The 9 Best HotDocs Alternatives for Document Automation

If you’ve been using HotDocs for legal document automation, you’re probably familiar with its strengths – and its limitations.

While it’s a solid tool, it doesn’t always check every box, especially for businesses that are looking to automate faster or want a more proactive workflow.

The good news? There are plenty of alternatives that not only match what HotDocs offers but go beyond with smarter intakes, streamlined workflows, and error-free document creation. Whether you’re in law, lending, or any field that deals with heaps of paperwork, these tools are designed to make your life easier.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best HotDocs alternatives so you can find the right fit for your needs.

What Is HotDocs?

HotDocs is a document automation platform that simplifies the creation of complex, customizable documents.

It’s a popular choice for law firms, financial institutions, and businesses that deal with repetitive paperwork because it turns frequently used legal documents into smart templates – saving time and reducing mistakes.

Key features

• Template automation: Turn your go-to documents into reusable templates that adapt to different scenarios.
• Conditional logic: Automatically include or exclude parts of a document based on the details you provide.
• Data integration: Connect with your CRM or database to pull in client info without retyping anything.
• Workflow automation: Streamline how documents are created, reviewed, and finalized.
• Compliance and security: Keep your documents accurate and meet legal requirements effortlessly.
• Cloud or on-premise options: Choose between cloud-based access or local installation, depending on what works best for your team.

Pricing

HotDocs doesn’t make its pricing public. It is said that entry-level plans start at around $75 per user monthly, but bigger setups with enterprise-level features can cost more. You’ll need to contact them for a customized quote.

Why Look for a HotDocs Alternative?

HotDocs has long been a go-to for document automation, especially in legal and financial circles. But recently, some users have started looking for alternatives.

Why? Let’s break it down:

Significant price increase

One of the biggest reasons people are moving away from HotDocs is the recent price hike. They’ve shifted to a subscription-based model, and reports suggest the cost has more than doubled for many users.

For small firms or solo practitioners, this can make HotDocs tough to justify, especially when there are other tools that offer similar (or even better) functionality for less.

Steep learning curve

Setting up document templates and workflows within HotDocs often requires advanced skills, like coding or deep technical knowledge. For users who don’t have the time – or the budget for a tech expert – it can be overwhelming.

Lack of flexibility

While HotDocs does what it’s designed for, it’s not always the most flexible tool. Some users find it challenging to integrate with other systems or pull data from different sources.

It has also struggled with compatibility issues, like working in a MAC for template automation.

Changing needs and new tools

The way businesses handle documents is evolving. Many firms now prioritize features like client-facing forms, seamless integrations, and proactive workflows. While HotDocs has its strengths, it hasn’t kept up in these areas. This has prompted users to explore alternatives that better align with their current needs.

Top 9 HotDocs Alternatives

Let’s take a look at the best alternatives to HotDocs:

1. Knackly

Ideal for automating complex legal documents with smart intake forms.

Knackly is a modern legal document automation tool designed to save time and reduce errors in repetitive workflows. By focusing on simplicity and efficiency, Knackly helps businesses create legal documents faster without sacrificing accuracy.

Key features

• Intake Builder™: Automatically collects the right information with dynamic, easy-to-follow questionnaires – no manual tweaking needed.
• External Intakes™: Lets clients fill out their own info through simple online forms, which are then added directly to the right documents.
• Automatic document selection: Picks the correct documents for each case, saving time and cutting down on errors.
• No duplicate data entry: Enter information once and reuse it across multiple documents – no more repeating yourself.
• Customizable document templates: Easily create and tweak templates to fit your specific business needs for more personalized documents.
• Seamless integrations: Knackly fits seamlessly into your existing workflows with integrations like Clio and Microsoft OneDrive. This means you can automate documents without overhauling the tools you already trust.
• Enterprise-grade security: Protect client and case data with AWS-powered encryption, automated backups, and role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure only authorized users access sensitive documents.

Dive deeper into Knackly’s features here.

Pricing

With straightforward pricing and no hidden fees, Knackly offers enterprise-level automation without breaking the bank:

• Plus: $250 per month for 4 users, suitable for small teams needing essential document automation features. Additional functionalities such as client intakes, PDF automation, and third-party integrations.
• Do It For You: $500 per month, includes Knackly automating your documents for you.
• Professional: $999 per month, designed for larger organizations requiring advanced features, including API access and support for up to 12 users.

Additional users can be added to any tier for an extra fee ranging from $35 to $50 per user per month.

Best for

Knackly is perfect for law firms, loan companies, and other businesses dealing with repetitive document workflows that need a straightforward tool capable of handling even the most complex tasks with ease.

2. Clio

Ideal for managing legal cases, billing, and documents in a single cloud-based platform.

Clio is a cloud-based legal practice management tool that simplifies everything from case management and time tracking to billing and client communication. Its user-friendly design and broad integrations make it a favorite among legal professionals looking for an all-in-one solution.

Key features

• Case management: Keep all your case details – documents, contacts, and communications – organized in one place.
• Time and expense tracking: Easily track billable hours and expenses without any guesswork.
• Billing and invoicing: Generate invoices and accept payments online to speed up cash flow.
• Calendar and task management: Schedule appointments, manage deadlines, and assign tasks seamlessly.
• Document management: Store and collaborate on different document types securely.

