If you have existing templates or forms that you have already created, it is possible to upload them to Smokeball and automate them with data from your matters.
Create an Automated Precedent
- Open the Precedent Library and select Add a Precedent. Learn more about the Precedent Library.
- Click Browse for an existing document if uploading an existing document or select Create from a blank document if you are drafting a new one. You can upload Word or PDF documents.
- Name the document.
- If applicable, choose a container type from the Container dropdown menu and change the location.
- A Container consists of the header, Re Line and footer of a document. Learn more about document containers.
- Select Create. The document will now open in Word in Modify mode. This is when you can start automating the contents of your Precedent.
Document Automation Methods
There are three ways to automate your templates in Smokeball: Fields, Asks and If/Then/Else Statements.
Fields
Use a field insertion when you want to take any information from your Matter’s Details and insert it into the document.
Asks
Asks are pop-up questions that are filled in with text, dates, numbers, true/false, or multiple-choice options. Use an Ask to prompt choices on your template.
If/Then/Else Statements
If/Then/Else are conditional statements built off a Field Insertion or Ask.
If/Then/Else Statements require a more advanced level of automation knowledge and skill but provide powerful capabilities to your templates, such as simplifying multiple templates into a single document.
Learn more about If/Then/Else Statements.
Additional tips
- To make it easy to identify document automation tags, we highly recommend turning on Word Field Shading in Word Settings.
- Check that your automation settings are configured to your firm's preferences.