> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sdocs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/enhanced-template-editor/advanced-data-using-soql-to-add-variables.md).
# Advanced Data: Using SOQL to Add Variables
While standard merge fields and related lists cover basic document generation needs, you can also incorporate advanced data into your S-Docs templates by leveraging Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL). Building SOQL queries allows you to retrieve and display critical business data that lives outside the structure of your base record — such as pulling information from outside a standard opportunity tree hierarchy.
#### Accessing the advanced data panel
The advanced data configuration tools are located within the template editor interface. To access them:
1. Click the plus icon  to open the *Variables* panel. This panel serves as the primary entry point for all variable data.
2. Click the *Advanced Data*  icon inside the *Variables* panel.
{% hint style="info" %}
The *Advanced Data* configuration panel will launch on the right side of the interface.
{% endhint %}
#### Understanding object queries versus list queries
The *Advanced Data* panel provides two options for constructing queries. While both tabs share identical configuration options, they handle your data differently:
* **Objects**: This option returns one instance of records defined in the SOQL query - only the first record that matches criteria set in the SOQL query. It is ideal when you want to make multiple fields from a single record available as individual merge fields within the *Variables* panel.
* **Lists**: This option returns multiple instances of records defined in the SOQL query. It is ideal when you need to query for multiple records - such as when you have a related list that requires data from multiple records.
#### Creating a SOQL data source
Follow these steps to build, validate, and inject a SOQL query into your document template:
{% columns %}
{% column width="41.66666666666667%" %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column width="58.33333333333333%" %}
1. Open the *Variables* panel by clicking the plus icon  on the left side of the interface.
2. Click the *Advanced Data*  icon to launch the configuration options in the right menu.
3. Select either the **Objects** tab or the **Lists** tab based on your data display needs.
4. Click on the **Click to add** **+** button to open the new query.
5. Enter a highly descriptive name in the **Label** field so template authors can easily identify its purpose.
6. Input your SOQL query into the query editor text box.
7. Select a valid record in the **Preview Record** field.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% hint style="info" %}
Note: The **Add Data Source** button remains inactive until you select a preview record. It is required to preview record data to validate the query syntax and confirm that the query is returning accurate data.
{% endhint %}
8. Review the **Results** and **Fields** tabs to verify your query configuration.
{% hint style="info" %}
This tab displays the data type, label, and API name to confirm your SOQL query is well-formed, even if your chosen preview record is currently missing data for those specific fields.
Note: Malformed SOQL will return an invalid error that contains a description of the errant syntax.
{% endhint %}
9. Click **Add Data Source**.
{% hint style="info" %}
Need to make an update to a SOQL query? Simply navigate to the Advanced Data panel and click on the listed query when the  icon is visible.
{% endhint %}
#### Result
Once you save a valid query definition, those fields automatically become available in the *Variables* panel for immediate use across your document template. The queried data will appear grouped under a new subcategory named after the configured SOQL data element.
---
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