General Guide

Contract Express Author add-in Intro

The new Contract Express add-in has been designed to streamline the process of document automation. Author add-in is an AI-powered tool that simplifies converting documents into Contract Express templates with minimal training. It uses advanced technologies to improve user experience, stability, and performance. By making template authoring accessible, Author online removes barriers to the broader use of document automation.
Where the original Contract Express author add-in relied on character-based markup where fields and spans were specified by brackets, the new add-in utilizes content controls for a more intuitive and seamless experience. However, both add-ins use the same markup language and documents are generated by the same Contract Express engine, allowing authors to switch between the add-ins if needed.

What is an automation template?

Document automation software allows automated document generation based on a template document and user inputs provided in a questionnaire. Templates define the structure, content, and formatting of the generated document. A template is therefore a document that specifies all variable areas in the document and includes all possible clauses with rules on when they are applicable.
Once a template is created, the user can complete the questionnaire, and the answers will be automatically applied to the template to generate the document.

Where to get the add-in?

Add-in option.
  • On the Home ribbon, click on Add-ins. Select More Add-ins.
  • In the Office Add-ins, go to the Store tab and search for Contract Express Author.
  • Select Add to add the add-in to your system.
  • Sign in to the add-in and choose the appropriate server and product type on new Contract Express Author, such as standalone Contract Express or HighQ DOC Auto. For a detailed guide on signing in, refer Login Instructions.

DOCX support and compatibility with Mac, Windows, and Word Online

The new Contract Express add-in supports
DOCX
files for template creation. If your document isn’t in DOCX format, the add-in will be disabled.
  • Works seamlessly with both Word Desktop (Windows/Mac) and Word Online, unlike the previous version, which was limited to Windows desktop Word.
  • On Word Desktop (Windows/Mac), single-click the lozenge to highlight content.
  • In Word Online, double-click the lozenge to highlight content and display associated markup