Advanced Document Automation
Learning Center

Before You Get Started

Before getting started with Advanced Document Automation, follow these steps and best practices to ensure successful installation and operation on your computer.

Please note the following:

• Install the add-in directly in Word or from Microsoft App Store, following the instructions below. Do not install ADA via Microsoft’s Admin Center.
• Use the same computer to build or edit your templates. Due to Microsoft’s handling of Document IDs, templates need to be edited on the same computer on which they were originally built.

Best Practices

Organize Files, Folders, and Templates

Within the Advanced Document Automation add-in, you are able to create folders to organize your templates, rename your templates, and Upload a  new template or delete an existing one. Please keep in mind that only the original user that uploaded the template will have the ability to rename or delete an existing template. All other users will have the ability to download existing templates or upload new templates. 

Use a Standardized Naming System for Your Templates

A consistent and descriptive file naming convention drastically improves usability of your templates. 

Using a template naming convention empowers your team to navigate files quickly and makes searching and finding templates easier by ensuring file names reflect file contents.

• Short but descriptive. Too few details create ambiguity; too many limit understanding.
• Avoid special characters or spacing.
• Use meaningful abbreviations. Document the use and meaning of abbreviations in your file name conventions so they are applied consistently.
• Use capital letters and underscores instead of periods, spaces, or slashes.
• Document your decisions including what components you will use in file names.

Example: 2020June_EstatePlanning_POA

Custom Fields in MyCase

MyCase allows you to create custom fields so you can keep track of important information beyond the standard case, contact, and company fields that come with MyCase. To add a custom field, go to settings > all settings > custom fields. You are able to create a custom fields for all practice areas or specific practice areas. You are able create different field types: 

• Text (short) – For typing a single line of text. Good for names and short descriptions.
• Text (long) – For typing longer pieces of text. Good for detailed descriptions.
• Number – For entering numbers. Good for currencies, ages, etc.
• True/False – Will give you a checkbox that can be checked or unchecked.
• Date – Let’s you pick a date from a pop-up calendar.
• List – Gives you a dropdown list that you can select from. You can customize the list items.

Importance of Using Word Styles 

The best way to create consistent and well-formatted documents is to use Microsoft Word Styles. If you do not apply Styles to your documents, Microsoft will default automatically to its “normal” style. 

You can find styles located in your Home tab ribbon. Click any part of your document and it will show you which style you are using. When you a drafting a document and you notice that the Automation fields are changing the font style and size, this is a sign that your “normal” style is not matching with your document font style and size. 

To edit your Normal Style: select style pane > select the down arrow next to normal > then modify style. From here, we will want to change the formatting to your liking and select ok. Be sure to save the template back to your collection to ensure changes are saved.