Documint vs Formstack Documents -  Which is Right For You?

Choosing the right document creation software is pivotal for enhancing productivity and workflow efficiency. In this article, we'll take a look at the features of two leading options - Documint and Formstack Documents (formerly Webmerge). Both platforms aim to streamline and simplify the process of generating documents, but they do so with different capabilities that cater to various user preferences and requirements. 

Both options offer different tiered levels of service depending on your needs so for the purpose of this article we will be comparing Formstack Document’s starting plan ($110 per month) with Documint’s Silver Plan ($30 per month).

Pricing and Value

Pricing is a crucial factor for many users, and here, the difference between Documint and Formstack is significant. Documint's starting price for their silver plan is $30 per month, offering an affordable entry point for small to medium-sized businesses or individuals. Formstack's starting price is substantially higher at $110 per month, which might be justified for users who require its specific features and integrations, particularly the native e-signature functionality. 

User Interface and Template Design

One of the primary distinctions between Documint and Formstack lies in the style of their template editors. Documint offers a modern, intuitive drag-and-drop editor that allows users to create complex templates with ease. This interface is beneficial for users who seek flexibility and the ability to design sophisticated document templates without vast technical knowledge.

Formstack, on the other hand, utilizes a word processor-style editor, which might feel more familiar to users accustomed to traditional document editing software. While this can be advantageous for straightforward document creation, it may lack the dynamic capabilities offered by a drag-and-drop interface when designing more complex templates.

Logic - Conditions and Looping 

Both platforms incorporate conditional logic, albeit in different ways. Documint integrates a condition builder UI directly into the template designer, streamlining the process of customizing document logic without needing to write complex code. This allows you to add a wide array of conditional logic to your elements with ease. 

Formstack on the other hand employs templating expressions to insert conditions, offering flexibility for those who are comfortable with coding. This might appeal to users with technical expertise, but could be seen as a hurdle for those looking for a more straightforward solution.

Functions and Calculations

In Documint, custom functions allow you to perform advanced manipulations within your document templates, enhancing the dynamic nature of your document generation. Custom functions can range from simple text transformations to more complex operations, like conducting intricate calculations based on user input.

E-Signature Integration: Native vs. External

Documint offers integration with external e-sign services through platforms like Zapier, Make, or directly via API. While this provides flexibility and choice, it might necessitate additional costs for the e-sign service itself. 

Formstack offers native integration with Formstack Sign for an additional $20 per month, streamlining the e-sign process without the need for additional services or integrations. This could be an advantage for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

It is worth noting that Documint has plans on their road map to implement electronic signing natively in the near future. 

Delivery Options

The final aspect to consider is the delivery options each software provides. Documint currently focuses on delivering documents in PDF format, ensuring universal accessibility and reliability. Documint has confirmed that support for various other delivery options such as DOCX, JPG, and PNG are coming soon. Formstack Documents, however, broadens the spectrum by supporting multiple formats, including PDF, DOCX, XLSX, HTML, email, and JPG, catering to users who require versatile distribution methods.

Conclusion

Choosing between Documint and Formstack depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you value a modern interface with drag-and-drop capabilities, highly flexible conditional logic, looping, and in template functionality all at an affordable price point, Documint is the right choice for you. However, if you prioritize a word processor-style editor, native e-signature integration, and a wider range of delivery options—albeit at a higher cost—Formstack could better suit your requirements.

Both platforms offer robust solutions for automating document creation. We encourage you to consider the unique features and benefits of each to determine which software best suits your document automation goals. At Documint, we're committed to providing an intuitive, flexible, and cost-effective solution to meet your needs and enhance your document creation process.