'Short' List of Pathagoras' Features

Document Assembly

• True paragraph assembly.
• Quickly display a folder's worth of documents, each document being a 'building block' toward a complete document. 
• Select just the items you want from the list that will create the 'perfect' document or document package.
  
• Rearrange the order of your selections, if needed
• Click the 'Go' button. The assembly of selected and ordered clauses takes place in a matter of seconds.
• If present, automatic paragraph numbering is preserved.
  
• True 'template' assembly.
• A template is a 'complete' (actually, overbuilt) document from which text is kept or pared away based on answers to questions.
• If present, automatic paragraph numbering is preserved as text is accepted or deleted.
• 'Clause-sets'
• Clause-sets are predefined groups of clauses or document that make up simple documents.
• Create a Clause-set to quickly build, for example, an "I Love You' will,  a simple deed, a simple Sales contract.
• Clause-sets can also be used to create complex documents to make sure you don't forget an important clause.
• Clause-sets can also be used to create 'document packages'. (See next bullet.)
• 'Document Packages.' 
• Select a group of documents that you want to create in a single setting (e.g., a loan closing package, a pleading package, etc.)
• Check the 'Create Package' box in the Assembly Options box.
• Pathagoras will ask you to designate a client/customer folder into which the package of documents will be saved.
• Pathagoras will copy the package to the client's folder and then open the newly saved documents for editing. 
• Packages can be selected free-style or pre-selected using a 'Clause Set.'
• Replace variables in just the current or in all open documents. (The latter is perfect for Document Packages described above.)
• Add 'building blocks' of text to your system in two very easy steps:
• Highlight text you want to add as a building block to your document assembly system. Press <Alt-G> to start the save.
• Name the clause.
• Select the 'book' into which the new clause is to be saved. It's 'highlight and add' simple.
• Easily designate optional text within your source documents simply by enclosing text within curly braces.
• {This is optional text.}
• As you can see, it's just a block of plain text surrounded by curly braces. Does it get any easier than that?
• Easily designate list of options within your source documents same as above; separate choices with '/OR'
• {This is Choice A./ORThis is Choice B./ORThis is choice C.}
• Choices can be words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs.
• Up to 9 choices possible.
• Instant 'mouseless' recall of documents from a designated 'hunt path' (in this order):
• The underlying documents folder.
• The folder linked to the prefix of the requested clause (if named in the prefix/suffix naming style)
• A DropDown List
• The SuperFolder (a folder --and its sub-folders-- that you designate to house commonly used building blocks)
• The SuperGlossary

How it works:

Type the name of the clause you want onto your editing screen.
Press <Alt-G>.
Pathagoras will hunt down the clause. If it resides in one of the locations in Pathagoras' 'hunt path', Pathagoras will find it and place a copy of it onto your editing screen. With this tool, Pathagoras has done away with that most tedious of all document assembly tasks -- navigation to the source text.

• Multiple assembly techniques simultaneously available:
• From Clause Selection Screen, select one or more clauses from selected book. Assemble all selections in same document window or into separate windows.
• From DropDown List, create new document from selection, or augment current document with selection from list.
• Via hotkey press: type name of document or clause onto editing screen and press Alt-G. It the document or clause is in the hunt path, Pathagoras will find it and insert it (or create new document. (See Mouseless Recall, above)
• By inserting in any source document a clause name referencing another document. Type document name within plain text double angle brackets ('<<doc name>>'). When source document is processed, Pathagoras will locate the external document (assuming it is in the hunt path) and insert it.

DropDown Lists

• A DropDown List is an always on, always active list displaying the content of any folder you designate. 
• A DropDown List allows quick, no navigation, two click recall of documents or other elements shown in the List.
• Up to 10 DropDown Lists can be simultaneously maintained.
• Use to call in 'new' documents or to augment existing drafts.
• DropDowns can point to, and be used to assemble not just Word documents, but images, rtf files, pdf files and WordPerfect documents.
• Can be set to display single folder level, or to display sub-folders as well.
• Highlight a chunk of text you want to add as a building block to your document assembly system. Add that text to the folder represented by DropDown List in two clicks.

