# S-Docs vs CloudFiles: The Evidence

> S-Docs and CloudFiles compared item by item on our published document generation method: every score traced to its public source, dated and rechecked each cycle.

*2026-11-09 · by CloudFiles*

**Tags:** Comparisons, Salesforce

## What this post is

This post compares S-Docs and CloudFiles item by item on our published method: every score, where it came from, when we read it, and how much public evidence backs it. The verdict, with the composite scores, is on the comparison page; this is the working behind it.

| Published | Cycle | Arena |
|---|---|---|
| 9 November 2026 | Cycle 1 · sources read between 3 and 4 November 2026 | Document generation for Salesforce |

**→ [See the verdict: S-Docs vs CloudFiles](/salesforce/compare/document-generation/cloudfiles-vs-s-docs)**

## How we scored

Both products are scored on the same two-axis matrix, Enterprise Readiness (X) and Functionality (Y), with a Data Reliability check on the evidence itself. Items below carry a one-line summary; [How We Compare Salesforce Document Apps](/blog/how-we-compare-salesforce-document-apps) sets out the method and defines each Enterprise Readiness item, and [How We Score Salesforce Document Generation Apps](/blog/how-we-score-salesforce-document-generation) defines every feature. CloudFiles' own evidence for every item, on both axes, is compiled once in [CloudFiles for Document Generation: The Evidence](/blog/cloudfiles-document-generation-evidence); each CloudFiles box below gives the difference and cites its sources.

## Enterprise Readiness Score (X)

How strongly each product is designed and sold for large organisations, and bought by them, scored 1–5 from four weighted signals. Unless an item names another source, the evidence comes from the vendors' own websites.

### Observed buyers

Who actually buys each product, taken from evidence the vendors don't write themselves: the companies behind identified AppExchange reviewers, and the customers each vendor is willing to name.

AppExchange reviewer company sizes

The company size behind each identified AppExchange reviewer, as a read on who actually buys.

S-Docs
The ten most recent reviews of the S-Docs AppExchange listing, dated 2 October 2025 to 29 April 2026, were read, and each reviewer's employer was taken from the public Trailblazer profile attached to the review. Two are buyers, both at small organisations: the Gilbert Family Foundation and Fundación Tajamar. One reviewer is a consultant, counted as a partner rather than a buyer, and seven could not be matched to an employer.

Score2 · Leans lowBoth identified buyers work at small organisations.

ConfidenceLowTwo identified buyers is a thin base for a reading on who buys.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N30000003HeuPEAS&tab=r)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two points higher: CloudFiles' identified buyers work at large organisations, at Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and at ITW.

Score4 · Leans highEvery buyer identified works at a large organisation.

ConfidenceLowBased on the reviewers whose employers are public on their Trailblazer profiles.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=de62e2e1-191d-4aa2-a73e-237b426b4675&tab=r)

Named customers: modal profile

The typical size and sector of the customers each vendor names publicly.

S-Docs
S-Docs' customer stories name Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Accor and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, along with unnamed US federal agencies in law enforcement, defence and health. A 2021 press release names the VA, the Department of Defense and the FDA. Smaller named customers, such as Kramer Electronics, are a minority.

Score5 · Highly readyNamed customers are mostly large and regulated organisations.

ConfidenceHighThe vendor names the organisations directly.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://www.sdocs.com/resources/customer-success), [2](https://www.sdocs.com/resources/press/fedramp-compliance-press-release/)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point lower: CloudFiles also names large and regulated organisations, including General Mills, Aviva and Commvault.

Score4 · Leans highLarge and regulated organisations are the most common named customers.

ConfidenceMediumTwo of the logos, ITW and Ohio University, are confirmed by AppExchange reviewers who work there.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](/salesforce/document-generation), [2](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=de62e2e1-191d-4aa2-a73e-237b426b4675&tab=r)

**Where this leaves Observed buyers:** S-Docs leads on named customers, including Johnson & Johnson, Accor and US federal agencies. CloudFiles leads on identified reviewers, who work mostly at large organisations.

| Metric | S-Docs | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| AppExchange reviewer company sizes | 2 · Leans low, Low confidence | 4 · Leans high, Low confidence |
| Named customers: modal profile | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence |

### Commercial & service design

How each product is priced and packaged, what support comes with it, how a buyer can try it, and where each vendor shows up at Salesforce events.

Pricing unit and tiers

The billing unit, the tiers, and what sits behind an enterprise ask.

