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# Prepare placeholder references

> Create TableReference entries for one or more columns so you can insert placeholderNode nodes in document content. Call this BEFORE generating document…

`prepare_placeholder_references`

Create TableReference entries for one or more columns so you can insert placeholderNode nodes in document content. Call this BEFORE generating document content that includes placeholderNode nodes. Returns a mapping of columnId to tableReferenceId that you must use as the tableReferenceId attribute on each placeholderNode. IMPORTANT: If you just created a new document, you MUST pass the documentId parameter with the new document's ID.

## Parameters

<ParamField path="tableId" type="string" required>
  The ID of the table whose columns you want to reference.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="columnIds" type="array<string>" required>
  Array of column IDs to create references for.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="rowId" type="string">
  Optional. If the user wants to link to a specific row, pass the row ID here. All placeholders will then show that row's values.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="documentId" type="string">
  The target document ID. Required when no document is open in context (e.g. after creating a new document via create\_document). Falls back to the context documentId if omitted.
</ParamField>