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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.

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Quick example

import Casedev from 'casedev';

const client = new Casedev({ apiKey: 'sk_case_YOUR_API_KEY' });

const response = await client.format.v1.document({
  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 }
    }
  }
});

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Capabilities

Unlike simple converters, the Format API gives you full control over document presentation:
FeatureDescription
TypographyControl fonts, sizes, weights, and spacing per element type
LayoutSet margins, page numbers, headers, and footers
TemplatesBuilt-in presets like pleading paper with line numbers
Variable InterpolationUse {{variable}} placeholders for dynamic content
Preview ModeGenerate HTML previews before committing to PDF

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Output formats

FormatUse Case
pdfFinal documents for filing, printing, or archiving
docxEditable Word documents for collaboration
html_previewFast previews for UI rendering before final generation

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Built-in templates

TemplateDescription
standardClean professional formatting (default)
pleadingLegal pleading paper with line numbers and court margins
Custom templates can be saved and reused across your organization using the Templates API.

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Endpoints

Generate Document

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

Templates

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

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Common patterns

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Live preview in your app

// Show users a preview before generating the final PDF
const preview = await client.format.v1.document({
  content: markdownContent,
  input_format: 'md',
  output_format: 'html_preview'
});

// Render in your UI
document.getElementById('preview').innerHTML = preview;

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With template variables

const contract = await client.format.v1.document({
  content: `
# Service Agreement

This agreement is entered into by **{{client_name}}** ("Client") 
and **{{firm_name}}** ("Firm") on {{effective_date}}.

## Scope of Services
{{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...'
      }
    }]
  }
});

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Court-ready pleading

const motion = await client.format.v1.document({
  content: motionMarkdown,
  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 }
  }
});

LLMs

Generate content with AI, then format into polished documents