S-Docs
AppExchange lists S-Docs at $25 per user per month, with custom pricing for automation, batch and Experience Cloud plans. S-Docs' own pricing page is quote-only, and its FAQ says pricing is per user or per document, with a $3,000 annual minimum and automated and batch use priced higher than manual.

Score4 · Leans highQuote-based pricing, with automation and batch sold as higher tiers.

ConfidenceMediumThe tiers are described but not named or priced.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N30000003HeuPEAS), [2](https://www.sdocs.com/pricing), [3](https://www.sdocs.com/s-docs-frequently-asked-questions)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles is also priced by quote, per org or per user, sized to each deployment.

Score4 · Leans highQuote-based pricing per org or per user, with no published tier, is the standard enterprise model.

ConfidenceMediumLicensing terms are stated on CloudFiles' pricing pages and its listing; prices are set by quote.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](/pricing/salesforce), [2](/pricing/salesforce/document-management), [3](/pricing/hubspot), [4](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3u00000Qs3fPEAR&tab=r), [5](/pricing/salesforce/document-generation), [6](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=de62e2e1-191d-4aa2-a73e-237b426b4675&tab=p)

Customer support

How customers reach support, and what each plan includes.

S-Docs
Standard support runs by web, email and phone, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 Eastern time. It excludes help with the SDK, batch jobs, third-party integrations, SOQL and training, which Premier support covers, with response targets from 8 to 40 business hours by severity.

Score3 · MixedSeveral channels, but code and integration help sits in a higher tier.

ConfidenceMediumRead from S-Docs' support pages; the price of Premier is not stated.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://www.sdocs.com/standard-support), [2](https://www.sdocs.com/premier-support)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two points higher: CloudFiles includes all support, including help with Flow, Apex and the API, in every paid plan, with nothing sold as an add-on.

Score5 · Highly readyReal-time and scheduled help, all included in every plan with nothing sold as an add-on, is the rubric's high case.

ConfidenceHighSupport terms are stated on CloudFiles' own pages and confirmed in customer reviews.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/cloudfiles-implementation-support), [2](/blog/salesforce-sharepoint-integration-with-cloudfiles), [3](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3u00000Qs3fPEAR&tab=r)

Conference and webinar presence

Presence at Salesforce events and in the vendor's own webinars.

S-Docs
S-Docs lists seven dated 2026 events, including Dreamforce 2026 and Agentforce World Tour stops in Washington DC, New York and London, its first in the UK. It also attends HIMSS and NASPO events and runs webinars.

Score5 · Highly readyDreamforce and World Tour presence is the rule's high case.

ConfidenceHighSeven dated events found.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://www.sdocs.com/resources/webinars-events), [2](https://www.sdocs.com/resources/blog/meet-s-docs-at-dreamforce-2026)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles has exhibited at six Salesforce flagship events in two years, usually with a booth and a theatre session.

Score5 · Highly readyRepeated flagship sponsorships with booths and theatre sessions are the rule's high case.

ConfidenceHighSix flagship events found across two years.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](/salesforce/events/cloudfiles-sponsor-at-dreamforce-2026), [2](/salesforce/events/cloudfiles-sponsor-at-dreamforce-2025), [3](/salesforce/events/agentforce-world-tour-new-york-2025), [4](/salesforce/events/agentforce-world-tour-london-2025), [5](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/salesforceevents/), [6](/webinars)

Hands-on evaluation

How a buyer can try the product before committing.

S-Docs
An admin installs a free 15-day trial into a sandbox from AppExchange, self-serve. S-Docs' FAQ adds a free tier of 150 generated documents and 50 e-signatures. No test drive that needs no install was found.

Score4 · Leans highA self-serve free trial is Complete; a no-install test drive with a guide would be Extended.

ConfidenceMediumRead from the AppExchange listing and S-Docs' FAQ.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N30000003HeuPEAS), [2](https://www.sdocs.com/s-docs-frequently-asked-questions)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point higher: CloudFiles' Try It button opens a pre-configured test drive org with nothing to install, and its help centre gives a guided test drive for document generation.

Score5 · Highly readyA documented, no-install test drive with a guide for document generation is the rubric's high case.

