8 Docassemble Alternatives to Streamline Legal Document Automation

Docassemble is the go-to for legal document automation among developers and legal tech pros. But it can be a challenge for legal teams who need a faster (and easier) setup.

While open-source software offers plenty of flexibility, the reality is that if you don’t have the tech skills for it, you’ll be stuck juggling coding-heavy customizations and ongoing DIY maintenance.

Not exactly the best way to impress your clients with seamless document delivery.

Whatever your reason for exploring other tools, we’ve pulled together the best Docassemble alternatives to help you find a solution that fits your needs better.

What Is Docassemble?

Docassemble is an open-source platform that helps you build smart, customizable documents through guided interviews. It’s especially popular in the legal world because it can handle complex document logic and automate time-consuming paperwork.

Key features

• Guided interviews: Build interactive forms that adjust based on user answers.
• Document assembly: Automatically fill in and generate polished documents.
• Conditional logic: Add smart rules that include or skip sections of a document depending on what info is provided.
• API and integrations: Connect Docassemble to other tools and databases to push and pull data seamlessly.
• Multilingual support: Offer interviews in different languages to serve a broader audience.
• Security: Protect sensitive info with encryption, two-factor authentication, and user access controls.
• Highly customizable: Use Python to build out custom features, tweak workflows, and expand functionality.

Pricing

Docassemble is 100% free to use – it’s open-source, so there are no licensing fees.

But keep in mind: while the software is free, you’ll likely have costs for hosting, development, and IT help, especially if you need advanced customizations or want to integrate it with other systems.

Why Look for a Docassemble Alternative?

Docassemble can be great in the right hands, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for every legal team or business.

Here are a few common reasons why you might want to explore other options.

It requires coding skills

At its core, Docassemble is built on Python, YAML, and Jinja2. While that gives it impressive flexibility, it also means you’ll need coding experience to set up templates, build logic, or customize workflows.

For legal teams without in-house developers, even small tweaks can become a challenge; leading to delays and even extra costs.

The setup and hosting are complicated

Because Docassemble is open-source, you’re fully responsible for hosting and maintaining it. That includes setting up servers, handling backups, applying updates, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

For teams without a dedicated IT department, this can quickly become overwhelming. And any downtime or technical issues are yours alone to resolve.

There’s no formal customer support

Docassemble relies on community forums and open-source documentation for support. While the user community is active, there’s no formal customer service team to turn to if something goes wrong.

For firms that need guaranteed help or prefer having someone to call when issues arise, this lack of structured support is a serious drawback.

Compliance and security are on you

Docassemble can be made secure, but it’s up to you to implement the right protections.

Things like data encryption, user access controls, and compliance with regulations (like GDPR or HIPAA) aren’t automatically handled out of the box.

If your documents involve sensitive client data, you need to be confident that your setup is airtight – which can be risky without expert oversight.

The Best Docassemble Alternatives

Here are the top alternatives to Docassemble that many legal teams are turning to for a smoother experience.

1. Knackly

Knackly is a document automation platform that streamlines the creation of complex legal documents. Clients fill out guided, step-by-step forms, and their responses flow straight into your documents automatically.

It’s designed to simplify even the most complicated workflows, making sure you get accurate, fully formatted documents without all the back-and-forth.

Key features

• Client intake automation: Turn client responses into complete legal documents – no manual entry required.
• Dynamic forms: Ask the right questions every time with forms that adjust automatically based on client answers.
• Multi-document output: Instantly generate multiple Word and PDF documents for each case, all pre-filled with client data.
• Security first: Data is encrypted at rest and in transit, with automated backups and role-based access controls to keep everything secure.
• Integrations: Easily connect Knackly with tools like Clio, OneDrive, and more to keep your workflow seamless.

Pricing

Knackly offers simple, transparent pricing:

• Plus: $250 per month for 4 users. Includes core document automation features, client intakes, PDF automation, and integrations.
• Do It For You: $500 per month. Includes everything in Plus, plus Knackly’s team will automate your documents for you.
• Professional: $999 per month for up to 12 users. Great for larger teams needing advanced features and API access.

You can also add extra users to any plan for $35–$50 per user per month.

Best for

Knackly works best for law firms, loan companies, and other organizations with document-heavy workflows.

It’s particularly valuable in areas like estate planning, family law, litigation, and loan processing, where precision and speed are essential for managing complex legal paperwork.

