Document Template System

The Document Template System enables attorneys to create reusable Word document templates with variable placeholders, generate personalized documents for clients, and deliver professional, formatted DOCX files.

Overview

Key Features

• ✅ Simple Template Creation - Use Word with syntax
• ✅ Automatic Variable Extraction - System detects all template variables
• ✅ Dual Rendering - HTML preview + downloadable DOCX
• ✅ Format Preservation - All Word formatting maintained in output
• ✅ Real-Time Updates - Edit variables and regenerate instantly
• ✅ Pre-filled Values - Client data auto-populated

Architecture

Template Upload Flow

Document Generation Flow

Technologies

Handlebars.js

HTML rendering for browser preview

• Custom syntax
• Helpers for date formatting, currency, etc.
• Fast rendering (~50-100ms)

docxtemplater

DOCX generation with formatting preservation

• Configured with double-brace delimiters
• Maintains all Word styles, fonts, tables
• ~200-500ms per document

NuxtHub Blob (R2)

DOCX file storage

• Original templates
• Generated documents
• Fast CDN delivery

Data Model

Template Storage

interface DocumentTemplate {
  id: string
  name: string
  description: string
  category: string

  // Original DOCX in R2
  docxBlobKey: string

  // Parsed HTML for preview
  content: string

  // Extracted variables
  variables: string[]  // ["clientName", "fee", ...]

  requiresNotary: boolean
  createdAt: number
  updatedAt: number
}

Generated Document

interface Document {
  id: string
  title: string
  status: 'DRAFT' | 'SENT' | 'VIEWED' | 'SIGNED' | 'COMPLETED'

  templateId: string
  matterId: string
  clientId: string

  // Rendered HTML
  content: string

  // Generated DOCX in R2
  docxBlobKey: string

  // Filled variable values
  variableValues: Record<string, string>

  // Timestamps
  createdAt: number
  updatedAt: number
  sentAt?: number
  viewedAt?: number
  signedAt?: number
}

Variable System

Supported Syntax

Only {{variableName}} is supported:

{{clientName}}
{{lead_attorney}}
{{fee}}
{{currentDate}}

❌ NOT Supported: Nested notation like {{person.name}}

Pre-filled Variables

When generating a document, the system auto-fills:

Variable	Source	Example
{{clientName}}	Database	"John Doe"
{{clientAddress}}	Database	"123 Main St"
{{currentDate}}	Auto-generated	"January 5, 2026"
{{fee}}	Placeholder	"$[To be determined]"

Custom Variables

Any variables in your template that aren't pre-filled appear in the form for manual entry.

Performance

Operation	Time	Notes
Template upload	<1s	Parse + store
Document generation	<1s	HTML + DOCX
Variable updates	<1s	Re-render both formats
DOCX download	<500ms	Fetch from R2

Workflow

1. Create Template (Attorney)

1. Design document in Word
2. Add where needed
3. Upload to system
4. Review extracted variables

2. Generate Document (Attorney)

1. Select template
2. Choose client
3. Optional: Link to matter
4. System auto-fills client data
5. Fill remaining variables
6. Preview in browser

3. Finalize & Deliver

1. Update any variables as needed
2. Change status to SENT
3. Download DOCX for client
4. Client signs (optional)
5. Mark as SIGNED/COMPLETED

Security

• ✅ Role-Based Access - Only attorneys can upload templates
• ✅ Authorization Checks - Clients see only their documents
• ✅ File Validation - DOCX type and size limits
• ✅ Secure Storage - R2 with access control

Future Enhancements

• Template Versioning - Track changes over time
• Conditional Sections - Show/hide based on data
• Repeating Blocks - Loop over lists (beneficiaries, etc.)
• E-Signature Integration - DocuSign, HelloSign
• Bulk Generation - Create multiple documents at once

Learn More

• User Guide - How to use templates
• API Reference - Technical API docs
• DOCX Processing - Low-level details