Knackly vs. Gavel
Legal teams are making the switch to Knackly for a reason. Explore how our modern platform compares to Gavel for both simple and complex document automation.
Overall
4.6
Out of 5
4.9
Out of 5
What's the difference between Knackly and Gavel?
Knackly gives you the same core automation power as Gavel, just with more flexibility, deeper integrations, and fewer limitations as your document needs grow. It's built for legal teams that need a platform that can keep up with real-world complexity- whether that's automating multi-step processes or managing large document sets.
Built for complex workflows
Gavel handles basic document assembly, but things get tricky with branching logic or multi-document projects. Knackly is designed to automate even the most complex workflows without coding or workarounds.
Easier to scale and maintain
As your template library grows, Gavel can become hard to update and reuse. Knackly's object-oriented system lets you change variables or logic once and apply those updates everywhere.
Integrated with your entire stack
Gavel offers limited integrations on higher-tier plans. Knackly connects with Clio, Filevine, NetDocuments, DocuSign, and 8,000+ apps via Zapier-keeping your data synced across every tool you use.
6 reasons to choose Knackly over Gavel
Still deciding? Here are six reasons legal teams are switching from Gavel to Knackly.
Faster, easier setup from day one
Switching from Gavel doesn't mean starting over. Knackly's intuitive, no-code builder makes it easy to recreate your existing templates and workflows - often in a fraction of the time it would take to build them in Gavel.
- Build complex interviews visually without scripting
- Reuse variables and logic across multiple templates without duplication
- Set up multi-step workflows quickly, even for complex document sets
Automate once, use It everywhere
Gavel supports conditional logic, but it's limited when workflows get more complex. Building advanced branching or reusing dynamic data often means creating extra steps or separate workflows, which slows teams down. Knackly removes that redundancy.
- Define your logic once and reuse it across templates and workflows
- Interviews automatically adapt based on each document's needs
- Fewer steps mean fewer mistakes and faster automation
Build dynamic forms without coding
Gavel supports conditional logic, but it's limited when workflows get more complex. Building advanced branching or reusing dynamic data often means creating extra steps or separate workflows, which slows teams down. Knackly's visual builder lets you handle even complex logic with ease.
- Create branching logic, filters, and lists without writing a single line of code
- Reuse data across multiple templates without duplicating work
- Pull data dynamically from integrated apps, Knackly records, or custom APIs
Grow your practice through efficiency & accuracy
Draft high-quality, accurate documents in a fraction of the time without spending thousands or hiring more staff. Spend the time you save proactively helping your clients and winning new business. That's how Knackly users grow their practices.
Generate multiple documents from a single intake
In Gavel, generating multiple documents often means setting up separate workflows or linking projects manually. Knackly makes it simple. You can generate entire document sets from a single client intake without duplicating work.
- Automatically show only the questions relevant to each document
- Name documents using text and variables
- Output both Word and PDF files at the same time
Integrate with the tools you already use
Gavel's integration options are narrower in scope, and some advanced connections are only available on higher-tier plans. Knackly offers deeper, built-in integrations with tools like Clio, NetDocuments, and Zapier - plus an open API for custom connections - all without extra cost.
- Sync client data with Clio, Filevine, NetDocuments, and more
- Automate workflows with 8,000+ apps through Zapier
- Use embedded eSignature and document storage tools without leaving Knackly
Want a deeper look at why legal teams are moving away from Gavel?
Read our full breakdown of Gavel alternatives.
Knackly vs. Gavel: Feature-by-feature breakdown
| Pricing | Transparent pricing with advanced features included. | Tiered plans with key tools locked behind higher pricing. |
| Implementation | Fast setup with a no-code builder and reusable logic. | Easy for basics, but scaling requires more manual setup. |
| Time Savings | Shared logic and automation cut setup and maintenance time. | Becomes time-consuming as workflows get more complex. |
| Client Data Reuse | Centralized data easily reused across projects. | Limited data reuse - often needs re-entry. |
| Multi-Document Generation | Create multiple documents from one intake. | Often requires separate workflows or manual linking. |
| Integrations | Connect with Clio, NetDocuments, DocuSign, Zapier, and more. | Fewer integrations, some only on higher plans. |
| API & Customization | Full Open API for custom integrations. | No open API - customization is limited. |
Our customers are happy. Yours will be too!
It's not just us-buyers on Capterra are saying the same thing about their experience with Knackly.
Ease of Use
4.2
Out of 5
Customer Service
4.2
Out of 5
Overall
4.6
Out of 5
Features
4.4
Out of 5
Value for Money
5.0
Out of 5
Customer Service
4.2
Out of 5
Value for Money
5.0
Out of 5
Knackly trusted by more than 150+ companies across the globe
Trusted by legal teams nationwide
If your automation needs extend beyond the Gavel ecosystem, Knackly is the clear winner.
"This is a really great product. It is still being refined. Eventually this will be the product to use regardless. There are still some missing features that some people might miss but overall really great."
Michael S.
Operations Manager
"I've been able to do everything I have needed to do in Knackly so far. I like using the external client interviews and look forward to the coming improvements they will release."
Daniel V.
Attorney
"I'm still in the implementation phase but so far it is an amazing product. There is a little bit of a learning curve but the customer support is fabulous!"
Noel M.
Owner
Gavel or Knackly? It's an easy choice!
If you're ready to move beyond basic document assembly, Knackly is the clear winner. Knackly's document automation improves how you create legal and business documents. Instead of manually editing templates or copying old files, you fill out a guided form that captures all necessary information. The system then assembles a perfectly formatted document tailored to each client or case - automatically and instantly.
This means fewer mistakes, stronger consistency, and significant time savings. Whether you're creating contracts, estate plans, letters, or intake forms, document automation empowers your team to work smarter and deliver professional results faster than ever before. Getting started is simple with flexible monthly or annual plans, and you can cancel anytime for any reason.
Start building faster, smarter workflows today.