🧐 The misconception
“Can't I just do this in Excel & SharePoint, or Google Docs / Forms?”
That's a fair question - but it's comparing apples to pears 🍎🍐.
While those tools can handle data entry or document storage,
they weren't designed for interactive, data-driven documents and workflows.
blocdoc goes far beyond:
- ✅ 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.
- ✅ It manages signing, tracking, and archiving - all in one seamless flow.
- ✅ And it integrates easily via API, no IT setup needed.
blocdoc makes documents interactive and data-driven,
streamlines and automates your workflow from start to finish,
all in one seamless platform
⚖️ 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.