Simplest variable naming possible

• Variables are created by enclosing text within square brackets: [Client Name]
• Multiple choice variables are created same as above with the individual choices separated with a slash: [chocolate/vanilla/Rocky Road].
• Select one or multiple items from multiple choice list.
• 'Pathagorizing' an existing document? You can easily neuter documents using Pathagoras powerful Variable Creation Wizard (Alt-V).
• Highlight 'real name' or other value in document (such as 'John Doe')
• Activate Wizard (Alt-V) and answer 'replace with?' question with the desired variable name, e.g. "Client Name". Press Next button.
• All instances of 'John Doe' in the document are replaced with [Client Name]. (This makes 'Pathagorizing' documents very easy.)
• All case and emphasis attributes are preserved. (I.e., if original name was JOHN DOE at top of document and John Doe in body, the names are replaced as [CLIENT NAME] at top and [Client Name] in body, exactly the same style as the original.) 
• Variables can be 'grouped' so that they change in tandem.
• Example: the selection of 'he' or 'she' results in selection of 'him' or 'her' and 'his' or 'hers', as appropriate, for all 'grouped' variables.
• No limit as to groupings, either as to group names or as to number or length of options.
• Designate long lists of multiple choice variables by *alias*. Examples:
• [*States*] can represent a multiple choice listing of all 50 United States.
• [*Attorneys*] can represent multiple choice list of all attorneys in office.
• No limit as to number of aliases or number of choices within an alias listing.
• A myriad of tools are available to help to ensure consistency of variable spelling from form document to form document.
• Variables that are left 'blank' (because the data is not yet available) can be preserved and automatically highlighted for later completion. Or they can be automatically deleted.
• Assign personal values to each variable via a call to the Instant Database screen, discussed below.

Simplest Optional Text Designation Possible

• Optional (keep it or delete it) text is created by enclosing any quantity of text within curly braces: {This is optional text. It can be a sentence or two, or multiple paragraphs}
• Multiple choice options are created same as above with the individual choices separated with a "slash-OR": [First Class Mail/ORFederal Express/ORUPS}.
• Select one or multiple items from multiple choice list.
• Optional and Options blocks can be 'grouped' so that they change in tandem. The selection of one item in the first appearance of the group leads to a similar (keep it or delete it) result for other members of the same group.
• More robust Optional and Options text available. (Robust allows you to designate specific prompts or questions, leading to and 'interview' style of document assembly.) Click here for description.

Table Controls

• After the document is completed, Pathagoras can scan the document for the presence of tables. If found, Pathagoras can (optionally, but automatically)
• join adjacent tables if they are similar in configuration (same number and widths of columns)
• delete empty rows
• delete empty columns
• In performing the above functions (especially in determining what is 'empty'), Pathagoras can be instructed to ignore header rows and title columns.
  

Instant Database

• Truly instant! The name is not hype. There is zero setup needed to create the database and the individual entries.
• Assign values to variables using an easy to understand and easy to complete screen. (Left column shows variables, right column collect values.)
• Once a record for a client or customer has been saved, you never have to type the information again.
• New variables that Pathagoras discovers in subsequent documents are automatically added to the client's record.
• The value of a particular variable can easily be made the value for another value via the 'equivalency' function.
• So [Testator] can be set as "=[Client Name]". (This makes pairing actors with several roles they may play very easy.)
• Estate planners take note. Easily assign the value of [Spouse] to '[Executor]', '[Beneficiary]', '[Trustee]', etc. without having to retype name.
• Litigators take note. Easily assign the value of [Client] to '[Plaintiff]', '[Defendant]', '[Petitioner]', '[Respondent]', etc.
• Easily share your Instant Database records with all users on your system. (Or if it is your desire, prevent other users from seeing your data records.  .  . your choice.)
• Easily import data records from other sources.
• Import named cells directly into Instant Database
• Import two column spreadsheet directly into Instant Database
• With above tools, it is easy for you to create and mail to a client or customer an intake form (or other data form) for completion. On its return, quickly import the data into your records or into your document.
• Create (and analyze) tables containing various data fields (your choice). Get lists of names and addresses; get values and amounts for data analysis. Very easy. Very powerful.

Intelligent 'A'

• The 'Intelligent A'  will automatically become an 'a' before "a Texas corporation"; and an 'an' in before "an Illinois limited partnership."
• Like other Pathagoras setups, the Intelligent 'A' is created using a simple, plain text 'coding': "[**a]" (no quotes).

Actors and Their Roles

• Pathagoras allows you to easily create a list of the various 'roles' that need to be filled in a particular document (or series of documents).
• When the same actor plays various 'roles' within the document(s), simply click the actor from the list and the name of the actor is properly inserted.
• So, a spouse or child can also easily be made a beneficiary, the personal representative, the grantee of a Power of Attorney, the health care surrogate, etc., without having to type his or her name more that once.  