ConfidenceHighThe test drive opens from the AppExchange listing and is documented in CloudFiles' help centre.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/test-drive), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/document-ai-test-drives), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/cloudfiles-widget-configurations-test-drive), [4](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3u00000Qs3fPEAR), [5](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3u00000Qs3fPEAR&tab=r), [6](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=94ed2229-b5d5-4ec7-b42f-734e4999eabc&tab=r)

**Where this leaves Commercial & service design:** CloudFiles leads on support and evaluation: all support is included, and its test drive needs no install. Both price by quote, and both exhibit at Dreamforce.

| Metric | S-Docs | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing unit and tiers | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence |
| Customer support | 3 · Mixed, Medium confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| Conference and webinar presence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| Hands-on evaluation | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |

### Technical design

The assurance and engineering behind each product: certifications, documentation and developer access.

Security & Compliances

The certifications each vendor claims, and what backs them.

S-Docs
S-Docs' trust portal lists SOC 2 Type 2, with the report shared on request. A 2021 press release says S-Docs was assessed for FedRAMP Moderate and DoD IL4 by Coalfire, a third-party assessor. No ISO 27001 or HIPAA claim was found.

Score4 · Leans highSeveral certifications with some external backing, without ISO or HIPAA.

ConfidenceMediumThe SOC 2 report is gated, and the FedRAMP assessment dates from 2021.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://trust.sdocs.com/), [2](https://www.sdocs.com/resources/press/fedramp-compliance-press-release/)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point higher: CloudFiles is audited for SOC 2 Type II, holds ISO 27001, 27017 and 27018 and HIPAA, and publishes a DPA and a Trust Portal.

Score5 · Highly readyAn audited SOC 2 Type II report, ISO and HIPAA certification, a public DPA and a Trust Portal together meet the rule's high bar.

ConfidenceHighThe public DPA and Trust Portal let buyers check these claims, and the SOC 2 Type II report is shared under NDA, as is standard.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](/security), [2](https://trust.cloudfiles.io), [3](/dpa), [4](https://dgt27.com/blog/best-sharepoint-connectors-with-salesforce/)

Help-doc architecture

How complete and well organised the public help documentation is.

S-Docs
S-Docs' help centre indexes 345 pages across setup, administration, template building, troubleshooting, a developer hub and a changelog, with search.

Score5 · Highly readyBroad and organised, from setup to developer reference and release notes.

ConfidenceHighCounted from the help centre's own page index.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/llms.txt)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles' help centre covers setup, admin, permissions, security and compliance, developer reference and release notes across 492 pages.

Score5 · Highly readyA full, organised set covering every area, searchable and kept current.

ConfidenceHighThe page count comes from the help centre's own index.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/sitemap.xml), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/releases/), [4](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3u00000Qs3fPEAR&tab=r)

API depth and gating

The developer surfaces each vendor publishes, and whether any plan restricts them.

S-Docs
S-Docs documents an Apex SDK with a method reference, including generateDocument, generateDocsInBatch and generateEmail, along with Flow and Lightning component references. No REST API was found.

Score3 · MixedOne of the two, an Apex client, with a real reference.

ConfidenceMediumRead from the developer hub.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/software-development-kit/document-generation/method-generateemail), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/flow-reference)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point higher: CloudFiles' Apex reference covers generation in full, and it also publishes a REST API.

Score4 · Leans highBoth an Apex client and a REST API are published; the Apex reference is the more detailed for generation.

ConfidenceHighRead from the published Apex and REST references.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-generate-document/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-generate-document-batch/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-get-doc-gen-templates/), [4](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-type-docgen-request-input/), [5](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-api-developer-extensibility-sf/), [6](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/api-authentication/)

**Where this leaves Technical design:** CloudFiles leads on security and developer access: ISO and HIPAA alongside SOC 2, and a REST API as well as Apex. Both have broad help centres, and S-Docs holds FedRAMP.

| Metric | S-Docs | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| Security & Compliances | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| Help-doc architecture | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| API depth and gating | 3 · Mixed, Medium confidence | 4 · Leans high, High confidence |

### Messaging & ecosystem

Who each vendor says the product is for, and how that shows up elsewhere: partners, team and review-site profiles.

Stated ICP and messaging focus

Who the product's own pages say it is for.

S-Docs
S-Docs' product pages stress security and compliance, and its industry pages lead with government, healthcare and financial services. Its pricing page speaks to highly regulated industries.

Score4 · Leans highLeans towards enterprise and regulated buyers.

