HotDocs makes the process of creating an automated document less daunting than many of its competitors. It is well suited to partially automating any of your existing legal documents that you have as word processing files.
Here are the steps for creating a HotDocs template from an ordinary word processing document. For more complex documents, you would be wise to learn some of the more advanced techniques that improve the speed and comprehensiveness of the template creation process. MS Word is used in this example, though WordPerfect works equally well.
Start by opening a document in your word processor, then click the HotDocs button on your button bar.
In the HotDocs window, navigate to the folder where you want to store your new template and highlight it:
Press the Create button
In the Create window, fill in a Title and Filename, and choose Current Open Word Processor File:
Click OK and your word processor will appear with a new HotDocs button bar. You use the buttons to transform the copy of your existing form into a HotDocs template.
Converting text, such as a name, into a variable is accomplished quickly with the Variable button
Highlight the text and click the button. Up pops the Variable Type window:
It defaults to Text, but you can make data entry easier, faster and more reliable by using other kinds of variables, such as Multiple Choice.
The next window varies depending on the kind of variable you selected. The Variable window gives you lots of power to assist the user in filling in an appropriate answer.
You provide variable name, which is used in the template wherever you want that variable information to appear. You have control over the format of text and should write a descriptive prompt or question. There are more options to add Help and limit the amount of text that can be entered.
Finally, you are given the choice to replace all occurrence of the text you selected, the testator's name in our example, throughout the HotDocs template.
Now the document in your word processor looks like this, with the testator's name replaced by the variable "Testator."
Notice that the "LIKE THIS" text shows the format that will be applied to the text.
on your button bar.
