🧐 The misconception
“Can't I just do this in Excel, SharePoint, or Google Docs?”
That's a fair question - but it's comparing apples to pears 🍎🍐.
Those tools can mimic parts of what blocdoc does, but they were never designed for interactive document workflows.
They can collect data or store files, but blocdoc goes far beyond that:
- It creates structured, fillable documents - not just spreadsheets or forms.
- It enforces validation rules and logic, ensuring every required input is complete.
- It supports complex data types (like records), not just simple text, date, ... fields.
- It handles dynamic content, adapting the document structure based on inputs (e.g., number of signees).
- It manages signing, tracking, and archiving - all in one seamless flow.
- And it integrates easily via API, no IT setup needed.
In short, tools like Excel or Google Docs can imitate the surface,
but blocdoc automates the entire lifecycle of a document - from creation to archive.
⚖️ Market comparison
| Feature | BlocDoc | Google Workspace | Microsoft 365 | Adobe Acrobat | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Document Look & Feel | ✅ Real document appearance with editable structure | ⚠️ Limited; Google Docs lacks fillable document styling | ⚠️ Possible via Word, but complex to configure | ✅ High-quality document appearance (PDF-based) | ✅ Document-based interface |
| Form Fields & Validation | ✅ Full validation and logic engine with required inputs | ⚠️ Basic validation only, no dynamic logic | ⚠️ Requires Power Automate or scripts for logic | ✅ Basic field validation, limited dynamic logic | ✅ Good validation, limited conditional logic |
| Complex Data Types | ✅ Supports records, repeatable blocs, structured data | ❌ Only primitive field inputs | ❌ No native support without heavy customization | ❌ Only single-layer form fields | ⚠️ Limited repeating sections, no deep data model |
| Dynamic Content Based on Input | ✅ Automatic adaptation (e.g. signature blocs per signee) | ❌ Not supported | ⚠️ Requires scripting or custom workflow | ❌ Not supported | ⚠️ Partially supported through conditional fields |
| Inline Photo Capture | ✅ Built-in camera integration for photo input | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported | ⚠️ Possible via file upload, not native camera |
| Digital Signing | ✅ Integrated signing flow with audit trail | ❌ No native signing (requires add-ons) | ⚠️ Only via Adobe Sign integration | ✅ Built-in signing | ✅ Built-in signing |
| Automation & Workflow | ✅ Built-in sharing, tracking, reminders, and archiving | ❌ Manual sharing, no workflow automation | ⚠️ Requires setup in Power Automate / SharePoint | ⚠️ Limited; manual distribution | ✅ Strong automation and tracking |
| API Integration | ✅ Full API for data export and automation | ❌ No direct document API for forms | ⚠️ Requires Power Automate connectors | ⚠️ Limited integration (Adobe Sign API only) | ✅ Available API access |
| Device Compatibility (Mobile First) | ✅ Mobile-first, works on any device | ⚠️ Mobile editing possible, not optimized | ⚠️ Word forms not user-friendly on mobile | ⚠️ Acrobat Reader mobile app required | ✅ Responsive design, mobile-friendly |
| Editor & Deployment | ✅ Lightweight web app (<10MB), editor runs offline, always up-to-date - no version issues | ⚠️ Requires browser access, no offline mode | ❌ Heavy desktop apps, version conflicts common | ⚠️ Requires desktop Acrobat; large install | ⚠️ Cloud-only, requires constant connection |
| Setup & Skill Required | ✅ All-in-one, no technical skills required | ⚠️ Requires manual setup and sharing | ❌ Needs IT skills for Power Automate & SharePoint | ⚠️ Form design requires Acrobat Pro expertise | ✅ Simple setup, business-user oriented |
| Access | ✅ Start using BlocDoc immediately — no account, no demo, no credit card required | ❌ Google account required | ❌ Microsoft account required | ❌ Adobe account + license required | ❌ Account creation, demo booking, or credit card required |
In summary
blocdoc is uniquely built for business workflows, combining true document appearance, fillable complex fields, dynamic adaptive content,
and built-in automation - all without requiring IT support.
Competitors either lack complex input handling, true document behavior, or require significant technical setup.
Moreover, no other solution offers a lightweight web app (<10MB) that works offline, runs on any device, is always up to date, and can be tried without signup.