ConfidenceMediumRead from the vendor's own pages.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://www.sdocs.com/products/salesforce-document-automation/), [2](https://www.sdocs.com/solutions/industries), [3](https://www.sdocs.com/pricing)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles' document generation page also says it is built for enterprise use and leads with security, governance and bulk generation.

Score4 · Leans highLeaning enterprise, with security, governance and scale up front.

ConfidenceMediumRead from the product's own pages only.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](/salesforce/document-generation), [2](/salesforce/document-generation/generate-documents)

Partner ecosystem

The partners each vendor works with, and who confirms them.

S-Docs
S-Docs runs reseller, consulting and OEM partner pathways. Named partners include CGI, a global IT consultancy, Carahsoft, a government reseller, and Aethereus, a Salesforce consulting partner.

Score5 · Highly readyA global integrator named as a partner.

ConfidenceMediumThe partner names come from S-Docs' own page.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://www.sdocs.com/partners)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point lower: CloudFiles runs a formal partner programme with nine named implementation partners, and names Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG and others as integrators it has delivered with.

Score4 · Leans highA formal tiered programme with several named partners.

ConfidenceMediumPartners are named on CloudFiles' partner page, three with their staff quoted.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](/salesforce/become-a-partner), [2](/partners), [3](https://terralogic.com/blogs/integrating-cloudfiles-with-salesforce/)

Team mix

The functions and regions visible in each vendor's team.

S-Docs
S-Docs' LinkedIn People page shows 53 members, all in the United States, around Michigan and New York. The largest functions are information technology (12), sales (10) and customer success and support (6).

Score3 · MixedSome functions, in one region.

ConfidenceHighRead from LinkedIn's own counts.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdocs/people/)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two points higher: CloudFiles' team mixes business and technical roles across regions.

Score5 · Highly readyA strong mix of business and technical roles across time zones.

ConfidenceHighRead from LinkedIn and independent company profiles.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloudfilesapp/about/), [2](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloudfilesapp/people/), [3](https://tracxn.com/d/companies/cloudfiles/__kL2caz8lFNr3NJKNYXm7CF0D0QD14T2jHJ1eSusSiVg), [4](https://tracxn.com/d/legal-entities/india/cloudfiles-india-private-limited/__Xs5Hr-BaIgFjDmsuZYy1JHCAi_9FO5xjvQ-ltrDlPhE), [5](https://theorg.com/org/cloudfiles)

Review-site profile richness

Presence across the three main B2B review sites.

S-Docs
G2 rates S-Docs 4.7 from about 128 reviews. Capterra shows 3 reviews and TrustRadius 7.

Score3 · MixedOne well-populated profile and two thin ones.

ConfidenceMediumCounted from the review sites.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://www.g2.com/products/s-docs/reviews), [2](https://www.capterra.com/p/181798/S-Doc/), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/products/s-docs/reviews)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point higher: CloudFiles is on all three sites, led by a G2 profile with 217 reviews, a product video and several categories.

Score4 · Leans highProfiles on all three sites, led by a rich, actively maintained G2 profile.

ConfidenceHighCounted from the review sites themselves.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudfiles-cloudfiles/reviews), [2](https://www.capterra.com/p/218995/CloudFiles/reviews/), [3](https://www.trustradius.com/products/cloudfiles/competitors)

**Where this leaves Messaging & ecosystem:** CloudFiles leads on team mix and review-site profiles. Both speak to enterprise buyers, and S-Docs names CGI, a global integrator, as a partner.

| Metric | S-Docs | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| Stated ICP and messaging focus | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence |
| Partner ecosystem | 5 · Highly ready, Medium confidence | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence |
| Team mix | 3 · Mixed, High confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| Review-site profile richness | 3 · Mixed, Medium confidence | 4 · Leans high, High confidence |

## Features Score (Y)

How complete each product is across the feature map's five categories, each feature rated on a five-rung ladder from Absent to Extended, with Dealbreaker features able to gate the whole score: each must reach L4. The score itself is the average rung across the eighteen features, weighted by Kano class (Dial 3, Delighter 2, Dealbreaker 1, Distractor 0), on a 1–5 scale. Each card gives the rung and why the evidence lands there, the feature's Kano class and, where it applies, an automation rating.

### Template

How each product's templates are built, and how the template library is kept in order.

Template Authoring Kano · Dial

How a template is built, and how easily merge fields, tables and conditions are placed.

S-Docs
S-Docs has no Office add-in. Its own Visual Template Editor is point-and-click with a live record preview, but builds PDF templates only. Word, Excel and PowerPoint templates use typed merge syntax, and a table needs SOQL and table-format tags typed around a Word table.