Pronoun Control

• Easily match pronouns associated with each actor for gender and plural aspect (he, she, them, his, hers, theirs).
• Simply assign a plain text 'groupname' to each variable or option block associated with the particular actor. When a sex or number is assigned to the actor, all elements matching the groupname automatically change to the proper pronoun, number, etc.
  

Intake Forms

• Easily create intake forms using your 'Pathagorized' documents and our 'Mask Maker' tool.
• No separate coding required. Intake forms created from the 'questions' built into document.
  

Link to External Databases

• Use data already present in your Outlook, contacts or billing systems. Can use data from .csv files, SQLServer and MySql databases.
• Maintain links to 3 separate systems.

Math and Calendar Math

• Run in-line (i.e., in document) without any hidden fields or complex coding. [Total Cost] = [Unit Price] x [Quantity].
• Or pre-place formulas within Input mask.
• Calculate future dates, ages, percentages.
• All formulas are facial to the document. Easy to create. Easy to edit.

Typing Expander

• Assign short names for longer text block. E.g., certificate<Alt-G. can instantly call in your Certificate of Mailing; yoursig<Alt-G> can instantly call in your signature block.
• Extremely easy to set up and to add content.
• As opposed to Word's AutoCorrect and AutoText, all users on system automatically can be easily pointed to the same collection of expandable terms.

Robust Options and Optional text function:

• Create questions and conditions for inclusion of text.
• Multiple choice can be designated with 'radio buttons' (only one choice allowed) or checkboxes (multiple choices allowed). 
• Robust prompts can readily be converted to sophisticated interview forms with no programming knowledge on your part.

Repeat function

• Designate repeating text simply by enclosing text within easy to create 'repeat blocks.'
• "<<*Repeat*row>> your boat gently down the stream." (Try it--paste text into document. Press Alt-P to process it.)
  
• Any variables within repeat block will be automatically repeated and incremented.
• "These are the names and birthdates of my children: <<*Repeat*[Child], [Birthdate]>>."
  will result in, if '3' is provided as the answer to the automatic prompt:
  "These are the names and birthdates of my children: [Child@1], [Birthdate@1], [Child@2], [Birthdate@2], and [Child@3], [Birthdate@3]."
• Repeats can be applied against large blocks of text, including tables.

Excel Connectivity: 

Whether you are importing personal client or customer information stored in workbooks, or calculated data that only Excel can handle, Pathagoras provides exceptional connectivity to your Excel spreadsheets. While still in Word, Pathagoras lets you . . .

• Import entire spreadsheet directly into current document.
• Import named range of cells directly into document either as linked spreadsheet or as a Word table.
• Import named cells in Excel spreadsheet directly into Instant Database. (If your client or customer's data is already in an Excel spreadsheet, there is no need to type it again. Just import it.)
• Import two column Excel spreadsheet directly into Instant Database. With this feature, it is easy for you to design in Excel an intake form (simple to fancy), and send that form to your client or customer for completion. On its return, quickly import the data into your records or into your document. No reentry of data required.

Document Dis-assembly

• Highlight a portion of text from an on-screen document and, in one or two clicks, add it as a new document to a selected book or DropDown List. You can disassemble a document into its component parts in a matter of minutes.
• Suggestion: once you have broken up a document into building blocks, duplicate appropriate clauses using regular Word tools and modify them to create variety for later document assembly sessions.
• Bulk disassembly processes also provided. Instead of the one 'building block' at a time approach above, these tools allows the quick and efficient disassembly of entire documents into component pieces.

Names & Subjects Editor

• Rename all documents in designated folder in single pass.
• Reassign subject of documents in designated folder in single pass.
• Use to rename entire folder to conform with (optional) prefix/suffix naming convention.

Quick Picks (Alt-Q)

Document Management

• Use 'PathSmart' tool to assign number to designated folder. Future calls on that folder done using just that number.
• Each profile can reference up to 12 folders. Unlimited number of profiles can be created.
• Instant Alt-G navigation to designated folders. Simply type the number to the editing screen and press Alt-G.
• A 'SuperSmartPath' can be created that displays not just the folder, but the sub-folders. Perfect for offices that maintain a 'Client' folder, and sub-folders for each client and perhaps sub-folders beneath that level for matters.
• Use 'SaveSmart' tool to save current document to designated folder using the number reference.
• If SuperSmartPath designated, directly save to client folder and sub-folder. NO NAVIGATION REQUIRED.
• If document being created for new client, folder and sub-folder created on the fly. NO NAVIGATION REQUIRED.

