Word table import

Import a Word table into a Legatics list

Legatics Support avatar
Written by Legatics Support
Updated over a week ago

We think our lists are a better than Word. They are online, collaborative and built for purpose. But we appreciate that Word is a powerful tool, and that lawyers are used to it.

Our Word table importer allows you to set-up your list in Word and transfer that into a Legatics list.


Before you get started

⚠️ Keep in mind the following limitations

Import into free-text column only

Data can only be imported into free-text columns

One Word table per import

Only one Word table can be imported at a time. If your Word document has multiple tables, you'll need to do separate imports.

Partially merged cell and split cells aren't supported

If you Word table has cells that have been partially merged or split, then the importer won't be able to recognise those very well. So keep you tables nice and simple

Only .docx files are supported

Old Word files like .doc won't work. Follow these instructions to update your file to .docx

Special characters and formatting will not import

We only recognise text, special characters and any formatting (eg bold and any bullets) will not import

Tables with more than 500 rows can't be imported

You can only import tables that have fewer than 500 rows


How to use the Word table importer

  1. Set up your checklist in Word - or download our example Word tables to test out the feature.

    ✔️ Merged rows across the entire table are recognised as sections


  2. Create a list in Legatics - you can use one of our templates, a blank list or start from another list.

    ✔️ To directly import your Word file (without setting up a Legatics list first), start from an empty list, and follow the instructions below to import your Word table.


  3. Click on 'Import' and select 'Word table'.


  4. Drag and drop your Word table or click 'choose .docx file' to upload.


  5. If your Word document has multiple tables, you can select which table you would like to import into your list.

    You will only be able to import one table at a time.


  6. Column headings: The system will identify the necessary column headings for your table. These can be edited by selecting 'Edit columns' or clicking the pencil icons beside each column heading.


  7. Header row: Alternatively, choose which row in your table should be the header row.


  8. Exclude rows: Exclude rows using the button under the 'Include' column.


  9. Rows and sections: If a section has been incorrectly identified, use the 'Type' menu to turn it into a 'Row' and vice versa.


  10. Sub-sections: Use the arrow button to turn a section into a sub-section.



  11. Any changes you make can be undone using the 'undo' button. To reset the structure back to what Legatics initially displayed, click on 'reset'.


  12. Once you are happy with the structure, click on 'Continue' (note that this will be "Import" if you start from a blank list).


  13. Match the columns in your Word table to the columns in your Legatics list. This will let you create a new column, if you want. Then press "Import" to import the data.

    ✔️ Your data will be imported into the bottom of your list

  14. Your list can then be managed as any other in Legatics after importing - for example, you may want to apply permissions, add a file column or use the legal text importer to add additional rows.


If you have any further questions, please get in touch at support@legatics.com.

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