This excludes any Application Creation Form. See [Form, event, Scheduler, and application creation form responses](/v1/docs/configuring-document-export-materials#form-registration).

**Example export value:** `App`

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:application", Name "Slate Application (for Doc Export)", and export value "App".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-XJBAJ067.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

### Reference for Slate-hosted application

**Material key:** `sys:reference`

**What this key does:** Exports the references submitted for a Slate-hosted application.

**Example export value:** `REF`

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:reference", Name "Reference (for Doc Export)", and export value "REF".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-4SF4RG12.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

### Custom-mapped PDF

**Material key:** `sys:application_` followed by the file name of the custom PDF, excluding the `.pdf` extension and the file path.

**What this key does:** Exports a custom-mapped PDF created in the File Editor tool, such as a dashboard.

**Example export value:** `DSH`

**Example:** A custom PDF saved at any of the following file paths uses the material key `sys:application_dashboard`:

- `/apply/dashboard.pdf`
- `/apply/RD/dashboard.pdf`
- `/apply/TR/dashboard.pdf`

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:application_dashboard", Name "Dashboard (for Doc Export)", and export value "DSH".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-M26GH8U1.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

### School Report

**Material key:** `sys:school_report`

**What this key does:** Exports the school report submitted for an application.

**Example export value:** `SRT`

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:school_report", Name "Slate School Report (for Doc Export)", and export value "SRT".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-3LG1IARJ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

### Transcript (Copy)

**Material key:** `sys:transcript`

**What this key does:** Exports unofficial transcript copies stored on the record.

**Example export value:** `TR`

**Configuration:** Add an export value to the existing material. **Don't** create a new material type, change the key or the name, or set the status to Inactive.

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:transcript", Name "Transcript (Copy)", and export value "TR". The Active status is highlighted for emphasis.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-ENLTUM2V.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

### Transcript (Official)

**Material key:** `sys:transcript_official`

**What this key does:** Exports official transcripts stored on the record.

**Example export value:** `TRO`

**Configuration:** Add an export value to the existing material. **Don't** create a new material type, change the key or the name, or set the status to Inactive.

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:transcript_official", Name "Transcript (Official)", and export value "TR". The Active status is highlighted for emphasis.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-66O078MA.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

### Reader review form

**Material key:** `sys:form_` followed by the form's export value. For example, `sys:form_read1`

**What this key does:** Exports the responses to a Reader review form.

**Example export value:** `RDF`

**Configuration:** When editing a form, select **Edit Properties** and set the form's **Export Value**. Append that value to the material key to associate the form with the material.

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:form_read1", Name "Read 1 Form (For Doc Export)", and export value "RDF".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-YUIP03HY.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

Configure the material in **Database → Materials**

![A screenshot of the form builder interface with the Edit Properties pop-up open. Inside the pop-up, Export Value is highlighted and contains a value of "read1".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-OTU52TGP.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

Add an export value in the form’s Edit Properties pop-up.

> [!WARNING]
> 📝 Use sys:form_ for Reader review forms only
> 
> The material key must begin with `sys:form_`. This prefix exports Reader review forms only. To export any other form response, use `sys:event_` instead.

### Form, event, Scheduler, and application creation form responses

**Material key:** `sys:event_` followed by the form's export value, for example `sys:event_appfrm1`.

**What this key does:** Exports the responses to a form, an event registration, a Scheduler registration, or an application creation form.

**Example export value:** `APP`

**Configuration:** When editing a form, select **Edit Properties** and set the form's **Export Value**. Append that value to the material key to associate the form with the material.

![An "Edit Materials" pop-up window showing the key "sys:event_appfrm1", Name "Short Application Form (For Doc Export)", and export value "APP".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-1OVRYVA7.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

Configure the material in **Database → Materials**

![A screenshot of the form builder interface with the Edit Properties pop-up open. Inside the pop-up, Export Value is highlighted and contains a value of "appfrm1".](https://cdn.us.document360.io/cd8ea7a6-07f3-4846-a554-627ac016d3e3/Images/Documentation/image-IIA8OVHQ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-12T12%3A41%3A17Z&se=2026-10-12T13%3A41%3A17Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=Em6d4M7towd4A27%2FAN%2BIq4jVl8%2FGWwLdROZePuAPiVY%3D)

Add an export value in the form’s Edit Properties pop-up.

> [!WARNING]
> 📝 Use sys:event_ for all other form responses
> 
> The material key must begin with `sys:event_`, followed by the form's export value. To export a Reader review form, use `sys:form_` instead.

A form that, when submitted, creates an application and application tab on a student record.