Format

Generate professional PDF, DOCX, and HTML documents from structured content

A style-based layout engine for generating professional legal documents. Transform Markdown, JSON, or plain text into polished PDFs, Word documents, or HTML previews with precise typography and layout control.

Quick example

cURL

curl -X POST https://api.case.dev/format/v1/document \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_case_YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "# Motion for Summary Judgment\n\nPlaintiff respectfully moves...",
    "input_format": "md",
    "output_format": "pdf",
    "options": {
      "template": "pleading",
      "styles": {
        "h1": { "font": "Times New Roman", "size": 14, "bold": true, "alignment": "center" },
        "p": { "font": "Times New Roman", "size": 12, "spacingAfter": 12 }
      }
    }
  }'

Capabilities

Unlike simple converters, the Format API gives you full control over document presentation:

Feature	Description
Typography	Control fonts, sizes, weights, and spacing per element type
Layout	Set margins, page numbers, headers, and footers
Templates	Built-in presets like pleading paper with line numbers
Variable Interpolation	Use {{variable}} placeholders for dynamic content
Preview Mode	Generate HTML previews before committing to PDF

Output formats

Format	Use Case
pdf	Final documents for filing, printing, or archiving
docx	Editable Word documents for collaboration
html_preview	Fast previews for UI rendering before final generation

Built-in templates

Template	Description
standard	Clean professional formatting (default)
pleading	Legal pleading paper with line numbers and court margins

Custom templates can be saved and reused across your organization using the Templates API.

Endpoints

Generate Document

POST /format/v1/document — Convert content to PDF, DOCX, or HTML

Templates

GET/POST /format/v1/templates — Manage reusable format templates

Common patterns

Live preview in your app

cURL

# CLI (via cURL - no direct CLI command)
curl -X POST https://api.case.dev/format/v1/document \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $CASEDEV_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "# Your markdown content...",
    "input_format": "md",
    "output_format": "html_preview"
  }'

With template variables

cURL

# CLI (via cURL - no direct CLI command)
curl -X POST https://api.case.dev/format/v1/document \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $CASEDEV_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "# Service Agreement\n\nThis agreement is entered into by **{{client_name}}** (\"Client\")\nand **{{firm_name}}** (\"Firm\") on {{effective_date}}.\n\n## Scope of Services\n{{services_description}}",
    "input_format": "md",
    "output_format": "pdf",
    "options": {
      "components": [{
        "variables": {
          "client_name": "Acme Corporation",
          "firm_name": "Smith & Associates LLP",
          "effective_date": "January 15, 2024",
          "services_description": "Legal representation in matters of..."
        }
      }]
    }
  }'

Court-ready pleading

cURL

# CLI (via cURL - no direct CLI command)
curl -X POST https://api.case.dev/format/v1/document \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $CASEDEV_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "...",
    "input_format": "md",
    "output_format": "pdf",
    "options": {
      "template": "pleading",
      "header": "SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA",
      "footer": "Motion for Summary Judgment - Page {{page}}",
      "margins": { "top": 72, "right": 72, "bottom": 72, "left": 108 }
    }
  }'

Related services

LLMs

Generate content with AI, then format into polished documents