NOTE: Clio integrates seamlessly with Knackly to help users who are struggling to automate their documents. Together, these tools can simplify workflows and ensure data accuracy – saving time on repetitive tasks.

Want to see how they work together? Check out Knackly’s Clio integration.

Pricing

• EasyStart: $39/user per month (billed annually) – Basic features like time tracking and case management.
• Essentials: $79/user per month (billed annually) – Includes document automation and third-party integrations.
• Advanced: $109/user per month (billed annually) – Adds advanced reporting and priority support.
• Complete: $139/user per month (billed annually) – Combines all features, including client intake tools through Clio Grow.

Best for

Clio is great for small and mid-sized law firms that need an all-in-one tool for managing cases, billing, and client communication.

However, its document automation features are limited, making it less ideal for firms with complex document workflows (though this can be addressed with its integration with Knackly).

3. PandaDoc

Ideal for streamlining eSignatures with a user-friendly interface.

PandaDoc is a document automation platform designed to make creating, sending, and eSigning documents like proposals and contracts easier. It’s a popular choice for businesses focused on sales and client-facing workflows.

Key features

• Document generation: Easily build documents with a drag-and-drop editor and access over 1,000 pre-made templates.
• eSignatures: Collect legally binding electronic signatures to eliminate paperwork and speed up approvals.
• Workflow automation: Automate approvals and track document status in real-time to keep things moving.
• Content library: Save reusable content blocks and templates for consistent, time-saving document creation.

Pricing

• Free eSign: $0/month – Unlimited uploads and eSignatures.
• Essentials: $19/user per month (billed annually) – Document templates, editor, and 24/7 support.
• Business: $49/user per month (billed annually) – CRM integrations, custom branding, and a content library.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing – Advanced features like API access, enhanced security, and custom roles.

Best for

PandaDoc is great for sales teams, marketing professionals, and businesses that need a quick and efficient way to manage documents and collect signatures.

However, while the basics are straightforward, advanced features like automation and complex workflows can take time to master.

4. Gavel.io

Known for building guided legal workflows with interactive client intake forms.

Gavel is a document automation tool built specifically for legal professionals that makes it easier to create moderatly complex legal documents and manage workflows. It’s designed to handle the nitty-gritty of legal document generation while keeping things organized and efficient.

Key features

• Document automation: Quickly generate PDF and Word documents with advanced formatting and logic.
• Customizable workflows: Add  complex logic to guide document creation for more accuracy.
• Client collaboration: Clients can securely input their information through an easy-to-use portal.
• Integrated payments: Use built-in payment tools to package and deliver online legal services.

Pricing

• Lite: $83/month (billed annually) – Includes basic automation for 10 templates.
• Standard: $210/month (billed annually) – Adds features like branding and integrations with 50 templates.
• Pro: $290/month (billed annually) – Includes payment collection, custom domains, and 100 templates.
• Scale: Starting at $417/month (billed annually) – Custom features for large-scale operations.

Best for

Gavel is a great choice for law firms and legal professionals looking to automate document creation while keeping workflows tailored to their needs. 

However, it doesn’t offer as many integrations as some competitors, which could be a downside for teams relying on a variety of tools to manage their workflows.  It can’t handle as complex of templates as some other solutions.

5. Smokeball

Known for automatic time tracking alongside legal document and case management.

Smokeball is a cloud-based legal practice management tool that helps law firms stay organized and productive. It combines document automation, time tracking, billing, and client management into one easy-to-use platform, making it a good choice for busy legal teams.

Key features

• Document automation: Generate documents automatically using client and case details.
• Time and activity tracking: Automatically track your work so you never miss billable hours.
• Email management: Sync with Outlook to save and organize emails directly under the right case.
• Legal billing and trust accounting: Simplify invoicing, payments, and trust accounting all in one place.
• Client portal: Give clients secure access to their documents and a convenient way to share information.

Pricing

Smokeball doesn’t list its prices publicly. You’ll need to contact them directly for a custom quote.

Best for

Smokeball is ideal for small to mid-sized law firms that want a one-stop shop for managing cases, documents, and billing. 

However, it’s worth noting that it is built primarily for Windows and doesn’t currently offer a cloud solution, which could be a hassle for teams that rely on other operating systems.

6. DocuGenerate

Known for bulk document generation using Word templates.

DocuGenerate is a flexible platform that simplifies creating documents like contracts, invoices, and certificates. With its easy-to-use API and web app, you can generate PDFs from Word templates and various data sources.

Key features

• Template-based document creation: Upload Word templates, add merge tags, and let DocuGenerate do the rest.
• File format flexibility: Works with multiple formats like DOCX, JSON, Excel, and CSV, so you can use what fits your workflow.
• Integrations: Connect with tools like Zapier and Make to seamlessly tie document creation into your existing systems.
• Scalability: Handles large-scale document generation, making it great for businesses of all sizes.

Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/month – Includes basic features with limited document generation.
• Starter Plan: $19/month – Suitable for small teams or businesses with moderate document generation needs.
• Custom Plan: Pricing varies – Designed for larger organizations needing higher volumes or advanced features.

Exact pricing for higher-tier plans can vary based on usage and requirements.

Best for

DocuGenerate is great for businesses that need to automate document creation and integrate it into their workflows. 

However, the advanced features can take some time to learn, so it’s better suited for teams ready to invest a bit in setup.

7. Docassemble

Known for custom legal automation with open-source flexibility and guided interviews.

Docassemble is a free, open-source tool for creating guided interviews and automating document assembly. It’s highly customizable, so it is a great option for those who want full control over their workflows without spending a fortune.

Key features

• Guided interviews: Build interactive forms to collect user information in a smart, efficient way.
• Document assembly: Automatically generate PDFs, Word docs, or other formats based on the data you gather.
• Customizable with Python: Add your own logic and integrations to make it work exactly how you need it.
• Multilingual support: Create interviews in multiple languages to reach a wider audience.
• API integration: Connect with other tools and systems to keep your workflows seamless.

Pricing

Docassemble itself is free, but hosting and setup may involve some costs:

• Hosting Costs: $10–$40/month, depending on your server requirements.
• Customization Costs: If you’re not tech-savvy, you might need to hire a developer to set it up.
• Optional Add-Ons: Costs may vary depending on third-party tools or integrations you choose to use.

Best for

Docassemble is ideal for professionals who need a flexible and affordable way to automate documents and collect data.

However, it’s better suited for those with some technical skills, as setup and customization can be quite complex.

8. Contract Express

Known for high-volume contract automation with natural language template creation.

Contract Express, developed by Thomson Reuters, is a document automation tool designed to make legal drafting faster and more efficient. It’s built with law firms and corporate legal teams in mind, as it simplifies the creation, approval, and execution of legal documents.

Key features

• Intuitive markup: Use plain language in Microsoft Word to create templates.
• Questionnaire technology: Draft documents quickly and accurately with guided questionnaires.
• Integrations: Connect seamlessly with tools like Salesforce, iManage, DocuSign, and Adobe Sign to keep everything in sync.
• Compliance tools: Built-in features ensure documents meet legal standards and reduce errors.

Pricing

Contract Express doesn’t list pricing publicly. You’ll need to reach out to Thomson Reuters for a custom quote.

Best for

Contract Express is ideal for law firms and legal teams that need a reliable tool to automate contracts and legal documents. 

However, it’s primarily designed for larger firms or teams with a robust budget, which might make it less accessible for smaller organizations or solo practitioners.

9. Juro

Known for AI-powered contract review and negotiation in a centralized workspace.

Juro is an AI-powered contract automation platform that streamlines the entire contract lifecycle, from creation to execution. It’s designed to help legal and business teams manage contracts more efficiently, all within a single, user-friendly workspace.

Key features

• Automated templates: Create contracts faster with pre-approved templates.
• Collaborative workflow: Work on contracts with your team or clients in real-time, all within the platform.
• AI assistance: Let AI handle the heavy lifting by drafting, reviewing, or summarizing contracts for you.
• E-signatures: Sign contracts electronically on any device – no printing or scanning needed.
• Centralized storage: Keep all your contracts in one searchable database for quick access and compliance tracking.

Pricing

• Basic Plan: Designed for small teams, covering essential features for up to 2 users.
• Custom Plans: Tailored options for larger teams or advanced requirements—pricing depends on what you need.

For specifics, you’ll need to contact Juro directly.

Best for

Juro is great for teams that want a one-stop solution to automate and manage contracts efficiently. 

However, the platform can take some getting used to, especially if you’re diving into its more advanced features.

What to Look for in a Great Document Automation Tool

Here are some key features to keep an eye out for when looking for better alternatives to HotDocs:

Smart data collection:
Look for tools that simplify the intake process, ideally with dynamic forms or questionnaires that adapt to your needs. No one wants to waste time manually tweaking fields!

Client-friendly portals:
Your clients should be able to fill out their information easily and securely. Bonus points if the tool pipes that data directly into your documents.

Automatic document selection:
A good platform will know which forms to generate based on the data you provide – no more second-guessing.

Error-free workflows:
Say goodbye to repetitive data entry. The software should let you enter information once and reuse it across multiple documents.

Custom templates:
Flexibility is key. The right tool should let you create and modify templates to fit your unique workflows.

Integration capabilities:
It’s a must to connect with your favorite tools like CRMs, practice management systems, or eSignature platforms.

Which HotDocs Alternative Is Best for You?

If HotDocs isn’t working for you – whether it’s the price, complexity, or lack of flexibility – it’s time to find a better solution.

A great document automation platform should save you time, reduce errors, and handle even the most complex workflows with ease.

Knackly is the best legal document automation software for businesses that need a tool that is simple to use but powerful enough to handle even the most complex workflows.

With dynamic forms, reusable templates, and seamless integrations, it’s designed to make your workflow smoother; especially if you’re in law, finance, or any field dealing with repetitive documents.

Want to see how it works? Book a 30-minute demo today and discover how Knackly can transform the way you work!