HotDocs 4.2 and HotDocs 6.x are NO LONGER supported by HotDocs, and for good reason. Those programs were developed with the best-of-breed features for that day (Windows95 and Word95). There are now new approaches and new features that have transformed HotDocs from a power-assembler for templates into a powerhouse tool for building document and work-flow applications. You should really look at some of our document assembly demos to see what HotDocs can do now.
If you are still sitting on the fence, consider this. There are no more signed macros for older versions of HotDocs. There is no compatability for recent wordprocessors. If you are working with Office2007 and Windows Vista, you MUST SWITCH. Even if you are working with OfficeXP, you should really upgrade. There will be some c Others major additionsompatability issues. Moreover, the knowledgebase assumes that you are working with HotDocs 6.1 or higher and thus a number of the instructions and approach simply will not work.
101+ Reasons to Upgrade
Nearly every feature and utility of HotDocs has been improved since HotDocs 5.x. We went through the HotDocs help file, courtesy of LexisNexis(r) and identified those new features and improvements that have been added since HotDocs 5.x was released. There are hundreds of improvements; many of them major redesigns. Others are major additions to value, such as folding in HotDocs Database Connection for free into the core product. For your convenience, we list, by release, the key improvements to HotDocs. Note, we have excluded listings for improvements to HotDocs Automator (aka PDF Advantage) which were also quite substantial.
- New features in HotDocs 6
- New features in HotDocs 6.1
- New features in HotDocs 6.2
- New features in HotDocs 2005
- New features in HotDocs 2006
- New features in HotDocs 2007
- New features in HotDocs 2008
- New features in HotDocs 2009
Basha Systems can ease the transition
Basha Systems has been working with HotDocs since HotDocs 5.x came out. We pushed the limits of HotDocs 5.x in our coding. At least a few of the features of later versions were the result of our discussions with HotDocs programmers. So, when it comes to upgrading from HotDocs 4 or HotDocs 5.x, we can help. You will be able to preserve much of the coding work and logic. However, you are well advised to revisit the document interview. We have the ability to map out what you did in your exisiting system, and build a smooth roadmap to an improved and upgrade system in HotDocs 2007.
Some of the Features You May Have Missed
HotDocs 6 Upgrade
HotDocs 6 represented a fundamental redesign of HotDocs from the ground up. It was nothing short of a complete reengineering of the product. While it was “backwards compatible”, it opened a whole new manner of development.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| Use the new template library | The new template library contains several additional buttons and new menu items that allow you to perform multiple template development and document assembly tasks, including managing the contents of the library more efficiently. The toolbar and menus also make it easier to access other HotDocs tools, including Component Manager, HotDocs Options, Answer File Manager, Component Explorer, and the Assembly Queue. The library window is divided into two panes: the left pane shows the list of templates, clause libraries, and other library items, while the right pane shows tabbed views of either the item’s properties (such as the file type and title) or a preview of the library item. | |
| Create a new template | HotDocs gives you more control over the type of template you want to create by including a type drop-down list at the New Template dialog box. This lists all the different template formats available, based on the supported word processors you are currently using. Template titles are automatically generated based on template file names; however, you can change the title to something more descriptive. | |
| New HotDocs editing toolbar | The look of the existing HotDocs editing toolbar has changed, and three new buttons have been added: the Clause Library button (displays the clause library associated with the template), the Edit Component button (bypasses the Variable Field dialog box and lets you edit the component properties of a variable while at the template), and the HotDocs Help button (easier to access information in the Help files directly from the word processor window). | |
| Create variable fields and variable components | Now when you create variables, there is greater distinction between the variable field and the variable component. For example, when you first create a variable at the template, the Variable Field dialog box appears, where you can assign a variable type, name, and any field-specific properties. Then, from the Variable Field dialog box, you can click the Edit Component button to display the Variable Editor. At this dialog box, you can assign component-specific properties, such as prompts and resources. | |
| Assign either default or field-specific formats | You can assign answer formats, field formats (such as field widths, alignment, and fill characters), and merge text (for Multiple Choice variables) either at the Variable Field dialog box, or the Variable Editor. If you assign them at the Variable Field dialog box, they are available for that specific instance of the variable only. If you assign these properties at the Variable Editor, they become a default property of the component and will be available each time you use the variable in the template. | |
| Use Multiple Choice variables | At the Multiple Choice Variable Editor, you can now provide prompts for each multiple choice option. Also, if you want to further customize each row of options, you can do so by clicking the Options tab and making your changes. These include adding longer prompts and merge text, and pre-selecting options for the user. | |
| Assign resources | Formerly known as variable and dialog help: The name for this type of help has been changed to resources to better distinguish between HotDocs Help (the documentation provided with the software) and template developer help (the help assigned by you). You also can now use an HTML Help (.CHM) file as a source file for variable and dialog resources. | |
| New Component Manager | With the enhanced distinction between fields and components, Component Manager becomes the preferred method for editing components in a template, including variables and dialogs. Component Manager is now a sizeable dialog box that can be arranged next to the template window so that you can work in both windows simultaneously. Using Component Manager, you can edit as many components at a time as you want. You can also drag variables from Component Manager and drop them directly in the template. | |
| Component sharing | The process for sharing component files has been improved. For example, the Pointed Component File button in the Component Manager toolbar makes it more apparent a component file is pointed (for example, versus ), and the actual process of finding the component file and pointing it is much more intuitive. | |
| Change Component File properties | At the Component File Properties dialog box, you can now specify a product title for the template you are creating. You can also have HotDocs hide the interview outline for the template during assembly as well as have HotDocs generate default dialog titles. The interface for several existing properties has changed, as well. | |
| Copy components using Component Manager | You can expand the Component Manager window to show another component file’s list of components, from which you can copy into the current component file. (You can no longer copy out of the current component file, however.) | |
| IF, INSERT, ASK, and REPEAT instructions | All of the dialog boxes for inserting IF, INSERT, ASK, and REPEAT instruction fields have changed. At each of these dialog boxes, you can choose a specific type of field you want to merge, and then edit the underlying component. | |
| Use clauses and clause libraries | The process of creating clauses and clause libraries is now much easier. You can open a clause library from the template-editing toolbar, and it can stay displayed as long as you need, allowing you to work in both the template and the clause library simultaneously. | |
| Use Dialog Editor to edit dialogs | The Dialog Editor includes tabs for customizing a dialog. A Find option has also been added to make searching for specific variables, clauses, or dialogs easier. When you are at the Script tab of the Dialog Editor, you can click the Variables drop-down button and select Variables in Dialog to see only the variables used in that specific dialog. This makes it easier to create dialog scripts since you can limit the list of variables to show only those used in the current dialog. | |