2. Woodpecker

Woodpecker, now integrated into MyCase, powers the Advanced Document Automation feature within MyCase’s practice management platform. It’s designed to let legal professionals create dynamic templates and automate repetitive document workflows; all from within Microsoft Word.

Key features

• Word-based template automation: Build and manage templates directly in Microsoft Word with dynamic fields that update automatically.
• Client data syncing: Pulls client and case data from MyCase into your templates.
• Custom intake forms: Collect client info via customizable online forms that link back to your templates.
• Clause library: Save and reuse common clauses across different templates.
• Workflow integrations: Automate document creation as part of your broader MyCase workflows.

Pricing

Woodpecker’s features are included in MyCase’s Advanced plan:

• $119 per user/month (monthly billing)
• $109 per user/month (annual billing)

This covers all of MyCase’s practice management tools, not just document automation.

Best for

Woodpecker is best for solo practitioners and small-to-midsize law firms that are either already using MyCase or want an all-in-one practice management system with document automation built in.

That said, if your firm is looking for a standalone document automation tool – or you’re happy with a different practice management platform – the requirement to subscribe to MyCase just to use Woodpecker’s automation might feel limiting.

3. Contract Express

Contract Express, part of Thomson Reuters, is a document automation platform built for law firms and legal teams that handle complex, high-volume documents. It lets you create smart templates in Microsoft Word and generate documents quickly through web-based forms.

Key features

• Microsoft Word integration: Build and manage templates directly in Word using smart markup and variables.
• Dynamic questionnaires: Collect data through web-based forms that adapt in real time based on user input.
• Clause library: Store and reuse pre-approved clauses to keep your documents consistent and compliant.
• HighQ integration: Combine automation with document management, collaboration, and workflow tools.
• Reporting & analytics: Track document usage, workflow efficiency, and compliance stats.

Pricing

Contract Express doesn’t list its pricing publicly. However, it’s generally reported that plans start around $195 per user/month, depending on the size of your team and the features you need.

For an exact quote, you’ll need to reach out to Thomson Reuters directly.

Best for

Contract Express is a great fit for mid-size to large law firms and corporate legal departments that deal with complex, high-volume documents and want an enterprise-grade automation tool.

That said, it might not be the best option for smaller firms or teams looking for a simpler, faster setup. Some users mention that the initial learning curve is steep, and setting up templates can be time-consuming, so it’s best if you have the resources and time to invest upfront.

4. Formstack Documents

Formstack Documents (formerly WebMerge) is a no-code document automation tool that helps you create and send out personalized documents. Whether it’s contracts, invoices, or legal forms, Formstack pulls in data from your other tools and automatically merges it into your templates.

Key features

• No-code document builder: Build and customize templates with a drag-and-drop editor.
• Data integration: Automatically pull in data from your forms, CRMs, or other apps to populate documents.
• Conditional logic: Add smart if/then rules to change content based on the data you collect.
• E-signatures: Easily collect signatures using Formstack Sign, DocuSign, or other integrations.
• Flexible delivery: Send completed documents via email, save them to the cloud, or generate secure download links.

Pricing

• Starter: $110/month for 150 document merges and 2 users.
• Pro: $220/month for 500 merges and 5 users.
• Business: $440/month for 2,000 merges and 10 users.

Best For

Formstack Documents is a solid choice for small and mid-sized businesses or legal teams that want a quick, no-fuss way to automate document workflows.

That said, some users mention a few downsides, like the lack of a built-in word processor and occasional hiccups when integrating with other Formstack products.

5. Hotdocs

HotDocs (part of Mitratech) is a document automation platform built for organizations that deal with complex, high-volume documents. It transforms your frequently used documents into smart templates, helping legal teams and enterprises generate accurate, consistent paperwork.

Key features

• Advanced template logic: Add complex rules, calculations, and validations to ensure documents are always spot on.
• Batch document generation: Quickly create large volumes of documents in one go.
• Integrations: Connect to databases and other systems to pull in client or case data automatically.
• Cloud or on-premise deployment: Choose between cloud access or local installation based on your security and IT needs.
• Security & compliance: Built to meet strict data protection and compliance standards.

Pricing

HotDocs doesn’t list its pricing publicly. Plans are customized based on your organization’s size, needs, and setup, so you’ll need to contact Mitratech directly for a quote.

