Best Document Generation Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 16 tools reviewed.
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Managing digital projects often means dealing with paperwork and repetitive tasks. However, creating, editing, and organizing documents can take up a lot of your valuable time. This is where document generation software becomes essential, offering a way to automate and simplify these tasks so you can make better use of your time.
In my experience testing and reviewing different tools, the right software can significantly improve your team’s productivity. Therefore, this article provides an unbiased look at the top options, highlighting their features, ease of use, and what makes each one stand out.
The goal is to help you find the right solution for your needs so you can concentrate on delivering successful projects.
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Best Document Generation Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top document generation software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for electronic signatures | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month | Website | |
2 | Best for API integration | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for multi-language support | Free trial available | From $49/user/month | Website | |
4 | Best for sales teams | 14-day free trial | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
5 | Best for custom forms | Free demo available | From $83/month (billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best for small businesses | Free plan available | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best for PDF generation | Free trial available | From $19/user/month | Website | |
8 | Best for brand compliance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for workflow automation | 30-day free trial | From $29/month | Website | |
10 | Best for contract management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Smartsheet
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Document Generation Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best document generation software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
DocuSign is an electronic signature platform used by businesses in real estate, legal, finance, and other industries. It allows for secure signing and easy management of agreements and contracts, helping teams handle document transactions more efficiently.
Why I picked Docusign: DocuSign makes it easy for you and your team to handle electronic signatures. You can track document status in real time, so you know when something’s signed. It works with many file types, giving you flexibility. Built-in security helps keep your information safe.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include real-time status tracking, which gives you updates on document progress. It supports multiple document formats, providing flexibility in what you can upload and manage. Security features like encryption and audit trails ensure your documents are protected throughout the process.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Box, SAP, Oracle, Slack, Zoom, and NetSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide format support
- Real-time document tracking
- Strong security features
Cons:
- Complex initial setup
- Limited offline functionality
Nutrient is a document generation software built for developers and teams that need to create and process large volumes of documents. It supports industries like healthcare, finance, and education with SDKs, cloud services, and low-code tools for document authoring and conversion.
Why I picked Nutrient: Nutrient gives you flexible SDKs so your team can build document tools into your systems. It works across different platforms, so you don't have to change much to get started. Its rendering engine keeps complex layouts accurate when turning HTML and CSS into PDFs. Built-in security and compliance features help you handle sensitive data safely.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include customizable PDF forms that let you insert dynamic data and manipulate document elements. The batch processing capability allows you to handle large volumes of documents efficiently. Its document converter supports conversion from Office files to PDFs, preserving the original layout and style.
Integrations include SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Box, Slack, QuickBooks, SAP, and Oracle.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Accurate HTML to PDF conversion
- Extensive API integration
- High-volume processing capabilities
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Complex setup for beginners
Docmosis is a document generation tool built for developers and teams that need to create documents in multiple languages. It works well in industries like healthcare, legal, and finance, and you can easily add it to your existing apps.
Why I picked Docmosis: Docmosis lets your team create documents in different languages without extra steps. Its template system helps you keep things consistent. You can plug it into your current setup using a flexible API. It also handles complex formatting well, so your documents come out looking clean and accurate.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a template designer that simplifies document creation with a WYSIWYG interface. Conditional logic allows you to create dynamic documents that adapt to user input. The batch processing feature helps you generate large volumes of documents efficiently.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Box, Slack, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Handles complex formatting
- Easy template management
- Supports multiple languages
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Initial setup complexity
PandaDoc is a document management platform built for sales teams to efficiently create, manage, and eSign documents. It supports the sales process with features such as document generation, CPQ tools, and collaborative deal rooms.