RungL3 · LimitedPoint-and-click for PDF only, with Office tables built by typing, is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/visual-template-editor/visual-template-editor-overview), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/template-architecture/inserting-merge-fields/merge-fields-with-microsoft-templates-docx-pptx-xlsx), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/related-lists/how-to-create-a-table-in-microsoft-templates-docx-pptx)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two rungs higher: CloudFiles' add-ins for Word, Excel and PowerPoint place fields, tables and conditions point-and-click, with a live preview on real record data.

RungL5 · ExtendedOffice add-ins with point-and-click fields, tables and conditions are Complete; several formats and live preview with real data make it Extended.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-word-docx-template-actions-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-template-creation-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-insert-condition-sf/), [4](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-template-management-hub-sf/), [5](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/tut-build-a-template-word-sf/)

Template Management Kano · Delighter

Keeping the template library in order: folders, versions, access and moving templates between orgs.

S-Docs
Templates are sorted by a Document Category picklist and shared by permission set, and they move between orgs by JSON export and a Template Migrator. The Document Version field is reference text, not version history.

RungL3 · LimitedAccess and migration without versions is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/template-architecture/template-settings/advanced-options-tab/template-lifecycle-management), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/administration/template-migration), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/quick-start/getting-started/security-and-permissions)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles adds folders, version and release control, usage insights and changeset migration.

RungL3 · LimitedFolders, versions and migration are in place; access set per template by profile or role is the step to Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-template-management-hub-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-template-migrations-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/tut-generate-a-document-via-permissioned-templates-sf/)

**Where this leaves Template:** CloudFiles leads on authoring: add-ins in Word, Excel and PowerPoint against S-Docs' typed syntax in Office templates. The two are level on management.

| Feature | Kano | S-Docs rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Template Authoring | Dial | L3 · Limited | L5 · Extended |
| Template Management | Delighter | L3 · Limited | L3 · Limited |

### Data

Where the values in each product's documents come from.

Data Sources Kano · Dealbreaker

How far from the triggering record a template can reach.

S-Docs
Templates reach five relationships deep, and SOQL can query any object in the org. Data from outside Salesforce must first be written as XML onto an S-Docs Job record by code, which is a workaround.

RungL4 · CompleteAll Salesforce data, with outside data by a workaround, is Complete.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow's Generate actions and Apex pass the records to merge.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://kb.sdocs.com/knowledge-base/sdocs/inserting-formatting-data-sdocs/overview-building-documents), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/named-query/how-to-advanced-data-retrieval-with-named-queries), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/flow-reference)

CloudFiles: the difference
One rung higher: CloudFiles merges outside data into the same run through runtime variables and collections filled by Flow or Apex, with nothing to stage first.

RungL5 · ExtendedOutside data merged into the same run without being stored on a record is Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow and Apex both pass records, collections and outside values into a run.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-universal-salesforce-data-access-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-record-collection-variable-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-runtime-variable-sf/), [4](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-type-docgen-request-input/)

Runtime Input Kano · Delighter

Values supplied at generation time rather than stored beforehand.

S-Docs
Templates define User Input variables, which a Screen Flow collects as a guided wizard and passes to the Generate S-Doc with Input action. Users can also choose the template in the S-Docs Lightning component.

RungL5 · ExtendedA guided wizard built in a Screen Flow is Extended.

AutomationL3 · LimitedInputs pass from Screen Flows only, and only to PDF templates.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/visual-template-editor/advanced-data-user-input-variables), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/automation-and-document-lifecycle/automate-with-flow/pass-screen-flow-inputs-into-pdfs), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/s-docs-lwc-reference/generate-documents-s-docs-settings)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level on the rung: CloudFiles templates define typed runtime variables that the widget or a Screen Flow asks for, and Flow and Apex pass the same values to any template format.

RungL5 · ExtendedA guided wizard with validation, built in Flow on the app's documented actions, is Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow and Apex pass the same runtime values.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-runtime-variable-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-get-doc-gen-templates-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/tut-generate-a-document-with-runtime-variables-sf/), [4](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/tut-generate-a-document-via-screen-flow-sf/)

**Where this leaves Data:** CloudFiles leads on data sources, merging outside data with nothing to stage first. Both reach Extended on runtime input.

| Feature | Kano | S-Docs rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Sources | Dealbreaker | L4 · Complete | L5 · Extended |
| Runtime Input | Delighter | L5 · Extended | L5 · Extended |

### Content Logic

What each product does to the data: select, repeat, compute and visualise.