Instant Folder Navigation

• Instant Alt-G navigation to SmartPaths assigned via PathSmart. Simply type the number associated with the folder, press Alt-G and a standard 'File Open' folder, automatically set to the designated folder appears.
• You can instantly navigate to any folder assigned to a book (via the initial document assembly screen)
• You can instant navigate to the folder assigned to a DropDown List.
• No more navigation to frequently used folders!

Word 2007 and 2010 Users

• Any button in Pathagoras menus can be added to QAT for instant access to feature.

Wizards and Assistants

• Create Variables and Create Options Wizards
• Interview Creation Wizard (move your Options/Optional/Repeat questions to Interview block at beginning of document.) This allows you to create a truly 'menu driven' system
• Paint Markers (highlight the begin and end points of the various Pathagoras markups. Allows you to more easily see and edit your 'Pathagorizing' handiwork)
• Structure Checker (Pathagoras will scan your work to see if all markups are properly constructed)
• Search and Replace tools (much more extensive that Word's Find and Replace)
• Conversion Wizards (convert Word and HotDocs(r) fields to plain text variables; convert WordPerfect(r) documents to Word documents; convert doc to docx and vice versa); convert folders to glossaries and glossaries to folders.)

• Pathagoras can count the number of boundary markers and report to you when they are not in balance.
• Pathagoras can 'paint' the boundary markers to make it easy to see where one may be missing
• Pathagoras can examine each of your Options, Optional and Repeats blocks for integrity and report (and automatically fix) any that are not 'perfect.'

• Alt-D brings up the Instant Database (variable replacement and automatic record creator)
• Alt-V brings up the Variable Creator Wizard
• Alt-P processes the on-screen text (used mainly for testing. Processing automatically takes place when a Pathagorized document is brought to the screen.)
• Alt-Q brings up the Quick Picks menus.

Conversion Tools:

Help and Support Systems:

• Unlimited live and friendly technical support during initial free 90 day trial and for first year after purchase. Virtual presence via GoToMeeting.
• Email support. Got a document that is not working as expected? Send it to us, we'll fix it and send it back along with explanation of the repair.
• Support agreements renewable annually for reasonable cost.
• Video tutorials and webinar replays.
• FAQ system.
• 600 page highly illustrated Manual.
• 'Pathagorizing' services available.
• Don't have time to do Pathagorize and otherwise automate your documents? Hire us.
• Don't have time to set up your libraries and books, DropDown Lists and masks to maximize your efficiencies? Hire us.
• We are reasonably priced, and will get you to a turn-key, highly efficient document assembly system in short order.
• On-line forms available.
• Hire us to create a beautifully tailored form that can modeled after your website.
• Fields in form will match the fields you use in your Instant Database system
• Post form on your website and point your new client or customer to on-line form for completion.
• When complete, client 'submits' form and it is transmitted to you as a perfectly compatible Instant Database record.

Miscellaneous

• Pathagoras is a a Microsoft Word add-in.Pathagoras is always running when Word is running.
• No separate program to run.
• User's always working in familiar Word program. All editing of source text and document assembly steps begin and end in Word.
• All intermediate steps take place in Word.
• Plain text based. No hidden fields used or created by program.
• However, all hidden fields and links you may have previously created within document will be honored.
• Editing of Pathagoras documents can be done on 'non-Pathagoras' computer.
• Pathagoras is a very dynamic system. For example, if you add new document using any tool (Pathagoras or not) into a folder to which a 'book' is pointed, the next time you display that book, that document will be displayed.
• While the above fairly summarizes most of the features available in Pathagoras, it still does not give due justice to the incredible depth and breadth of the system. Settings and switches abound (all optional of course -- the default settings are entirely sufficient for most offices) to allow any office to highly personalize Pathagoras to the unique needs or desires of the office.

General Comments:

Pathagoras is as broad and deep a document assembly/document automation program as you will find anywhere, regardless of price. But our price point is exceptionally competitive.  While other programs offer fancy interfaces and screenage, we offer a straight forward, easy to implement, feature-rich program that is easy to implement, easy to use and easy to teach. If you have not experienced Pathagoras, download the trial version and give it a shot.