Best for

HotDocs is best for medium to large law firms, financial institutions, and government agencies that need enterprise-grade document automation.

That said, it’s probably not the best pick for smaller firms or teams looking for something simple and fast to set up. Many users point out that the initial learning curve is steep, and getting templates up and running can take significant time and technical know-how.

6. Avokaado

Avokaado is an all-in-one contract lifecycle management (CLM) platform that helps legal and business teams handle everything from drafting to signing and storing documents, all in one place.

Key features

• Clause-based automation: Build reusable contract components to speed up drafting.
• Smart templates: Set up templates that automatically adjust based on the data you input.
• Collaborative drafting: Work on contracts together in real time.
• Digital signing: Use built-in integrations with e-signature tools like Signicat and SignNow.
• Secure storage: Store documents safely with version control and role-based access.

Pricing

Avokaado offers flexible, usage-based pricing that depends on your team’s size and needs. For exact pricing, you’ll need to get in touch with their team.

Best for

Avokaado is a great fit for law firms, in-house legal teams, HR departments, and procurement teams that want a full contract management solution.

That said, some users mention that while it’s powerful, there’s a bit of a learning curve, especially if your team isn’t used to CLM tools. And if you’ve got pretty simple contract needs, the platform’s full feature set might be more than necessary.

7. XpressDox

XpressDox is a flexible document automation platform built for law firms and legal teams that need to handle complex documents efficiently. It works right inside Microsoft Word, letting you build smart templates with as much – or as little – coding as you want.

Key Features

• Microsoft Word integration: Build and manage templates directly within Word using intuitive markup.
• Dynamic interviews: Design customizable questionnaires that adapt based on user input, enhancing data collection.
• Data integration: Seamlessly connect with databases, CRM systems, and document management platforms like iManage and NetDocuments.
• Conditional logic: Implement complex logic to ensure documents are tailored to specific scenarios.
• Flexible deployment: Choose between cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid hosting solutions to fit your organization’s needs.

Pricing

XpressDox offers a Professional Plan at $59 per user/month, which covers both template design and document generation.

If you’re a larger organization or need something more tailored, they also offer enterprise plans. Just reach out to their team for a custom quote.

Best for

XpressDox is a great fit for law firms and corporate legal teams that need a tool that lets them use complex logic but still feels familiar thanks to its Microsoft Word setup.

That said, for smaller firms or teams looking for a super simple, plug-and-play solution, XpressDox might feel like a bit of a project to get up and running. It works best for organizations that are ready to invest time upfront to customize their workflows.

8. Gavel

Gavel (formerly Documate) is a no-code document automation platform that lets you turn your existing Word or PDF templates into automated workflows, so you can generate complex legal documents quickly.

Key features

• No-code automation: Turn Word and PDF templates into automated workflows without writing a single line of code.
• Client-facing forms: Collect client data directly through customizable online forms.
• Conditional logic: Set up smart rules to tailor documents based on the info you collect.
• Integrations: Connect with Clio, Zapier, DocuSign, and more.
• E-signatures: Make signing seamless with built-in e-signature integrations.

Pricing

• Lite: $83/month – Basic automation and Clio integration.
• Standard: $210/month – Adds Zapier integration and higher template limits.
• Pro: $290/month – Includes DocuSign, payment processing, and custom branding.
• Scale: Starts at $417/month – For bigger teams needing API access, SSO, and priority onboarding.

Best for

Gavel is a great fit for solo lawyers, small to mid-sized firms, and legal tech startups looking for a simple but powerful way to automate documents.

That said, some users mention that while it’s very user-friendly, it may struggle with more complex workflows, potentially requiring workarounds or additional tools.

Your Next Move in Legal Document Automation

Docassemble has its specific strengths, but it’s not always the easiest or fastest option, especially if you need something user-friendly, low-maintenance, and backed by reliable support.

Thankfully, there are plenty of Docassemble alternatives that can simplify your document automation.

If you’re looking for a solution that can handle complex document workflows and offers great customer support, Knackly is the top pick.

Knackly is designed to make automation simple, even if you’re not tech-savvy. With ready-made templates, dynamic forms, and a “Do It For You” plan, it helps you get up and running fast, with expert support every step of the way.

In fact, firms using Knackly have reported cutting document drafting time from 80 hours to just 4 hours.

Want to see how much time you could save? Book a free 30-minute demo today.