Conditional Logic Kano · Dial

Showing, hiding or choosing content based on data.

S-Docs
RENDER conditions use comparisons, CONTAINS, AND and OR, nested up to four levels, on text, sections, columns and rows. Conditions can test child records, and Dynamic Components pick a sub-template by field value.

RungL5 · ExtendedNested AND/OR conditions on any content is Extended.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/template-configuration-and-styling/conditional-logic-reference), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/conditional-logic/conditional-logic-how-to), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/build-reusable-templates/component-template-how-to-article/dynamic-components)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles also combines conditions with AND, OR or custom logic on any content.

RungL5 · ExtendedNested AND/OR conditions on any content, plus templates chosen by data, is Extended.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-insert-condition-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-dynamic-content-builder-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-generate-document-sf/)

Repeating Content Kano · Dealbreaker

Repeating rows or whole sections for each related record.

S-Docs
Component Queries repeat a whole formatted section once per record, and SOQL tables filter, sort and limit rows. Aggregate queries group rows and add totals.

RungL5 · ExtendedRepeating whole sections, with grouping, is Extended.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/build-reusable-templates/component-template-how-to-article/using-component-queries), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/template-configuration-and-styling/related-list-references/related-list-working-examples), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/related-lists/how-to-filter-and-sort-a-related-list)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles also repeats whole sections and groups collections.

RungL5 · ExtendedRepeated whole sections and grouping go beyond Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-insert-table-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-insert-loop-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-record-collection-variable-sf/)

Calculations & Formatting Kano · Dial

Deriving and presenting values: totals, formulas and number, date and currency formats.

S-Docs
A MATH tag handles arithmetic and dates, aggregate queries sum grouped rows, and numbers and dates take format masks. The masks are fixed in the template, and month names always render in English.

RungL3 · LimitedCalculations with fixed formats that do not follow the user's locale is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/quick-start/template-building/get-started-with-calculations), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/template-attributes/template-attributes-how-to-guides/how-to-display-dates-in-different-formats), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/template-attributes/template-attributes-how-to-guides/how-to-create-multilingual-documents)

CloudFiles: the difference
One rung higher: CloudFiles Excel templates keep formulas and totals across every merged row, and merged values follow each user's locale and time zone.

RungL4 · CompleteFormulas and totals in the template with locale-aware formats is Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-05Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/salesforce/formulas-totals-and-locale-formatting), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-record-collection-variable-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-formatting-controls-sf/), [4](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-insert-table-2-sf/)

Rich Media Kano · Delighter

Turning data into visuals: images, charts, barcodes and QR codes.

S-Docs
Dynamic images come from Salesforce fields and files. S-Docs states that it does not generate barcodes or QR codes, and no chart feature is documented.

RungL3 · LimitedDynamic images only is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/template-architecture/images-in-s-docs), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/template-architecture/images-in-s-docs/static-image-solutions/how-to-use-bar-codes-and-qr-codes)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles places dynamic images from URL fields or Salesforce Files, and keeps Office charts in the output.

RungL3 · LimitedDynamic images are Limited; charts driven by merged data are the step to Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Source – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-insert-picture-sf/)

**Where this leaves Content Logic:** CloudFiles leads on calculations and formatting. The two are level on conditions, repeating content and rich media.

| Feature | Kano | S-Docs rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Logic | Dial | L5 · Extended | L5 · Extended |
| Repeating Content | Dealbreaker | L5 · Extended | L5 · Extended |
| Calculations & Formatting | Dial | L3 · Limited | L4 · Complete |
| Rich Media | Delighter | L3 · Limited | L3 · Limited |

### Output & Delivery

The file each product makes, where it goes, what comes back and the record of the run.

Output Formats Kano · Dealbreaker

The file types produced, and the finishing applied to them.

S-Docs
Templates output PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPTX, XLSX, HTML, CSV, XML or JSON, and HTML can be sent as an email body. Each template has one format, so a second format needs a cloned template.

RungL5 · ExtendedMany formats, including email output, is Extended.

AutomationL3 · LimitedFlow and Apex pick a template, not a format, so a second format means a cloned template.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://kb.sdocs.com/knowledge-base/sdocs/creating-managing-templates/overview-template-formats/), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/flow-reference)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level on the rung: CloudFiles outputs PDF, Word, Excel and PowerPoint with PDF passwords and restrictions, and Flow sets the format directly.