| Assign titles to dialogs | You can now assign titles to dialogs. The dialog title replaces the dialog name in the interview outline. | |
| Change the layout of a dialog | In earlier versions of HotDocs, to change the placement of variables in a dialog, you had to test the dialog and make your changes directly in the test dialog. Now, you can click the Layout tab of the Dialog Editor and drag-and-drop variables there. | |
| Simultaneously test and edit variables, dialogs, and scripts | You can simultaneously test and edit components within a template (such as variables, dialogs, and scripts). When you do, HotDocs displays the variables and any corresponding answer fields in a test assembly window. You can leave that dialog open and make changes to the component and then update the dialog to see the changes implemented. Once you click OK at the Variable Editor, the changes are saved to the component file. | |
| Simultaneously test assemble and edit a template | You can test assemble all or a portion of a template while simultaneously making changes in the underlying template text. HotDocs will update the assembly window with changes you make. | |
| Save answers used for testing once | When you test a variable or test assemble a document, you are prompted to save your answers. Once you save them (using Test Answer File as the file name), HotDocs uses that test answer file for each subsequent test assembly. If needed, you can specify a new answer file or use a different answer file at the assembly window. | |
| Use Component Explorer | The Component Explorer tool lets you more closely manage components across a large number of component files, including removing unused components, renaming components in both the component and template file, and copying and pasting components between files. | |
| Choose an answer file for assembly | When you first select a template for assembly, HotDocs displays the Answer File dialog box, which allows you to choose an answer file to use with the assembly. (You no longer choose any other assembly options, such as assembling Question/Answer summaries, or viewing only unanswered variable questions. All of those options are now controlled directly in the assembly window.) | |
| View the new assembly interface | Once an assembly has started, the assembly window appears. By default, it is divided into three panes: the interview outline (or left pane) lists all the dialogs and variables asked in the template. When users click one of these items, the corresponding dialog appears in the dialog pane (or right pane). Users enter the required information in the answer fields and proceed through the interview until all the answers have been given. The interview outline is dynamic so items can be added and removed, depending on answers the user provides. Finally, if the template developer has provided helpful information about a dialog or a specific variable, that information appears in the third pane, the resource pane (below the dialog pane). | |
| Navigate an interview | You can click items in the interview outline in any order to complete the interview. You can also click buttons in the navigation bar at the bottom of the dialog pane. | |
| Use the new assembly toolbar buttons | The assembly toolbar buttons let you perform several different tasks, such as work with answers and answer files, send the assembled document to a word processor (so you can edit it), view the Assembly Queue, access HotDocs Options, view the resource pane, and perform other general tasks. | |
| Use the tabbed views of the assembly window | The assembly window contains several tabs that let you change your view of the assembly process. You can view any of these tabs at various times during assembly and the information contained therein will be current. These tabs include:
For the most part, the contents of these different tabs can be saved as word processor or HTML documents, and can be attached to e-mail messages. | |
| View the End of Interview dialog | When you complete an interview, the End of Interview dialog appears. It contains information about unanswered variables as well as gives instructions and options for working with the assembled document. (The End of Interview icon always appears in the interview outline.) | |
| Use the resource pane | HotDocs now displays template developer’s resource information (formerly known as variable or dialog help) in the resource pane of the assembly window. By default, this pane is continually displayed; however, you can hide and show it as needed. You can also specify an option (at HotDocs Options) that displays a resource button next to answer fields that contain resources. | |
| Preview the assembled document | As you complete an interview, you can click on the Preview tab to view your document during assembly. Any answers you have given are merged into the text, while any answers that are still needed are marked by unanswered variable placeholders. You cannot edit the text in the Preview tab, but once you finish an assembly, you can send a copy of the document to the word processor for post-assembly editing. | |
| Because of the way HotDocs renders assembled text in the Preview tab, the document sometimes will not show the formatting you see when you send a copy of the assembled document to the word processor. | ||
| Use Answer File Manager | The Answer File Manager has a newly designed interface (including a new toolbar) that makes it easier to view the properties as well as the contents of an answer file. | |
| Change answer files during assembly | As you assemble a document, you can change the answer file you are using. When you do, HotDocs lets you save the current answer file and assembled document before you load a new answer file. | |
| Attach answer files, assembled documents to e-mail messages | You can attach answer files, assembled documents, and question and answer summaries to e-mail messages. | |
| Manage multiple assemblies using the assembly queue | When you select multiple templates for assembly, HotDocs automatically displays the Assembly Queue dialog box, which lists each template and its assembly status. Using this dialog box, you can change the order in which documents will be assembled, as well as add assemblies to and remove them from the queue. | |
| Change your HotDocs Options (formerly known as Settings or Preferences) | HotDocs now provides one central location-the HotDocs Options dialog box-to control how HotDocs operates. General options include template development, interview, and document assembly preferences, as well as file location management. | |
| Changes to HotDocs® Automator and Filler | Some changes have been made to more tightly integrate it with the new HotDocs 6 interface. These include some new toolbar buttons and menu items, as well as minor changes in various dialog boxes. Additionally, in the Document tab of the assembly window, you can type your answers directly in the form fields. If the template developer has created a custom interview (or allowed HotDocs to generate a default interview), you can move between the Interview and Document tabs to complete the interview. |
HotDocs 6.1 Upgrade
With HotDocs 6.1, the outline features and capabilities of HotDoc 6 were refined. Support was added for the then current version of WordPerfect and Microsoft Word. The ability to add comments (previously undocumented) was now made explicit and supported in both variables, dialogs, and computation scripts. With this change, the scripting language of HotDocs began the progression to supporting a greater rule set, moving HotDocs from “form filler” to a robust programming platform.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| New word processor support | HotDocs version 6.1 is now supported for use with Microsoft Word 2003 and WordPerfect 11. | |
| Use the new script editor | Several enhancements were made to the way you write computation, dialog, and expression scripts. These include customizable color coding for the different keywords and placeholders in a script, as well as Auto Complete functionality that allows you quicker access to instruction and expression keywords and component names. Additionally, you can more easily “comment” blocks of script, and match IFs with END IFs (and REPEATs with END REPEATs), among other things. |
