This is your ultimate guide to document generation tools — and a comparison of the top 10 document generation platforms on the market today.

Offices around the globe may have gone paperless, but some organizations are still stuck in the dark ages of documents — clinging onto outdated processes, unsure of how to take the leap into document automation. 

But hesitance to embrace technology comes at a cost. Manual document creation is slow, prone to error and inconsistency, and financially burdensome. 

In fact, 62% of global workers (based on a Templafy survey of 2,000+ respondents) report that they have wasted time at work recreating content that may already exist, because they can’t locate it. In addition, 94% find mistakes in finalized content — proving that manual processes are not just slow, but susceptible to inaccuracy. 

The solution is document generation — and the scope for increased productivity and efficiency is vast and exciting. But with so many tools on the market, which one is right for you?

This blog is a complete overview of document generation, and a comparison of the top document generation tools on the market today – based on what matters most. 

What is document generation?

Document generation is a software solution that automates the creation of business documents — like legal contracts, sales proposals, invoices and NDA documents. By using pre-defined templates and data sources, document generation can eliminate manual document work, delivering significant time-saving benefits.

In fact, YouGov, an international market research company, saved 10 hours per week per employee after introducing document automation. And another study by Templafy revealed that employees can save 30 days annually per employee with document automation. 

Automating repetitive tasks, like manual data entry, not only saves time, but also ensures documents are produced with precision and consistency. This guarantees adherence to brand identity, organizational standards, and regulations — while minimizing the risk of costly mistakes.

What are the different types of document generation software?

The three main types of document generation software are template-based, data-driven, and batch generation. Each has their own unique benefits and capabilities.

• Template-based document generation: Uses predefined templates to ensure consistency and standardization, allowing users to personalize content with dynamic data fields.
• Data-driven document generation: Generates documents based on dynamic data from various sources like databases and spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date content.
• Batch document generation: Produces multiple documents simultaneously. Ideal for organizations handling large quantities of similar documents, such as invoices or reports. For instance, a banking company might use batch document generation to create credit card statements for thousands of customers at once.

Key considerations: Assessing your company needs

Document generation tools are not one-size-fits-all. Every document generation tool has different capabilities — you need a solution that aligns with your business goals, industry requirements, and budget constraints. 

Here are some core considerations to make when choosing your software: 

• Document volume: Evaluate the volume and diversity of documents regularly generated by your organization. Choose a tool capable of handling your document workload efficiently without compromising quality.
• Industry needs: Consider tools that offer specific templates or integrations relevant to your industry. For example, if you work in the legal sector, prioritize software that provides pre-built templates for legal documents or integrates seamlessly with legal databases.
• Budget: Define your budget for document generation software and explore cost-effective options that meet your requirements. Consider factors such as: subscription fees, implementation costs, and potential long-term savings in time and resources.
• User experience: Look for user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive training resources, and responsive customer support to ensure a smooth transition and minimize the learning curve for your teams.

5 key document generation features to prioritize

Comparing the top 10 document generation solutions

Below is a comparison of the top 10 document automation providers, highlighting key use cases, limitations, and integrations — to help you make an informed decision based on your company’s individual needs

airslate

Best for: Medium to large businesses

Primary use case: Automating workflows involving forms and documents

Limitations: Lacks Generative AI features.

Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Zapier

BrandQuantum

Best for: Organizations using Microsoft

Primary use case: Automating brand consistency in documents.

Limitations: Limited to Microsoft integration

Integrations: Microsoft Office applications

Conga Composer

Best for: Large enterprises using Salesforce

Primary use case: Generating reports and documents from Salesforce

Limitations: Limited compatibility with other CRMs

Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, reporting tools

ContractBook

Best for: Enterprises needing contract lifecycle management

Primary use case: Generating and managing contracts with collaboration tools

Limitations: Limited integrations, customization

Integrations: Salesforce, Slack, and collaboration tools

Crove.app

Best for: Small businesses and individuals

Primary use case: Simple document automation using templates

Limitations: Limited integrations, advanced features

Integrations: Basic CRM, collaboration, productivity tools 

Docsie.io

Best for: Companies managing multi-language content

Primary use case: Creating and localizing product documentation

Limitations: Focuses on content management, less automation

Integrations: Google Drive, Dropbox

DocuGenerate

Best for: Enterprises requiring heavy customization

Primary use case: Automating complex document processes from enterprise systems

Limitations: Highly technical, no Generative AI

Integrations: Major ERPs, Salesforce, custom database connections

Formstack

Best for: Businesses of all sizes

Primary use case: Building forms and surveys to generate documents

Limitations: Limited capabilities for complex forms

Integrations: Google Suite, Salesforce, AWeber, CRM/marketing platforms

Gavel.io

Best for: Legal professionals and law firms

Primary use case: Legal document creation and management

Limitations: Fewer integrations, legal-specific focus

Integrations: Legal-specific tools

HotDocs

Best for: Legal, real estate, and financial services sectors

Primary use case: Template-driven document creation with compliance

Limitations: Technical setup, risk and compliance focus

Integrations: Custom integrations with legal/financial systems

PandaDoc

Best for: Small to medium businesses

Primary use case: Automating document management from creation to signature

Limitations: Limited customization, basic free plan

Integrations: Salesforce, HubSpot, PayPal, Stripe, Slack, Zapier

Templafy

Best for: Large organizations needing brand consistency

Primary use case: Managing document creation and storage with compliance

Limitations: Its focus on large enterprises means it may not be as accessible for smaller businesses

Integrations: Digital asset management, enterprise content systems, Microsoft Office

Getting started with document generation

Ready to take the leap into faster, stronger documents? Here are three simple steps to help you get started on your journey. 

1. Assess your needs: Evaluate your document volume, industry requirements, and budget to find the best document generation solution for your business.
2. Research and compare: Take the time to research and compare the market. Look for features like template libraries, data integration options, and ease of use. Consider factors such as pricing models and customer reviews to narrow down your options.
3. Book a demo: Take advantage of demos to explore features, ask questions, and assess how each tool can streamline your document workflows.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, minimize errors, or enhance compliance, document generation tools offer a comprehensive solution to meet your needs. With the right tool in place, you can unlock the full potential of document generation and revolutionize your document processes.

Unlock the full potential of automated document generation with Templafy

Templafy automates documents to remove risk, increase efficiency, and enable better document creation at any complexity and scale, for over 800 organizations globally. 

From immediate access to on-brand, compliant company templates directly within Microsoft 365, to the automated compilation of sales proposals in Salesforce. 

Harnessing the power of Managed AI, our platform enables employees to create business documents faster so they can focus on the work that really matters.