Frequently Asked Questions About HotDocs
What is HotDocs?
What types of templates can I automate and assemble?
Which version of HotDocs is right for me?
What other HotDocs products are there and how can they help me with document automation and assembly?
What kind of support is available for HotDocs?
Does HotDocs have an open API?
What other programs integrate with HotDocs?
I have a question about my bill / my account / services I can expect with purchase of my license(s). Who do I contact?
HotDocs
What is HotDocs?
HotDocs is both a document automation tool and a document assembly tool:
Document Automation: Using HotDocs as an automation tool, you can create templates from documents you use every day. In the template, you identify changeable text and replace it with special variable markers.
Document Assembly: Once templates are automated, you can use the template to assemble (or generate) any number of custom documents. During assembly, variable markers are replaced with users’ answers.
< Back to Top
What types of templates can I automate and assemble?
You can use HotDocs to create any kind of template—including wills, trusts, real estate or lease agreements, contracts, proposals, correspondence, audit reports, compliance documents, official forms (IRS, SEC, etc.), and human resource forms. Specifically, there are three template formats:
Text templates are those you create from your Microsoft Word or WordPerfect documents. Answers are merged directly in the document.
Form templates are those you create from graphical documents, or those created using design or draw programs. Answers are overlaid on the document.
Interview templates are used to simply gather data about a client or matter. Data entered can then be “fed” to other interviews.
< Back to Top
Which version of HotDocs is right for me*?
*Click a product name for a complete list of features available in that specific edition.
HotDocs Player: Use HotDocs Player to assemble templates from a licensed HotDocs publisher (such as LexisNexis Automated Forms).
HotDocs Standard: Use HotDocs Standard to automate simple text templates and assemble text and form documents.
HotDocs Professional: Use HotDocs Professional to automate complex text and form templates. Use Professional Edition to assemble all types of documents.
HotDocs Server: Use HotDocs Server to move your templates to a Web server so users in any office or on any workstation can complete a browser-based interview and generate a document.
< Back to Top
What other HotDocs products are there and how can they help me with document automation and assembly?
HotDocs PDF Advantage lets you automate PDF-based form templates. It also lets you save any type of assembled document as PDF.
HotDocs Compare is a tool that lets you compare different versions of your assembled document. This lets you see how changing answers affects the outcome of the document.
< Back to Top
What kind of support is available for HotDocs?
As a HotDocs user, you have several product support options:
Technical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides assistance with installation and general operation of HotDocs software. Premium technical support is also available for an additional fee to assist with questions that are beyond the capacities of courtesy technical support.
Tutorials: When you purchase a license for HotDocs, you will receive a printed tutorial, which covers the basics of template automation. Once you complete these lessons, additional tutorials can be downloaded.
Help Files: HotDocs includes an electronic help system, which is searchable by keyword or topic title. It contains instructions for completing most tasks in HotDocs.
Online Knowledge Base: LexisNexis provides a Knowledge Base to supplement the HotDocs Helps. This Knowledge Base contains articles that teach advanced concepts or steps. It also contains a list of common technical support issues and their respective solutions.
LexisNexis Training and Consulting: Trained consultants are available to 1) train you on using HotDocs, 2) help you develop your projects, or 3) develop your projects for you.
Independent consulting: LexisNexis works with and certifies independent consultants who are available to help you with your projects.
HotDocs Discussion List: Join with others in the HotDocs community by subscribing to the free HotDocs e-mail discussion list. Post questions and receive answers from other users.
HotDocs Newsletter: Receive a monthly newsletter announcing news about HotDocs, including product releases, training schedules, and tips on using the software more efficiently. The HotDocs newsletter is a great way to stay “in the know” with HotDocs.
< Back to Top
Does HotDocs have an open API?
Yes, HotDocs has an application programming interface (API). You can use the COM-based API to integrate HotDocs with many different kinds of software, such as database applications, case managers, litigation support systems, infobases, and address books. In general, the API allows you to control HotDocs from a separate application. For example, your application can launch HotDocs, tell it to assemble a document using answers from a database, and save the assembled document in a document manager. For more information, please contact your HotDocs Sales Representative.
< Back to Top
What other programs integrate with HotDocs?
The following third-party case and matter management products should be able to integrate with HotDocs:
- LexisNexis Time Matters
- LexisNexis Billing Matters
- Amicus Attorney from Gavel & Gown Software
- AbacusLaw from Abacus Data Systems (currently integrates with HotDocs 5 only)
- PracticeMaster from Software Technology, Inc. (currently integrates with HotDocs 5 only)
- Secretariat from Bridgeway Software
- ProLaw from Prolaw Software, a West Group Company
- In addition, several companies publish template sets that use HotDocs, including:
- LawBase from Synaptec Software
- Secretariat
- Document Management Solutions
- iManage / WorkSite
- Worldox
- DocsOpen / DM5
< Back to Top
I have a question about my bill / my account / services I can expect with purchase of my license(s). Who do I contact?
Please contact a Customer Service representative at (800) 223-5297.
< Back to Top |
