There is disclosed multifunction peripheral and a method for automated file generation. The multifunction peripheral includes a network interface for accessing a data source including data to be inserted into a plurality of files generated using a template and the data source and for sending the plurality of files to the output destination. The multifunction peripheral also includes a user interface for receiving identification of template elements within an electronic document and for receiving selection of an output destination for the plurality of files generated using the template and the data source. The multifunction peripheral also includes a controller for generating the template from the electronic document using the identified template elements, for generating a preview of a file generated using the template and the data source, the preview visible on the display device and for generating the plurality of files using the template and the data source.