Additionally, now, when including literal text strings in computation scripts, it is much easier to insert return characters as well as tabs. Support for HotDocs Database Connection 6.1The HotDocs Database Connection has been updated to work with HotDocs 6. (For a list of new features and enhancements to the Database Connection, see HotDocs Database ConnectionNew Features and Enhancements.) Control answer field widthsTemplate developers can now specify answer field widths for both regular answer fields and spreadsheet column widths. These changes are made at each variable’s Variable Editor. (Make your changes at the Advanced tab.) Tighter integration with document management programsThose integrating with document management systems now have greater control over the format of their saved answer files and assembled documents. These options are specified at the HotDocs Options dialog box, in the File Management folder (and the subsequent Advanced ODMA Settings folder). Customize the library Properties tabHTML-savvy developers can customize the Properties tab of the library window using custom HTML pages. Properties pages can be customized for individual files in the library, for a single library as a whole, for the main folder in a library, or for all libraries. Duplicate button improvedThe Duplicate button functionality (in Component Manager) has been improved. Template developers can duplicate a single variable, or they can “batch” duplicate several variables at once. Better control over inserted templatesHotDocs no longer tries to enforce the requirement that inserted files (such as templates and clause libraries) must be in the same folder as the host template. If the inserted file exists in a different folder, however, the path to that folder must be specified in the instruction. Changes to CLEAR and ADDWhen using the CLEAR and ADD instructions to populate a Multiple Choice variable, you can also ADD prompts for the options. @COMPUTE and @EXECUTE supportedThe instructions, @COMPUTE and @EXECUTE are now officially supported for use in dialog components. Publish templates with ASSEMBLE instructionsWhen publishing templates, you can now select to automatically publish any templates used in INSERT and ASSEMBLE instructions. (Previously, HotDocs would include templates specified only in INSERT instructions if this option were selected.) Add templates to a library using drag-and-dropIn addition to using the Add Template button or command to add templates to the HotDocs library, you can now drag templates (text, form, and interview) from Windows Explorer to the HotDocs template library list. Copy components both ways using Component ManagerWhen you are displaying a second component list at Component Manager, you can now copy components from the current component list into it. You can also delete and rename components in this second list. Selecting child dialogsSelecting grouped child dialogs in an interview is now more intuitive-you can either select the preceding check box (or option button) and then click the child dialog icon to display the dialog, or you can click the child dialog icon immediately. Doing this selects the check box (or option button) for you. (Selecting the check box or option button is imperative because it tells HotDocs to add the child dialog to the interview outline. It also lets you test whether a child dialog has been answered, as well as set a child dialog’s answered status to true or false.) Viewing resourcesResources assigned to both variables and dialogs now appear simultaneously in the Resource pane. (Before, either the variable or the dialog had to have “focus” for its corresponding resource to be visible.) Improvements to overall assembly processSeveral changes have been made to improve interview speed as well as dialog navigation. Customize dialog pane colorsYou can now change the background color of the dialog pane in the assembly window. These changes are specified at the HotDocs Options dialog box. Better document preview for Word templatesWhen previewing a Word template or assembled document, you can now get a much truer view of the document. Start HotDocs Automator from library windowYou can now start HotDocs Automator from the Tools menu of the HotDocs template library. New toolsHotDocs Automator and HotDocs Filler both include a new Fill Fields tool, which allows you to type text directly in the field. Improvements were also made to existing tools. Creating form templatesIf you have PDF Advantage installed and you create a new form template from Automator, HotDocs will first ask which type of form you want to create-a HotDocs form template (HFT) or a HotDocs PDF template (HPT). Handling form overflowWhen you print an assembled PDF-based form document, and the document contains unresolved answer overflow, HotDocs gives you three options for resolving the overflow1) review and change the answers or field properties, 2) send all overflowing answers to the addendum, or 3) ignore the overflow and leave the answer truncated. Viewing thumbnailsIf you are viewing thumbnails in HotDocs Automator or HotDocs Filler, HotDocs highlights the page number of the form page being viewed. This makes it easier to identify the thumbnail for the page you are currently viewing, especially in a form that contains many pages. Send addendum to word processorIf an addendum is created during assembly, you can now send the addendum directly to the default word processor, rather than the Clipboard. (This option is only available from the HotDocs assembly window. It is not available in HotDocs Filler.) [SP1] Auto complete while typing component namesAs you are creating components, HotDocs can now automatically complete the component name if what you are typing matches the name of an existing component. This was implemented to help you distinguish between new and existing components. (You can disable this feature at Tools > HotDocs Options > Template Development.) [SP1] Default Multiple Choice variable to multiple valuesMultiple Choice variables that have the Select All That Apply property set can now be defaulted to multiple values using the Automatically select this option check box at the Options tab. [SP1] SET Multiple Choice variable to multiple valuesMultiple Choice variables that have the Select All That Apply property set can now be SET to multiple values using an instruction (for example, SET MC Variable TO “Option 1|Option 2|Option 3”). (You must use the vertical bar character as the separator between options.) [SP1] LIMIT allows numeric expressionThe LIMIT instruction now accepts a numeric expression. (Previously you had to use a single variable to specify the limit.) [SP1] Force a paragraph break in text answersText variables now include a property called Enter key in multi-line answers inserts new paragraph mark (). This allows you to control what kind of break is inserted into multiple-line text when the user presses Enter. Because of this change, the option Enter key action in multiple-line fields was removed from HotDocs Options. [SP1] Drag variables from Component Manager to AutomatorYou can now drag variables from Component Manager and drop them directly on a form field in HotDocs Automator. If no field exists where the dropping occurs, a default field will be created. [SP1] Bypass assembly windowYou can now select an option at the Answer File dialog box at the beginning of an interview that allows you to skip the assembly window and immediately view the assembled document. [SP1] Check spelling of answersYou can now spell check answers at the Interview and Form Document tabs of the assembly window. [SP1] Auto complete while typing component namesAs you are creating components, HotDocs can now automatically complete the component name if what you are typing matches the name of an existing component. This was implemented to help you distinguish between new and existing components. (You can disable this feature at Tools > HotDocs Options > Template Development.) [SP1] Default Multiple Choice variable to multiple valuesMultiple Choice variables that have the Select All That Apply property set can now be defaulted to multiple values using the Automatically select this option check box at the Options tab. [SP1] SET Multiple Choice variable to multiple valuesMultiple Choice variables that have the Select All That Apply property set can now be SET to multiple values using an instruction (for example, SET MC Variable TO “Option 1|Option 2|Option 3”). (You must use the vertical bar character as the separator between options.) [SP1] LIMIT allows numeric expressionThe LIMIT instruction now accepts a numeric expression. (Previously you had to use a single variable to specify the limit.) [SP1] Force a paragraph break in text answersText variables now include a property called Enter key in multi-line answers inserts new paragraph mark (). This allows you to control what kind of break is inserted into multiple-line text when the user presses Enter. Because of this change, the option Enter key action in multiple-line fields was removed from HotDocs Options. [SP1] Drag variables from Component Manager to AutomatorYou can now drag variables from Component Manager and drop them directly on a form field in HotDocs Automator. If no field exists where the dropping occurs, a default field will be created. [SP1] Bypass assembly windowYou can now select an option at the Answer File dialog box at the beginning of an interview that allows you to skip the assembly window and immediately view the assembled document. [SP1] Check spelling of answersYou can now spell check answers at the Interview and Form Document tabs of the assembly window.