Why I picked PandaDoc: PandaDoc helps your sales team manage documents more easily. Its CPQ feature supports accurate pricing and quotes. Deal rooms let your team work together on sales documents. You can customize content for each client, and tracking tools show how recipients interact with your files.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include customizable signing orders, identity verification, and audit trails. Document metrics help you track performance, and integrated payment gateways make transactions easier. The platform also supports workflow automation for efficient processes.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Workspace, Slack, Stripe, PayPal, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smart content customization
- Integrated payment options
- Customizable signing workflows
Cons:
- Occasional integration hiccups
- Limited offline access
Formstack Documents is a document automation tool designed for businesses that require custom form creation and document generation. It helps industries like healthcare, finance, and education automate paperwork and efficiently manage data collection.
Why I picked Formstack Documents: Formstack Documents lets you build custom forms that match what your team needs. You can use the drag-and-drop builder to set them up fast. It cuts down on manual work by generating documents automatically. Conditional logic makes your forms adjust based on how people fill them out.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a drag-and-drop form builder that lets you customize forms easily. Conditional logic allows you to tailor forms to specific user responses. Automated workflows streamline document generation and delivery.
Integrations include Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Dynamics, Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated workflows
- Dynamic conditional logic
- Customizable form builder
Cons:
- Occasional integration issues
- Learning curve for beginners
Fynk offers AI-powered contract management software designed for small businesses and teams in legal, finance, procurement, HR, and sales. It supports the entire contract lifecycle, from drafting and collaboration to approvals and electronic signatures.
Why I picked Fynk: Fynk helps your team manage contracts with AI-driven analysis and dynamic content. You can sign documents securely with eIDAS-compliant eSignatures. Approval workflows are flexible, and real-time collaboration keeps everyone on the same page. GDPR compliance means your data stays protected.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a content library for recurring text sections, which helps standardize documents. Dynamic data filling ensures documents are accurate and up-to-date. Advanced party handling and transparent version tracking streamline the contract process.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Slack, Box, Dropbox, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible approval workflows
- eIDAS compliant signatures
- AI-driven contract analysis
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Complex initial setup
Documentero is a document generation platform designed for businesses needing efficient PDF creation and management. It serves industries like legal, finance, and education by automating the conversion of various document formats into PDFs.
Why I picked Documentero: Documentero helps you turn different file types into high-quality PDFs. You can batch process large sets of documents to save time. Template-based creation keeps everything consistent, and you can tweak the output to match what your team needs.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include advanced PDF customization, which lets you adjust layouts and styles to fit your brand. The batch processing capability handles large document volumes efficiently. Its template-based creation ensures consistent and professional-looking outputs.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Box, Slack, QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple document formats
- Advanced customization options
- Efficient batch processing
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Initial setup complexity
Templafy is a document generation platform built for large enterprises. It helps your team create documents that follow brand guidelines and meet legal requirements. This is especially useful for marketing and compliance teams who need to keep materials consistent and accurate.
Why I picked Templafy: Templafy helps you keep your documents on brand. Your team works from approved templates, so no one goes off track. Its templates adjust to each user’s needs without losing consistency. Built-in compliance tools help you avoid mistakes when creating documents.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include dynamic content management, which automatically updates documents with the latest company information. Its document builder offers a drag-and-drop interface for easy customization. Advanced search functions help you find the right templates quickly.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, SharePoint, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox, Salesforce, Adobe Sign, DocuSign, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Brand consistency tools
- Strong compliance features
- Dynamic content updates
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Complex setup process
Docupilot is a document generation software built for businesses in industries such as legal, finance, and healthcare. It streamlines the creation of documents like contracts, proposals, and invoices, with a strong focus on efficiency and automation.
Why I picked Docupilot: Docupilot helps you handle document tasks with bulk creation and eSignatures. Your team can use smart templates to get documents done faster and cut down on mistakes. With over 70 integrations, it fits into different parts of your work. It’s a good fit if you need documents to be accurate and secure.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include bulk document creation, allowing you to produce multiple documents at once. eSignatures ensure secure and efficient signing processes. The platform's intelligent templates help you create personalized documents using placeholders for client details.