RungL5 · ExtendedPDF and the Office formats, plus PDF password and restrictions, is Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow and Apex both set the format directly.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-generate-document-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-post-generation-controls-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-type-docgen-request-input/)

Fillable Documents Kano · Delighter

Generated documents with fields a recipient fills in, and whether answers return to Salesforce.

S-Docs
PDF-Upload templates merge data onto an uploaded PDF, but the output is flat, with no fillable fields. Fillable inputs exist only in S-Sign, which is scored in the e-signature arena.

RungL1 · AbsentNo fillable fields in generated documents is Absent.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/template-architecture/document-formats/pdf-upload-format/how-to-upload-a-pdf-as-a-template-draft)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two rungs higher: CloudFiles prefills fillable PDF fields and checkboxes from data.

RungL3 · LimitedFillable PDF fields prefilled from data are Limited; answers written back to Salesforce are the step to Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-pdf-template-actions-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/tut-build-a-pdf-template-sf/)

Document Packets Kano · Delighter

Several documents from one run, combined or delivered together.

S-Docs
Combine Documents merges S-Docs-generated PDFs in a set order. Files already on a record cannot join, unless each is uploaded as a PDF-Upload template, which is a workaround.

RungL3 · LimitedGenerated documents only, with existing files by a workaround, is Limited.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow and Apex both combine documents.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/automation-and-document-lifecycle/automate-with-flow/combine-generated-documents-with-flow), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/advanced-template-logic/build-reusable-templates/component-template-how-to-article/pdf-upload-as-a-component)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two rungs higher: CloudFiles merges generated and existing files in order, and a Flow can choose the contents by condition.

RungL5 · ExtendedTemplates and existing files combined in order is Complete; contents chosen by condition in Flow make it Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteMerge Documents runs from Flow and Apex.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-merge-documents-sync-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/tut-merge-documents-sf/)

Bulk Generation Kano · Delighter

Generating documents for many records in one run.

S-Docs
A batch Flow action and the Apex SDK generate documents for many records, and combineAll merges them into one file. Progress shows only in Salesforce's Apex Jobs, and starting a batch from a list view needs a custom build.

RungL3 · LimitedBatches with no run view, and a list-view entry built by hand, is Limited.

AutomationL4 · CompleteBatches run from Flow and Apex.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/automation-and-document-lifecycle/automate-with-flow/generate-documents-in-batch-with-flow), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/software-development-kit/implementation-solves/solve-monitoring-batch-status-and-handling-errors)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two rungs higher: CloudFiles runs large and scheduled batches with progress and per-record results, from Flow and Apex.

RungL5 · ExtendedLarge batches with progress and errors are Complete; scheduled batches make it Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteThe batch action runs from Flow and Apex.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-generate-document-batch-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-bulk-background-generation-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-generate-document-batch/)

Preview & Edit Kano · Dial

Seeing and adjusting a generated document before it is final.

S-Docs
Live Edit opens PDF and HTML output in a browser editor before it is saved. Word, PowerPoint and Excel output cannot be edited this way.

RungL3 · LimitedEditing for some formats only, not Word, is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Source – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/automation-and-document-lifecycle/workflows/editing-generated-documents-live-edit)

CloudFiles: the difference
One rung higher: CloudFiles lets users edit Word files and annotate PDFs inside Salesforce before the document is final.

RungL4 · CompletePreview and edit inside Salesforce before saving or sending is Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-cloudfiles-preview-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/releases/)

Save & Write-back Kano · Delighter

Where the finished file is kept, under what name, and what is written back to the record.

S-Docs
Files are named from merge fields and saved as Salesforce Files or attachments. Document Actions send them on to Google Drive, Amazon S3, SharePoint or Box, and a Flow can write values back to the record.

RungL5 · ExtendedExternal storage with naming and field updates is Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteSaving and write-back run from Flow and Apex.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/software-development-kit/reference-document-actions-framework), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/s-docs-lwc-reference/documents-s-docs-settings)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles also saves to external storage with naming rules, and a Flow updates the record from its outputs.

RungL5 · ExtendedSaving to external storage with naming rules and record updates is Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteSave location, name and follow-up updates are set from Flow and Apex.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-document-title-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-generate-document-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-type-document-generated/)

Send & Hand-off Kano · Delighter

Sending the finished document on, by email, to e-signature or to a later workflow.

