Assemble a Clause Library from the Template Library

A clause is a section of text, usually a commonly used paragraph, and a clause library is a collection of clauses. You can select clauses from a clause library and use them to assemble text documents. (See Introduction: Use Clauses and Clause Libraries.)

In HotDocs, you can view a clause library and select clauses for inclusion in a document both at the template library and during the interview for a text template.

  • When a clause library is referenced in a template library, you assemble the clause library and then choose where the assembled clause text is merged. You can choose to send the assembled clauses to a new, empty document; copy the assembled text to the Windows Clipboard (so you can paste it into an existing document); or paste the assembled text directly into an open word processor document. (Instructions for this method are included below.)
  • When a clause library is asked during the interview of a text template, the clause text is automatically inserted into that assembled document.

To assemble a clause library from the template library

  1. At the HotDocs library window, select a clause library and click Assemble. The Answer File dialog box appears.
  2. Select an answer file and click OK. The clause library appears in the dialog pane.
  3. (Optional) Perform either of the following tasks:
    • Select the Find check box to find all of the clauses with specific text in their title or description. In the text field, type the text for which you are searching.
    • Click Preview to view the clause text in a pop-up dialog box. To return to the clause library, click the X in the upper-right corner of the pop-up dialog box.
  4. From the Available list, select each clause you want to use and click Select to add it to the Selected list. To remove a clause, select it, then click Remove. (Press Ctrl or Shift to select multiple items.)
  5. (Optional) Reorder the clauses in the Selected list by selecting and dragging a clause to the desired position. The clauses will be inserted into the document in this order.
  6. When all the necessary clauses are in the Selected list, click Next on the navigation bar.
  7. Answer any questions in the interview. Once all questions are answered, complete any of the following steps:
    • Click the Send the assembled document to the word processor button (or press F11) to open the assembled document in your word processor.
    • Click Paste the assembled document into the open word processor document (or press Shift+F11) at the End of Interview dialog. This will insert the assembled document into an open word processor document.
    • Microsoft Word users: Choose File > Send Document To > Clipboard (or press Ctrl+F11) to place a copy of the document on the Windows Clipboard. You can then open an existing document and paste the text in the desired location.