HotDocs 6.2
With HotDocs 6.2, even more scripting options were added. The ability to “Print to PDF” became an assembly option, if you had purchased PDF Advantage. The addition of a WHILE option, allows use of recursive coding, and also, became a way to do a workaround of HotDoc’s limitation of accessing repeating/collection data while inside another repeat/collection.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| New word processor support | HotDocs version 6.2 is now supported for use with WordPerfect 12. | |
| Troubleshoot problems in templates or scripts | You can now insert a DEBUG instruction either in your scripts or in your templates to help diagnose problems with automation. The HotDocs Debugger lets you step through a template field by field, or through a script line by line. It also lets you track variable answers as they change during the interview. Finally, it lets you view the sequential list of templates and components you are processing. This can help you understand the path of execution. | |
| Repeatedly loop through an answer or set of answers | The WHILE EXPRESSION instruction allows you to repeatedly process (or loop through) an answer or set of answers until a certain condition is met, such as a certain answer is found or a limit is reached. | |
| Increment temporary counters using new instruction | You can use the INCREMENT and DECREMENT instructions in a HotDocs script to increment or decrement a counter. Previously, this was done using SET instructions such as SET Num TO Num + 1. These instructions are useful when incrementing counter variables used in WHILE loops. | |
| Component Explorer redesigned and renamed to Template Manager | The purpose of Component Explorer was expanded to include template management features, such as template conversion and renaming (see below). This necessitated a change to the name of the tool. It is now called Template Manager. | |
| Convert templates to HotDocs 6 format or to RTF | Use Template Manager to convert large batches of templates or clauses either from HotDocs 5 format to HotDocs 6 format. Convert WordPerfect or Microsoft DOT templates to the faster RTF format. | |
| Rename templates | Use Template Manager to rename templates in a library. When renaming templates using this method, all associated files (such as component files, clause libraries, and so forth) will be renamed, as well. References to the renamed file will be updated throughout the library. | |
| New template navigation toolbar added to text templates | A new toolbar has been added to word processor templates that allows you to more quickly work with fields in the template. Specifically:
| |
| Double-click in Word fields to edit them | You can now double-click in a Word field to bring up the Variable Field dialog box for that variable. (This requires Word 2000 and above.) | |
| Control whether dialogs are asked automatically | The Dialog Editor now includes an Ask automatically option, which, when cleared, causes HotDocs not to ask the dialog when it is used in a REPEAT instruction or in an expression that refers to the dialog’s True/False status. This eliminates much of the need for ASK NONE instructions. | |
| Add comments to template fields | You can now add comments to the end of fields. After creating the field in your template, insert your cursor after the component name (or instruction), type two forward slashes, and then type your comment, for example, «Employee Name //comment». | |
| Keep the End of Interview dialog from appearing in users’ interviews | You can select a component file property that keeps the End of Interview dialog from appearing in the interview. When the user clicks Next at the last dialog in the interview, HotDocs will either send the assembled document to the word processor or it will display the Document tab, depending on which End of Interview action the user has defined at HotDocs Options. | |
| Sort components in Component Manager | You can now sort lists of components by type as well as alphabetically. In Component Manager, sorting is done using the new Sort Components button. In other component lists, sorting options are found on the shortcut menu. | |
| Edit components in second component list | If you have two component files open in Component Manager, you can now edit components in both component files. Previously, you could only modify components in the left pane. | |
| Online test a template from the template-not the library | You can online test templates directly from the template. (Previously, you had to close the template and test from the template library.) To do this, press the Shift key as you click the Test Assemble button. | |
| New unanswered variable placeholder added | A new unanswered variable placeholder has been added. It inserts the variable name between square brackets, for example [Variable]. You can choose this option either at the Component File Properties dialog box or at HotDocs Options. | |
| Generate templates from marked up documents | Markup editors can mark up a document for automation using the HotDocs Markup Tool. Once marked up, you can use the Template Set Generator to convert the documents to HotDocs templates. (Contact your HotDocs sales representative for details on purchasing a license for the Markup Tool and Template Set Generator.) | |
| New PDF printing options added to HotDocs print function | When printing a nonstandard-sized PDF form using the HotDocs print function, you can choose the paper size that most closely matches the page size, or you can scale the content of the page to fit the printable area. (Requires HotDocs PDF Advantage.) | |
| Rearrange entries in a repeated list, and remove or add entries any place in the list | When entering sets of answers in a repeated dialog, you can now move entries around in the list as well as add or remove entries. | |
| Changes to End of Interview dialog | The following changes have been made to improve the End of Interview dialog:
| |
| Finish Interview button added to navigation bar | A new button was added to the navigation bar which allows you to skip any remaining questions in the interview and view the assembled document. You can choose whether to view the document at the Document tab or whether to send the document to the word processor or HotDocs Filler. HotDocs will perform this same action when the End of Interview dialog is hidden and you navigate past the last dialog in the interview. | |
| Send assembled documents to the word processor that matches the template type | You now have two options for sending the assembled document to the word processor-you can either send to the default word processor always or send to the word processor that matches the template type. You select your preference at HotDocs Options. | |
| New unanswered variable placeholder added | A new unanswered variable placeholder has been added. It inserts the variable name between square brackets, for example [Variable]. You can choose this option at HotDocs Options. All variables that do not have a specific placeholder assigned will use this placeholder. | |
| Save As option added to Save Answers dialog box | Now, when you close the assembly window, you have the option of saving existing answers to either the current answer file or a new answer file. | |
| Choose where assembly window tabs are placed | You can now choose to have the assembly window tabs (Interview, Document Preview, etc.) displayed either along the top or along the bottom of the assembly window. |
HotDocs 2005 Upgrade
With HotDocs 2005, some of the features first introduced in HotDocs 6 were reworked and made more robust. Additional functions were added to bring greater programmability. A number of features were “fixed” to function was they should have done. And with the introduction of document preview, the outline interface gave you “real-time” results.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| Database Connection | HotDocs Database Connection is now included with all licenses for HotDocs Professional. Database Connection allows you to retrieve answers from a database. (To install the Database Connection, see Install the HotDocs Database Connection.) | |
