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Overview
You can create document templates and merge them with information kept in your My Case account with the click of a button. There are two ways to create templates in MyCase: through our web-based word processor or a more standard word processing system, such as Microsoft Word.
This feature is available only in the Pro and Advanced tiers.
Four major features make up Document Automation:
MyCase Draft MyCase Draft is a web-based word processor that lets you create and edit documents within MyCase! You can even access MyCase Draft on an iPad, giving you full word processing capabilities from anywhere. With Draft, you can create document templates and merge those templates with information in MyCase.
Microsoft Word Templates Create document templates in Microsoft Word, then upload those templates into MyCase. You can then merge those templates with information stored in MyCase. Supported file types: Word 2007+ (.docx) & Pages '09 (within Pages, select File >> Export To >> Pages '09).
Advanced Document Automation Advanced Document Automation brings your firm's drafting process to the next level! Build your templates in Microsoft Word, eliminate embarrassing errors, and reduce the risk of inaccurate document drafting. This feature is available on Advanced Tier. Learn more here.
Custom Fields MyCase lets you add custom fields to your cases and contacts. This is very useful for Document Automation because it allows you to create complex documents based on information and data unique to your law firm. Learn more about Custom Fields.
Troubleshooting Common Merge Field Issues
Merge Fields Not Populating: Ensure the mapped field in MyCase contains data and verify the correct application and format of merge fields. Use the "Copy to Clipboard" feature to avoid manual errors.
Errors from Word Formatting: Remove underlines or stray characters around merge field brackets in Word documents. Ensure formatting is precise before uploading.
Using MyCase's Built-in Word Processor
To create a template using MyCase's built-in word processing system:
Click Document from the dashboard quick action bar.
Select Start with a blank page.
This opens a new tab, which looks very similar to other web-based word processors like Google Docs, where you can edit documents within your web browser.
Add a Document Title.
Insert merge fields by clicking the Insert Merge Field button.
Write a message.
Add additional merge fields like case name, case number, and responsible attorney.
Click File and select Save as Template, Print Preview or Export as PDF.
When saving as a template, you can:
Add a name.
Tags.
Description.
Share the document with other firm users who need to use the template.
Click the Save and Close button.
Once the template is in the system, you can use it to communicate with clients. To do that:
Go to Documents.
Click the Templates sub-tab.
Click the title.
Select "Merge This Template"
Specify which case to apply this template to
Share with the client (optional)
Select Save and Close or Save and Open
To share documents with a client from the document:
Click File
Select Save as Document
Add a Case Link
Select the Contact you would like to share the document with.
Click the Save and Close button.
The client receives an email informing them that a document has been shared with them through MyCase. They can then log in to the client portal to view it.
Tips for Avoiding Common Issues
Data Verification: Double-check contact and case information to ensure accuracy before merging.
Merge Field Placement: Use proper formatting while inserting merge fields to avoid alignment errors.
Creating Templates with Microsoft Word
Open MyCase and navigate to the Documents Tab.
Click Templates in the dropdown.
This brings you to a list of word templates; the merge fields will be in the upper right-hand side of the screen. Click View Merge Fields.
Open Microsoft Word.
Click Copy to Clipboard next to the field you want to merge from MyCase.
Paste the Fields into your Word document.
Compose the message.
Save the Word document to your computer.
Add it to MyCase by going to the Documents tab and clicking the Add Document button under the Templates sub-tab.
Click Upload One document.
Add a Case Link.
Drag your file or click to browse next to Source.
Select the Contact you would like to share the document with.
Click the Upload New Document button.
The document is preserved in the Case Documents sub-tab.
Best Practices
File Format Consistency: Always upload .docx files for compatibility with MyCase.
Merge Code Accuracy: Use the "Copy to Clipboard" feature for merge tags to minimize errors.
Proof Templates: Check for stray characters and formatting issues before uploading to MyCase.
Comparing Template Creation Methods
In my case, using a web-based word processor is an option. This option benefits you by allowing you to open, access, and edit the template from anywhere you have Internet access. The major advantage of using Microsoft Word to make templates is the ability to handle advanced formatting.
Troubleshooting Guide
Merge Field Errors: Ensure all fields are formatted and pasted correctly to resolve conflicts.
File Integrity: Double-check uploaded templates for errors flagged by Word’s tools.
Considerations for Advanced Features
Conditional Logic: Available in Advanced Tier templates, enabling customized content based on conditions.
Custom Attributes: Ensure precise match to predefined attribute names for accurate merging.