Docassemble vs Pathagoras

Docassemble is a free, open-source platform for guided interviews and document assembly. An interview can produce downloadable or emailed PDF, RTF or DOCX files, submit applications, interact with APIs or provide information. Authors build interviews with YAML, Markdown and Python logic, and can make questions depend on what information is still needed. Templates can use DOCX or PDF files, with a Word add-in for DOCX workflows. Other listed capabilities include touchscreen signatures, chat, screen sharing, remote screen control, AI, SMS, email, fax, OCR, multilingual interviews and multiuser applications. Developers can extend interviews with Python and connect third-party applications through the API. Deployment options include Docker, Docker Compose, Helm and installation without Docker; the maker recommends Docker. The software has no usage fees, but an internet-hosted server typically costs $10–$40 per month or more. Interview answers are encrypted in the SQL database unless multi_user is True; uploaded and assembled documents are not encrypted.

Pathagoras is a Windows add-in for Microsoft Word that assembles and automates documents from existing clauses, forms, and other text. It does not require programming or hidden fields: users mark variables with square brackets and optional text with curly braces. Instant Database identifies bracketed variables for replacement and can save personal data records for reuse. PathSmart and SaveSmart provide folder access and tools for saving, moving, deleting, and naming documents. Listed external data sources include CSV, TSV, Excel, Outlook contacts, SQL Server, and MySQL. The software offers quick access to up to three external databases, and some sources may need export to Excel or delimited files. Networking tools for sharing libraries and profiles, plus messaging, are available with purchases of at least three licenses. A purchased license allows installation on one main computer and one secondary computer owned by the user; secondary use is not typically simultaneous. The free trial lasts 90 days and includes customer service. Subscription pricing is $25 a month for one user; one-time options include Individual at 379.00 USD and Network Bundle at 799.00 USD.