Integrations include Zapier, Docusign, Salesforce, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft Dynamics, QuickBooks, Slack, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration options
- Intelligent templates
- Bulk document creation
Cons:
- Pricing tiers can be complex
- Limited offline capabilities
Conga is a document generation software designed for contract management, commonly used by sales and legal teams. It automates the creation, organization, and storage of contracts to improve workflow efficiency and reduce manual work.
Why I picked Conga: Conga helps your team manage contracts with tools like Composer for document creation and Sign for eSignatures. These features cover the entire contract process. AI insights let you make faster decisions. Its CPQ tools help your team generate accurate quotes.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include automated document creation, AI-driven contract insights, and CPQ for accurate quoting. You can effortlessly manage contracts from drafting to signing. Its eSignature feature ensures secure and efficient document execution.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, NetSuite, Box, Google Drive, DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable workflows
- AI-driven insights
- Intuitive contract templates
Cons:
- Requires Salesforce for full functionality
- Limited customization options
Other Document Generation Software
Here are some additional document generation software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Confluence
For team collaboration
- Proposify
For proposal management
- Lark
For remote team collaboration
- Mitratech Hotdocs
For legal document automation
- EDocGen
For high-volume document generation
- Apryse
For PDF capabilities
Document Generation Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best document generation software, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like reducing manual entry errors and ensuring brand consistency. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Generate documents from templates
- Automate document workflows
- Support for electronic signatures
- Integrate with CRM systems
- Convert documents to multiple formats
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced data security features
- AI-driven content generation
- Real-time collaboration tools
- Multi-language support
- Customizable compliance settings
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Minimal learning curve
- Easy navigation
- Customizable user settings
- Mobile accessibility
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Comprehensive onboarding templates
- Supportive webinars and workshops
- Responsive chatbots for guidance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Access to a knowledge base
- Multi-channel support options
- Quick response times
- Personalized support services
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing models
- Transparent pricing structure
- Availability of free trials
- Clear cost-benefit analysis
- Discounts for long-term contracts
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly reported issues
- Praise for specific features
- Feedback on customer service
- Recommendations by users
Related Reviews
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:
How To Choose Document Generation Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
---|---|
Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your team. Look for solutions that handle increasing volumes of documents without compromising performance. |
Integrations | Check if the software works with your existing tools like CRM, ERP, or cloud storage. Good integration can save time and cut down on manual data entry. |
Customizability | Look for tools that allow you to tailor templates and workflows to fit your specific needs. Customization helps maintain brand consistency across documents |
Ease of Use | Prioritize user-friendly interfaces that minimize the learning curve. Your team should be able to navigate and use the software effectively with minimal training |
Budget | Consider the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees, setup costs, and potential add-ons. Ensure it fits within your budget constraints |
Security Safeguards | Verify that the software offers strong encryption and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR. Security is crucial for handling sensitive documents. |
Support Options | Evaluate the availability of customer support and resources like tutorials, FAQs, and live chat. Good support can be invaluable during implementation and troubleshooting |
Feature Set | Identify essential features like e-signatures, document automation, and template management. Make sure the software meets your core requirements. |
Trends In Document Generation Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different document generation software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Powered Document Creation: AI is being used to enhance document creation with features like predictive text and content suggestions. This helps users generate documents faster and with fewer errors. Some vendors are incorporating AI to analyze past documents and suggest improvements.
- Real-Time Collaboration: More tools are offering real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work on documents simultaneously. This feature is becoming crucial for remote teams who need to edit and review documents together, improving efficiency and communication.
- Advanced Analytics: Document analytics provide insights into how documents are used and interacted with. This trend helps businesses understand document performance and engagement, enabling better decision-making. Vendors are adding dashboards to visualize these metrics.
- Voice Recognition Integration: Voice-to-text capabilities are being integrated into document creation tools. This trend allows users to dictate documents, making the process faster and more accessible, especially for professionals on the go.
- Blockchain for Security: Blockchain technology is being explored to enhance document security and verification. This trend ensures documents are tamper-proof and provides a transparent audit trail, which is particularly useful for legal and financial sectors.
