Creating lists in Legatics is quick and efficient with the ability to import data directly from Word tables. This feature saves time by transforming pre-existing Word content into a structured list format, eliminating the need for manual entry.
Whether you're starting with transaction checklists or other formatted data, importing from Word tables ensures consistency and reduces setup effort. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step.
Prerequisites: To create lists in a matter, you must be a Matter Admin
Note: There are some limitations when importing Word tables
Start the import
Initiate list creation
Click on Create list located either on the top navigation bar or the dashboard
In the Create list pop-up, choose the Word table option
Upload your file
In the screen that appears, upload you file. You can upload files by:
pressing Choose docx file from your computer
dragging and dropping into the box
uploading from iManage
uploading from NetDocuments
Once you upload the file, you'll automatically be taken to the next screen
Customise the import
Once the file is imported, you can customise the data in the file before it's imported into Legatics.
Select table and header row
If your Word file has multiple tables, select the table to import and specify the header row to name the columns in your list. Adjust these by clicking the boxes for Table to Import or Header Row at the top of the import screen.
Note: You can only import one table at a time
Rename and remove columns
By default, all columns are included, and their names are taken from the header row. To modify these, click Edit columns and make changes in the pop-up.
Include or exclude sections and rows
You can decide to include or exclude certain rows or sections. Simply press the toggle on or off next to the relevant row or section.
Change between row and section
We try to identify whether rows in your Word table are sections. We do this by looking for rows with all cells merged into one. If this attempt is incorrect, you can adjust it by clicking the box in the type column.
Adjust section level
By default, all recognised sections are set as first level sections. You need to adjust these if you've got nested sections. To do this, simply press on the left and right icons next to the name of the section.
Tip: We recognise a section if the entire row in the table is a merged cell
Reset and undo
If you need to undo a change, press the undo button. If you need to start over during the import process, use the reset button. Clicking this will reset to the values on import, allowing you to begin the edit process again .
Complete the import
Once you're happy with your import:
Press Import at the bottom right of the screen
Give your list a name and set any list-level permissions
Press Create
Your list will be created with the data you imported
Next steps
Limitations
Docx files only | Older doc files aren't supported |
Import limits | 50 columns or 500 rows |
Only imports data in tables | To import text, use the legal text importer |
Import into free-text columns only | It's a Word limitation. Data in a Word file can be anything. Our lists are structured data. |
Partially merged cells and split cells not recognised | So keep you tables nice and simple! |
Empty rows not recognised | We skip rows without any characters (spaces aren't characters) |
Special characters and formatting not recognised | We only recognise text. Anything else won't import. |
One table per import | If your file has multiple tables, do multiple imports |
No editing during import | Editing is done after the table is imported |
Work not saved until imported | So don't leave the page open! |
FAQ
Do you recognise merged cells?
Do you recognise merged cells?
Only as sections (if the entire row is merged together). Any other partial merging or splitting isn't supported. If you import tables with merged cells or split cells, you'll find data in the wrong place.
How do I get sections recognised?
How do I get sections recognised?
Merge the entire row together in your Word table. Don't worry about colouring the merged row, we don't look at formatting to recognise sections.
Does this feature work for every language?
Does this feature work for every language?
Yes, the feature is language agnostic.
Are there any limits to the number of columns or rows I can import?
Are there any limits to the number of columns or rows I can import?
Yes. You're limited to 500 rows and 50 columns.
Is my work saved when I'm working on the import?
Is my work saved when I'm working on the import?
No. You'll need to complete the import to save your work.
Demonstration files
These are a great way to test out the feature!