| Changes to HotDocs Server templates and interviews | HotDocs Server 2005 has been redesigned to display browser-based interviews that more closely match desktop interviews. When creating templates for use with HotDocs Server, you must first enable them to be used on the server. (You do this at the Component File Properties dialog box.) Once templates are enabled, they will be checked for features that are incompatible with the server or Web browser. Additionally, enabling the template will let you test the template in a simulated browser environment. (See View an Interview in a Web Browser.) To use the new style of interviews, you must regenerate the JavaScript (.JS) files and HotDocs Variable Collection (.HVC) files. You can do this by republishing your templates. (First make sure they are enabled for HotDocs Server.) | |
| Override parent template headers and footers with those in inserted templates | When you insert templates and clauses, you can now select options that allow you to keep the headers and footers in the inserted files, rather than have them overwritten by the parent template’s headers and footers. This is useful if you either want to create a master document containing several subdocuments, or you want the headers/footers defined in one of the inserted templates to be the headers/footers for the entire document. (See Use Headers and Footers in Inserted Templates.) | |
| Use symbol fonts for answers in text templates | In text templates, can now assign symbolic character fonts (as well as standard character fonts) for answers in your document. This is useful if users’ answers must appear in a non-standard font, such as a bar code. (See Control How Answers Appear in the Assembled Document.) | |
| Use non-breaking spaces and hyphens in variable formats | Often, you need a user’s answer to stay on a single line in the assembled document. Now you can assign an example format that will keep answers from breaking at the end of a line of text. (See Format the Variable.) | |
| Access a Microsoft Outlook Contacts list | You can now link an answer source to your address book in Microsoft Outlook. This allows you to retrieve information you’re already storing in Outlook and use that information in your documents. (See Let Users Retrieve Answers from an Outlook Contacts List.) | |
| Edit answers directly at the Document Preview tab | When previewing an assembled document, you can choose to have HotDocs identify the answers you have entered. Once you are viewing these answers, you can edit the answers (by double-clicking on the field). (This feature is available to Microsoft Word users only. Additionally, it is only enabled if the template provider has enabled it.) (See Edit Answers at the Document Preview Tab.) | |
| Navigate through answer fields in the document | If you are viewing either an assembled Word document or an assembled form document, you can use the new Navigation Bar to move between answers fields on the document. Specifically, you can move between all answers, unanswered questions only, or matching answers (for example, just those answers that are the same). Additionally, you can have HotDocs take you to the dialog in the interview where the question is asked. (Moving through fields at the Document Preview tab is available to Microsoft Word users only. Additionally, it is only enabled if the template provider has enabled it.) (See Edit Answers at the Document Preview Tab.) | |
| Compare different versions of a document at the assembly window | When HotDocs Compare is installed, you can answer questions in the interview one way, save a snapshot of the document, and then answer questions differently so you can compare versions of the document. Additionally, you can save multiple versions of a snapshot to use in the comparisons you are doing. (HotDocs Compare is available to Microsoft Word users only.) (See Overview: HotDocs Compare.) | |
| Copy templates to new locations on disk | In addition to moving templates using the Move Templates command, you can copy templates to new locations using the new Copy Templates command. When you copy templates, you create a copy of the template in a new location. Additionally, you can designate that the copied file be marked as read-only. (See Copy Templates to New Locations.) | |
| [SP1] Save component files in HotDocs 6 or HotDocs 2005 format | When HotDocs 2005 was released, you had to upgrade your component file to the latest version. You can now designate a component file property that saves the component file eitcan use all of the functionality of HotDocs 2005). See Change Component File Properties. If you want to use HotDocs 2005 to develop your templates but you want them to be compatible with HotDocs 6, do not use any HotDocs 2005-specific features (such as non-breaking spaces) or the features implemented in this release (described in this topic). If you do, you may see unexpected results. | |
| [SP1] Changes to Component File Properties dialog box | The Component File Properties dialog box has been redesigned and now includes tabs to differentiate between the different types of properties. See Change Component File Properties. | |
| [SP1] Add titles to variables | You can now specify a title, or alternate name, for a variable. Sometimes you use variable names that are useful for you during template development, but not useful for users during an interview. For example, maybe you name your variables with some type of variable notation, like Client name TE. To a user, this name, if seen in an interview, may not make much sense. Here, a title (Client’s Name) can be used in place of the variable name. (See Understand How Component Titles and Prompts Are Used.) | |
| [SP1] Assign a label to the entire repeated series | You can now assign a label to the entire repeated series, which lets you customize the dialog title for each individual repetition in the list. (See Customize Repeat Titles.) | |
| [SP1] Copy Multiple Choice options, prompts, and merge text and paste them into other spreadsheets | You can copy data from other spreadsheets or tables and paste it into the Multiple Choice Variable Editor spreadsheet. Similarly, you can copy the contents of a Multiple Choice Variable Editor spreadsheet and paste it into other tables or spreadsheets (including other Multiple Choice variables). (See Copy and Paste Columns in a Multiple Choice Variable Spreadsheet.) | |
| [SP1] Automatically set repeat style when creating a REPEAT field | When you create a REPEAT instruction in the template (using the REPEAT Field command), HotDocs will automatically suggest Repeated Series as the dialog Style. Previously, you had to manually specify a repeat style. | |
| [SP1] Specify merge text on as-needed basis | You can now include merge text for Multiple Choice options on an as-needed basis. Previously, if you included merge text for one option, you had to provide it for all options. However, now you can provide it for only those options that require it. | |
| [SP1] New repeated list format added | When you create a new template, HotDocs includes a, b in the example format lists for repeated answers. This will format a series of answers as apples, oranges, cherries (excluding any conjunction). To use the format in existing templates, simply type it in the Format box, either at the Multiple Choice Variable Editor or at the REPEAT Field dialog box. (See How Example Formats are Interpreted.) | |
| [SP1] Sort spreadsheets (including answer sources) during the interview | You can now sort the contents of a spreadsheet in alphanumeric order. See Answer Questions in a Dialog Using an Answer Source and Use Repeated Dialogs During Assembly. | |
| [SP1] Print contents of the Preview tab at library window | You can select a text or form template at the template library and print a blank copy of it. See Work with Templates and Other Files in a Library. | |