What Is Document Generation Software?
Document generation software is used to create documents automatically from predefined templates and data inputs. Marketers, legal teams, and sales professionals use it to speed up their work and keep documents consistent.
Features like template management, real-time collaboration, and analytics make document creation more efficient and provide helpful insights. This saves time, reduces errors, and lets your team focus on more important tasks.
Features Of Document Generation Software
When selecting document generation software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Template management: Allows you to create and store templates for consistent document formatting and style.
- Real-time collaboration: Enables multiple users to work on a document simultaneously, improving team productivity and communication.
- E-signature integration: Facilitates the signing of documents digitally, streamlining approval processes and reducing paper use.
- Data automation: Automatically populates documents with data from integrated systems, minimizing manual entry and errors.
- Version control: Keeps track of document changes and maintains a history, ensuring transparency and easy rollback if needed.
- Analytics dashboard: Provides insights into document performance and user engagement, helping teams make data-driven decisions.
- Multi-language support: Enables document generation in various languages, catering to diverse teams and international markets.
- Security compliance: Ensures that documents are stored and shared securely, adhering to data protection regulations.
- Conditional logic: Allows documents to adapt based on user inputs, making them more dynamic and responsive to specific needs.
6 Benefits Of Document Generation Software
Implementing document generation software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a six of them you can look forward to:
- Time savings: Automates repetitive tasks like document creation and data entry, freeing up time for more strategic activities.
- Error reduction: Uses templates and data automation to minimize manual entry errors, ensuring consistent and accurate documents.
- Improved collaboration: Real-time collaboration tools allow team members to work together efficiently, enhancing communication and productivity.
- Enhanced compliance: Security features and compliance settings ensure documents meet regulatory standards, protecting sensitive information.
- Cost efficiency: Reduces paper usage and manual processes, leading to cost savings in document management.
- Scalability: Adapts to your growing needs, allowing you to handle increasing document volumes without compromising performance.
Costs And Pricing Of Document Generation Software
Selecting document generation software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in document generation software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Document Generation Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | $0 | Basic document templates, limited storage, and basic support. |
Personal Plan | $5-25/user/month | Custom templates, basic analytics, e-signatures, and priority email support |
Business Plan | $25-$50/user/month | Advance templates, real-time collaboration, integrations with CRM systems, and advanced analytics. |
Enterprise Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Custom workflows, a dedicated account manager, enhanced security features, and API access. |
Document Generation Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about document generation software:
How does document generation software save businesses money?
Document generation software saves money by automating repetitive tasks like creating documents and entering data. This cuts down on manual work and helps avoid errors, which reduces costs. It also helps your team work more efficiently by freeing up time to focus on tasks that support growth and revenue.
Is document generation software secure?
Yes, many document generation tools include security features like encryption and compliance with data protection laws such as GDPR. These features help keep your documents safe from unauthorized access. If you work with sensitive information, it’s important to choose software that puts security first.
Can document generation software integrate with other tools?
Most document generation software integrates with tools like CRM systems, cloud storage, and e-signature platforms. These connections help you automate workflows and keep data consistent across your apps, saving time and cutting down on manual entry.
What kind of support is available for document generation software?
Support options depend on the vendor but often include tutorials, FAQs, live chat, and email support. Some also offer dedicated account managers or premium support plans. It’s helpful to choose a vendor with strong support so you can quickly resolve issues and get the most out of the software.
How customizable are document generation tools?
Many document generation tools let you customize templates, add branding, and set up flexible workflows. This helps you match the software to your specific needs and keep your documents consistent with your brand. Customization is especially useful if your team has unique processes or requirements.
What are the typical costs associated with document generation software?
Costs vary depending on the features, number of users, and extra services included. Many vendors offer tiered pricing, with free plans that have limited features and paid plans that offer more advanced options. To get the best value, it’s important to match the software to your team’s needs and budget.
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