Docassemble
Build guided interviews that generate legal and other documents.
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Docassemble?
Docassemble is an open-source expert system designed for guided interviews and document assembly, built using Python, YAML, and Markdown. Its primary purpose is to streamline processes by collecting user input through structured interviews and generating tailored outputs such as legal documents, applications, or informational responses. Legal professionals, particularly in the U.S., use Docassemble to automate repetitive tasks like drafting contracts or court filings, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors. It addresses challenges faced by law firms and courts, such as handling high workloads efficiently while maintaining compliance and accuracy. Beyond legal use cases, it serves fields requiring interactive data collection and automated output generation, such as healthcare, education, or nonprofit organizations. By integrating with cloud storage and APIs, Docassemble enables document management and real-time interactions, making it a versatile tool for both technical and non-technical users.
How it works
Docassemble is a platform that creates mobile-friendly web applications called 'interviews' to gather user information step-by-step. These interviews guide users through a series of questions, leading to outcomes like document generation, application submissions, or information delivery. Originally developed by a lawyer and computer programmer for legal automation, Docassemble now supports diverse applications. It allows users to automate workflows by combining logic-driven questionnaires with dynamic output generation, such as signed documents or API interactions. Docassemble enables users to design templates in.docx or.pdf formats, with optional integration via a Word Add-in. It synchronizes files with cloud storage services like Google Drive or OneDrive, or through command-line utilities. Features include touchscreen signature capture, live chat for real-time support, and AI integration for processing inputs or conversing with users via large language models.
How to use it
- 1Install Docassemble on a server using Docker or follow detailed installation instructions for advanced setups. 2. Create interviews by defining questions, logic flows, and output templates in YAML or Markdown. 3. Configure document generation settings, including template formats (PDF, RTF, DOCX) and cloud storage integrations. 4. Deploy the instance on a hosting service or local server and test the interview workflow. Practical tips: Use the built-in Word Add-in for.docx template editing, leverage Google Drive/OneDrive for file synchronization, and test interviews with real user scenarios to ensure logic flows and output accuracy.
What it can do
- document automation
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://docassemble.org/
- license: MIT — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Requires technical expertise for server setup and YAML configuration
- Limited built-in templates necessitate custom development for specialized workflows
- Dependent on stable internet connectivity for cloud storage integrations
- AI features rely on external language models, which may introduce latency
- Document signing functionality is restricted to touchscreen-based interfaces
Understanding the result
Build guided interviews that generate legal and other documents.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (https://docassemble.org/)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://docassemble.org/. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- MIT License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What types of outputs can Docassemble generate?
Docassemble can produce PDF, RTF, and DOCX documents, submit forms to external systems, trigger API calls, store user data in databases, or deliver informational content. It also supports embedding touchscreen signatures in generated documents and integrating with cloud storage services for file management.
How does Docassemble handle complex logic in interviews?
Docassemble uses YAML to define conditional logic and branching paths. Users specify rules that determine which questions appear based on previous answers. For example, if a user selects 'yes' to owning a pet, the interview might ask about pet type and insurance coverage. This logic is validated during deployment and tested through the platform's built-in preview tools.
How do I create a document template in Docassemble?
To create a template, open a .docx file in Word and use the Docassemble Add-in to embed dynamic fields. Save the file, then upload it to your Docassemble instance. Alternatively, create a .pdf template with placeholders marked by {{variable}} syntax. Sync the file with Google Drive/OneDrive or use the command-line utility for version control. Test the template by running a sample interview to ensure variables populate correctly.
How does Docassemble compare to commercial document automation tools?
Docassemble differs from commercial tools like Lawmatics or PandaDoc by offering open-source flexibility and customization. While commercial platforms often prioritize ease of use and pre-built templates, Docassemble requires technical setup but allows deeper integration with APIs and cloud services. It is particularly suited for organizations needing full control over workflows or budget-conscious teams leveraging community support.
What should I do if my Docassemble instance crashes during deployment?
First, check server logs for error messages related to Python dependencies or YAML syntax. Ensure all required libraries are installed via pip. If using Docker, verify container health and resource allocation. For cloud hosting, confirm firewall rules allow traffic on necessary ports. Reinstalling the instance from a fresh repository or reverting to a previous commit may resolve persistent issues.