| [SP1] View file names in library’s item list | You can now view either the template’s title in the library list, or you can view the template’s file name. (Select your option at the library’s View menu.) Additionally, when searching for a specific template, the search is performed on the title, description, and file name. (Previously, HotDocs would search just the title and description.) (See Search for a Specific Template in a Library.) | |
| [SP1] Skip conditioned-out fields during direct-fill assembly | During direct-fill assembly of a form document, HotDocs will now skip fields that are conditioned (and resolved as false). | |
| [SP1] Save component files in HotDocs 6 or HotDocs 2005 format | When HotDocs 2005 was released, you had to upgrade your component file to the latest version. You can now designate a component file property that saves the component file eitcan use all of the functionality of HotDocs 2005). See Change Component File Properties. If you want to use HotDocs 2005 to develop your templates but you want them to be compatible with HotDocs 6, do not use any HotDocs 2005-specific features (such as non-breaking spaces) or the features implemented in this release (described in this topic). If you do, you may see unexpected results. | |
| [SP2] Rename multiple components simultaneously | You can now select multiple components at Component Manager and rename them all at once. | |
| [SP2] Limit the number of rows in a spreadsheet | When a dialog is repeated as a spreadsheet, you can control the number of rows that are displayed in the dialog. (This option simply controls the number of rows that are displayed-users are still able to enter as many answers as they need.) | |
| [SP2] Map Text variables to Multiple Choice values (and vice versa) in an answer source | When mapping an answer source, you can map a Multiple Choice variable to a text value. You can also map a Text variable to a multiple choice value. | |
| [SP2] Create an answer source that links a dialog to a Time Matters Contacts or Matters record | You can now link an answer source to a Time Matters Contacts or Matters record. This allows you to retrieve information you’re already storing in Time Matters and use that information in your documents. When creating the answer source, you can also designate whether changes to answers can be written back to Time Matters. (To create this answer source, you must be using Time Matters 7.0 or later.) | |
| [SP2] Expand and collapse folders in the library | You can now expand or collapse all subfolders in the template library. This makes it easier to quickly view or hide template lists in the library. (This command is available in the library View menu.) | |
| [SP2] Choose a color for additional text | When customizing the appearance of dialogs in an interview, you can now assign a different color to additional text. This may be useful if you want to distinguish additional text from other text in the dialog. You do this at the Dialog Appearance folder of HotDocs Options. | |
| [SP2] Open Windows Explorer from the template library | You can click on a reference to a template in a library and choose Go To from the Template menu. This opens the folder where the template file is saved. | |
| [SP2] View resource buttons for all answer fields at once | When viewing a dialog with answer field resources, you can now choose to display the resource button for all answer fields at once, or you can choose to display the button only when you are viewing that specific answer field. (This new functionality changes the available settings at Tools > Options > Interviews and Dialogs > Show answer field resource button.) | |
| [SP3] Support for WordPerfect 13 added | HotDocs version 2005 SP3 is supported for use with WordPerfect 13. |
HotDocs 2006 Upgrade
HotDocs 2006 should really be called the Application Build. There were a number of features that turned the rather bland dialog builder into a graphical powerhouse. It is not that you could NOT accomplish a number of these graphical features in the prior build. At Basha Systems we regularly provided enhanced on-dialog features. Rather, the introduction of Dialog Elements to replace all the scripting tricks with Additional Text, made the whole application building process that much more rational.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| Allow users to edit assembled document text while viewing the Document Preview tab | Sometimes users may need to edit the text of a document once it has been assembled. As the developer, you can control editing by marking sections of a template using a SPAN instruction. This allows users to edit that section of text at the Document Preview tab of the assembly window. Changes made during assembly can be saved to the answer file so that users can reassemble the same document later and have their changes reapplied. See Allow Users to Edit the Text of an Assembled Document for details. | |
| Improved implementation for adding additional items to a dialog | HotDocs now provides a new Dialog Element component that lets you more easily add additional text, hyperlinks, buttons, graphics, lines, and spacing to dialogs. This implementation includes greater control over how these items appear, including control over whether they appear in desktop interviews, HotDocs Server interviews, or both. See the following topics for details: Add Text to Your Dialogs, Add the Ability to Launch an Application from a Dialog, Add a Link to a Dialog That Runs a Computation, Add a Hyperlink to a Dialog, Add Spacing and Separator Lines to a Dialog, and Add a Graphic File to a Dialog. (In previous versions of HotDocs, many of these elements were added to a dialog using the @ command. This new feature replaces the need to use this command.) | |
| Remove hidden data from assembled Microsoft Word templates and documents | Often, when working in Microsoft Word templates and documents, hidden data is saved to the file that may compromise the security of the document or increase the document’s file size. You can choose which of these properties should be removed from a template, See Remove Hidden Data from Word RTF Templates for details. Additionally, you can have this data removed from a document after it is assembled. See Specify Which Hidden Data Should Be Removed from Assembled Documents for details. | |
| Use HotDocs dot codes | HotDocs 2006 includes a new feature called dot codes, which allow you to 1) format text results derived from computation scripts, 2) insert special characters in plain text and template text, 3) format variable prompts and additional text, and 4) punctuate non-repeated lists of answers. See Overview: Dot Codes for details. | |
| View an outline of scripting in a Word template | Using the HotDocs Outliner, you can generate an outline of scripting in the template. This outline can include just a list of instructions used in the template, or it can include variables as well. This gives you a more condensed view of instructions used in the template. See View an Outline of Scripting in the Template for details. | |
| New schemes added for coloring fields in a template | Two new color schemes were added to help you better identify instructions in a template. They are Nested and Sequential. Nested marks each level of IF, REPEAT, and SPAN instructions using a custom color. (For example, all first-level IF instructions will use a specific color, while all second-level instructions will use a different color, and so on.) Sequential marks each IF, REPEAT, and SPAN instruction field using a custom color. (For example, the first instruction in a template will be marked using one color, while the next instruction will be marked using a different color, and so on.) | |
| Display Word templates in Markup View | You can now display a Word template in Markup View, which allows you to provide non-HotDocs users with easy-to-understand versions of your templates. See Specify How Documents Should Be Marked Up and View a Markup Version of a Template for details. | |
