A Guide to Getting the Best Results
The quality of your invoice review starts with the quality of your input. This guide walks you through the file types and formats we support, with clear recommendations to ensure you get the most accurate analysis every time.
You can upload any of the following file types. We’ll extract the invoice information and run the checks you select.
Text & data files
Examples: txt, csv, xml, ledes
- Ideal for structured invoice data.
- CSV can be comma- or pipe-delimited, with or without headers.
Office documents
Examples: doc, docx, xls
- Works well if the invoice lines are clearly tabular.
- Exporting to CSV before upload often improves results.
PDFs
Examples: pdf (digital), pdf (scanned)
- Digital PDFs (exported from billing systems) are acceptable.
- Scanned PDFs or photos are least reliable—avoid when possible.
Images
Examples: jpg, jpeg, png, tiff
- Supported, but recognition can vary.
- Best reserved for unavoidable cases.
A quick word on quality
We use sophisticated detection and extraction engines, but input quality still matters. Put simply: “garbage in, garbage out.” Structured files produce the most reliable, detailed results.
Beyond file type, the structure of the invoice itself affects accuracy. Here’s how different formats perform.
LEDES 1998B (structured)
- Preferred format for legal invoices.
- Consistent fields for matter, timekeeper, rates, hours, expenses, and more.
- Produces the most precise flags and metrics.
Delimited lines (CSV or pipe)
- One line per entry (comma- or pipe-delimited).
- Works with or without headers—headers improve clarity.
- Strong results when columns are consistent.
Standard but unstructured documents
- Word, Excel, or digital PDFs generated from billing systems.
- Usable if line items are cleanly laid out.
- Results vary with formatting consistency.
Scanned PDFs or images
- Scanning introduces noise and layout issues.
- We’ll attempt extraction, but accuracy may be limited.
- If available, upload a structured or digital file instead.
The Checklist for Perfect Uploads
- If you have LEDES 1998B, use it—that’s the gold standard.
- For CSV or pipe-delimited files, keep one entry per line and consistent columns.
- If you only have a PDF, choose a digital (exported) PDF over a scan.
- Avoid photos of screens or printed pages whenever possible.
Once uploaded, your file is transformed through our four-stage process, turning raw data into a powerful tool for managing legal spend.
Extract
- Read lines, dates, rates, hours, roles, expenses, and descriptions.
- Handle LEDES fields and common table layouts.
- Use integrated AI to interpret text where helpful.
Check
- Apply the specific rules you select.
- Include Foundational, Billing Policy, Expense Control, and Advanced checks.
- Allow firm-level tuning for some rules when appropriate.
Review
- See flags at the line level with clear reasons.
- Keep or clear items and add comments.
- Download a PDF report for internal review/approvals and firm negotiations.
Measure
- Summaries by role and timekeeper on each invoice.
- See where issues occur most often.
- Bring objective evidence to discussions on rates and scope.
Custom Services for Complex Files
Consistently receive non-standard invoice formats? Our expert team can provide a managed service to prepare and process your files, ensuring they are perfectly structured for review. Contact us to learn more about this premium service.
Do I have to use LEDES 1998B?
No, but it’s our preferred option and gives the most precise results. If you can export LEDES from your billing system, choose that.
Can I upload a spreadsheet or Word document?
Yes. We accept XLS/XLSX and DOC/DOCX. If possible, export your data to CSV first—it often improves clarity.
Are scanned PDFs okay?
We support them, but they’re least reliable. If you have a digital PDF or a structured file (like LEDES or CSV), you’ll get better results.
What about comma vs. pipe-delimited files?
Both are supported—headers are optional but helpful. Keep one entry per line with consistent columns.