| Generate default interviews or specify custom interviews for all template types | When automating a template, you can now select whether HotDocs should generate a default interview for the template or whether HotDocs should use a custom-scripted interview. If choosing to use a custom interview, you can assign any name to the interview component. (In previous versions, all interview scripts were required to be named INTERVIEW.) You now designate the name of the interview component at the Component File Properties dialog box. See Have HotDocs Generate a Default Interview and Define a Custom Interview for details. | |
| Choose which component file provides properties when pointing templates | In past versions of HotDocs, when you pointed a component file to a shared file, most of the properties for the pointed template would be specified by the shared component file-not the pointed component file. Now, if you need the pointed template to use its own component file properties, you make that designation at the component file. See Specify Whether Component File Properties are Shared. | |
| Control how HotDocs inserts returns after inserting instructions in a template | When you insert an instruction in a text template, by default, HotDocs inserts a return after the instruction. (This return is removed during assembly.) You can select a HotDocs option that inserts these returns only when working with entire paragraphs of text-otherwise, HotDocs won’t insert a return character. (This keeps instructions within a paragraph from breaking up the paragraph text.) See Control Whether Returns are Inserted After Instructions in Text Templates and Understand How Returns are Inserted After Instructions for details. | |
| Use new expression models to manipulate text answers | HotDocs includes four new expression models:
| |
| Use new expression models to manipulate multiple choice answers | HotDocs includes two new expression models:
| |
| Use new instruction models to erase answers in repeated dialogs | HotDocs includes two new instruction models: ERASE VAR clears all answers for a specific variable in a repeated dialog. ERASE DIALOG clears all answers in a repeated dialog. | |
| Create ‘Used In’ lists for components | You can view which other components in the template use the component you are currently editing. This information is displayed in the new Used In tab of the component editor. (This tab was formerly the Asked In tab, which showed only the dialogs that used the variable.) See View Relationship Between the Current Component and Other Components for details. | |
| Store PLAY macros for RTF templates in a Word template and reference the template from the component file | You can store your post-assembly macros in a template specifically designed for HotDocs. You specify the name of this file at the Component File Properties dialog box for the template. See Specify a Template for Storing Post-Assembly Macros for details. | |
| Update tables of contents, cross references, indexes, and fields after sending assembled documents to word processor | You can select a component file property that automatically updates all cross-references (including the table of contents and index) in an assembled document once the document is sent to the word processor. See Change Component File Properties for details. | |
| New Word menu option for inserting variables, instructions in a Word template | Word users can now more easily insert instructions such as ASSEMBLE, ANSWER FILE NAME, LANGUAGE, and DEBUG in their templates. The option for doing so can be found in the new HotDocs menu in the HotDocs toolbar. (Users can also insert other HotDocs field types (such as variables, REPEAT instructions, and so forth) using this new menu.) Finally, most of these options are also now available in the Word shortcut menu. | |
| Multiple Choice options included in auto-complete lists | When scripting with Multiple Choice variables, you can use the auto-complete feature to access lists of options for the Multiple Choice variable. This keeps you from having to manually enter the options. | |
| Scripting supported in plain-text resources | You can now include variables, IF instructions, and REPEAT instructions in plain-text resources. This allows you to customize the resource text users see in the interview, based on their answers to questions. See Use Variables and Scripts in Prompts, Dialog Element Text, and Plain Text Resources for details. | |
| Save button added to component editors | As you edit components, you can now save your work without closing the component editor. | |
| Install support for new word processors without reinstalling HotDocs | In previous versions of HotDocs, if you installed a new word processor, you had to reinstall HotDocs in order to integrate the two products. Starting with HotDocs 2006, you can install support for new word processors at HotDocs Options. See Install Support for New Word Processors for details. | |
| Control font properties of dialog text | You can now specify the font face, size, and color of text used in dialogs. You can also change the font used for items in the interview outline. See Customize the Look of the Dialog Pane for details. | |
| Edit the document while viewing the Document Preview tab (Word users only) | If the template provider has allowed it, you can edit the text of a document while viewing the Document Preview tab. This allows you to make changes to the document and be able to save those changes in the answer file so they can be reapplied if you ever reassemble the document. See Edit Document Text at the Document Preview Tab for details. | |
| View variable names for answers in interview | Sometimes you may need to communicate with a template provider about a specific question in the interview. While answering questions in the interview, you can place your cursor in an answer field, right-click and choose Variable Name from the shortcut menu. See View an Answer’s Variable Name for details. | |
| Simultaneously copy an answer file to the Answers folder and add it to Answer File Manager | Frequently you receive answer files from other users. You can now open Answer File Manager and choose the Import command to copy an answer file to the Answers folder and add it to the answer library. You can also double-click on the answer file in Windows Explorer and the file will be added to the library and copied to the Answers folder. See Work with Answer File Manager for details. | |
| Mark required answers in a dialog | In addition to marking dialogs that contain required questions in the interview outline, you can now mark the actual questions in the dialog. Specifically, you can designate the color used for prompts of required questions as well as control whether an asterisk is used to indicate this. See Customize the Look of the Dialog Pane. | |
| Follow dialogs in interview outline when moving through interview | A new navigation option, Next Dialog Follows Outline, has been added. Selecting this option will move you to the next dialog in the interview outline when you click Next. For example, if you are in a main-level dialog, clicking Next will move you to any inserted dialogs in main dialog. Clicking Next again will move you to the next main-level dialog, rather than back to the current main-level dialog. | |
| Update published template sets | If you are using a published template set, HotDocs can check for updates to the set at regular intervals and notify you when updates are available. See Check for Template Set Updates for details. | |
| HotDocs HFT Driver no longer supported | When creating a HotDocs form template (.HFT) file in previous versions of HotDocs, you had to use the HotDocs HFT driver, which was only supported for use with Windows 98 and Windows Me. Starting with the release of HotDocs 2006, these operating systems are no longer supported. Now, to create a form template, you must use HotDocs PDF Advantage, Professional Edition, which lets you create and save form templates in PDF format. While PDF Advantage is required for the creation of all new templates, PDF Advantage is not required for editing existing .HFT files. | |
| [SP1] Better keyboard accessibility | In an effort to make HotDocs compliant with Section 508, you can now access most commands and elements in various HotDocs windows and dialog boxes using the keyboard. Additionally, HotDocs is now more compatible with screen readers. For details, see Use the Keyboard to Work in HotDocs and List of Keyboard Shortcuts. |
HotDocs 2007 Upgrade
HotDocs 2007 has recently been released. It include a few interesting features. However, it does not fundamentally alter that existing structure of HotDocs. In fact, it uses the same component file structure as HotDocs 2006. The key feature is compatability with the new Word 2007 and Windows Vista. There is great looking new RIBBON in Word 2007 that replaces the collection of toolbars and menus that came with prior versions. And there are a number of markup views that provide enhanced usability for developers and users.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| Support for Microsoft Word 2007 added | HotDocs now supports Microsoft Word 2007. | |
| View document markup in assembled documents | You can now change the formatting of an assembled document to Markup View and then submit it to an attorney or peer for revisions or corrections. | |
| New command-line options | HotDocs now includes two command-line options – Start Interview Group and Keep Interview Group (/sig and /kig). These options are used to control which questions are asked when assembling a group of related documents; specifically, they keep questions that are already answered in one interview from being asked in subsequent interviews. | |
| Access HotDocs Help directly from Expression and Instruction Model lists | You can now select a model in either the Expression m |
HotDocs 2008 Upgrade
HotDocs 2008 has several new features.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| Create model documents, independent of HotDocs, and use them to assemble custom documents | Using Microsoft Word, you can create model documents. A model document is an exemplar document used as the basis for drafting documents of the same type for specific clients. Using a defined markup language, you identify text that varies from one client to another. This markup provides an unambiguous description of how a model document should be used to draft client-specific documents. Once you have a model document, you can use it with HotDocs to generate custom documents for your clients. | |
| New Go to Field button added to HotDocs toolbar | When you receive scripting error messages in HotDocs, they often include the field number for the field where the error is located. To help you quickly find this field in a text template, HotDocs now includes a Go To Field button in the HotDocs navigation toolbar. | |
| New Test Panel added | HotDocs now includes a Test Panel, which you can access during a test assembly. Features of this test panel include the following tabs: Variable usage: This tab shows how variables are being used in the template. For example, you can review a list of variables that are asked during the interview, but they aren’t used in the document. You can also review which variables are used in the document but don’t appear in the interview. These two lists can help you make sure the questions you are asking the user are relevant to the document, which ultimately improves the accuracy of the document. Warnings: In previous versions of HotDocs, the Warnings tab was included directly in the assembly window. This tab has now been moved to the Test Panel. It includes information about scripting in the template that may cause unexpected results in the interview or assembled document. For example, the Warnings tab can report when SET instructions have been used incorrectly. It can also identify when variables have been asked or referred to incorrectly. Go to Template: Using the Go To Template command, you can place your cursor in the Document Preview text and have HotDocs take you to the same place in the template. This lets you review the automation in that particular section of the template, perhaps to understand the conditions under which the text was inserted in the document. | |
| Publishing licenses now include annual expiration: | Licenses for publishing and registering templates for use with HotDocs Player now expire annually. | |
| Have HotDocs automatically exclude irrelevant questions from an interview | Rather than write dialog scripts, you can have HotDocs automatically gray or hide variables that aren’t relevant to the document. | |
| Set HotDocs Server interviews so all dialogs in the interview appear in the same view | You can design your HotDocs Server interviews so that users can view all of the dialogs in an interview at once, on a single Web page. | |
| Entering Non-English Answers During an Interview | During a HotDocs interview, you can enter answers in left-to-right reading languages other than English. | |
| Create a Favorites folder in the template library and add templates to it: | You can group the templates you use most frequently in a Favorites folder of your library | |
HotDocs 2009 Upgrade
HotDocs 2009 has several new features.
| New Feature | Explanation and Significance | |
|---|---|---|
| Automate templates using international language | You can now automate your templates using any left-to-right reading languages that are supported in the Unicode character set. | |
| Navigate repeated dialogs using new button | When completing an interview, end users now add new repetitions to a repeated series list by clicking the Add Another button, which is located both after all questions in the dialog as well as in the dialog’s title bar. (Users can no longer use the previously available methods for adding new repetitions to a dialog.) You can customize the title of this new button on a per-dialog basis by specifying it at the Dialog Editor | |
| Use INSERT instructions to include images | You can now use an INSERT instruction to insert JPGs, PNGs, and GIFs in a template. Additionally, you can insert RTF documents that contain image files. INSERT image instructions are appended with the IMAGE keyword. | |
| Use variable INSERTs to specify inserted file names during assembly | Template developers can now use a variable INSERT in a template, which allows the file path and name of a template file or graphic file to be specified at the time of assembly, rather than during template development. You must use a Text variable, a Multiple Choice variable, or a Computation variable that results in text with a variable INSERT. | |
| Hide editing buttons on spreadsheet dialogs | You can now keep HotDocs from showing the Edit Row, Insert Row, and Delete Row buttons associated with a spreadsheet dialog. (The options are still available via buttons and menus, however.) | |
| Save component files, library files (both template and answer), and answer files in XML format | HotDocs now allows you to save component files, library files, and answer files in either XML format (required to use HotDocs 2009 features) or binary format (required to be compatible with HotDocs 2008 and earlier). | |
| Test Microsoft Silverlight-based HotDocs Server interviews | HotDocs now includes a second type of browser-based interview for HotDocs Server templates. Silverlight-based interviews are compiled into machine code, which makes them much quicker. This is especially noticeable in long, complex interviews. | |
| Fillable PDF: (PDF Advantage only):Save assembled forms as fillable PDFs: | You can assemble a document from a template that was created from a fillable PDF document and save it once again as a fillable PDF document. | |
| Create PDF templates from fillable PDFs: (PDF Advantage Professional Edition only) | You can create PDF templates based on fillable PDF documents. Once you create a template that contains fillable fields, you can attach HotDocs variables to those fields using an automated wizard. |