S-Docs
Documents go by email with email templates, from the Lightning component or from Flow. E-signature runs through S-Docs' own tools, S-Sign and S-Docs e-Signature, with no choice of outside providers.

RungL3 · LimitedTemplated email with one e-signature provider is Limited.

AutomationL4 · CompleteEmail and e-signature requests run from Flow and Apex.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/automation-and-document-lifecycle/workflows/sending-generated-documents-via-email-s-docs-lwc), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/s-docs-e-signature/create-and-send-signature-requests), [3](https://help.sdocs.com/s-sign/automation-and-envelope-lifecycle/automate-e-signature-with-flow-builder)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles sends by email from Flow and to DocuSign, with signer fields placed from the template and Adobe Sign coming.

RungL3 · LimitedEmail and one e-signature tool are Limited; a choice of e-signature tools is the step to Complete.

AutomationL4 · CompleteSending runs from Flow and Apex.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-esignature-support-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-insert-form-field-sf/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-docusign-integration-for-word-based-document-generation-sf/)

Run History Kano · Delighter

The record of what was generated, by whom, and with what result.

S-Docs
Each successful document creates an S-Doc record, and a Usage Metrics component shows totals. Failed runs are not logged.

RungL3 · LimitedA record of successes, without errors, is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/administration/install-configure/configure-the-s-docs-usage-metrics-lwc-on-home-page), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/developer-hub/document-workflows/s-docs-lwc-reference/documents-s-docs-settings)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two rungs higher: CloudFiles logs each run with its record, file and errors, and adds usage dashboards.

RungL5 · ExtendedA log of every run with errors, plus usage dashboards, is Extended.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/evt-custom-object-mode-flow-setup-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-type-document-generated/), [3](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/apex-type-document-generated-error/), [4](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-usage-sf/)

**Where this leaves Output & Delivery:** CloudFiles leads on five of the eight features: fillable documents, packets, bulk generation, preview and edit, and run history. The two are level on output formats, saving and sending.

| Feature | Kano | S-Docs rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output Formats | Dealbreaker | L5 · Extended | L5 · Extended |
| Fillable Documents | Delighter | L1 · Absent | L3 · Limited |
| Document Packets | Delighter | L3 · Limited | L5 · Extended |
| Bulk Generation | Delighter | L3 · Limited | L5 · Extended |
| Preview & Edit | Dial | L3 · Limited | L4 · Complete |
| Save & Write-back | Delighter | L5 · Extended | L5 · Extended |
| Send & Hand-off | Delighter | L3 · Limited | L3 · Limited |
| Run History | Delighter | L3 · Limited | L5 · Extended |

### Salesforce Support

Salesforce surfaces beyond the Lightning desktop.

Experience Cloud Support Kano · Delighter

Whether portal users can generate documents, and how much they can do.

S-Docs
S-Docs Lightning components run on Experience Cloud pages, where portal users generate documents, open a preview and send them by email.

RungL5 · ExtendedPortal users choose, preview and send, which is Extended.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/quick-start/document-generation/configuring-s-docs-lightning-web-components-in-experience-cloud), [2](https://help.sdocs.com/sdocs/automation-and-document-lifecycle/experience-cloud-site-setup-for-community-users-with-s-docs)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles portal users also choose options and preview the document.

RungL5 · ExtendedPortal users generating with options and preview is Extended.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Sources – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-deep-salesforce-integrations-sf/), [2](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/fa-experience-cloud-widget-sf/)

Mobile Compatibility Kano · Distractor

Whether documents can be generated in the Salesforce mobile app.

S-Docs
S-Docs' help centre does not document generation in the Salesforce mobile app.

RungL1 · AbsentNot documented, so rated Absent.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.sdocs.com/llms.txt)

CloudFiles: the difference
Three rungs higher: CloudFiles generation flows and outputs work in the Salesforce mobile app and Field Service mobile.

RungL4 · CompleteGenerate, preview and save on mobile is Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-03Source – [1](https://help.cloudfiles.io/docs/dg-deep-salesforce-integrations-sf/)

**Where this leaves Salesforce Support:** Both reach Extended in Experience Cloud. CloudFiles leads on mobile, where S-Docs documents no support.

| Feature | Kano | S-Docs rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Cloud Support | Delighter | L5 · Extended | L5 · Extended |
| Mobile Compatibility | Distractor | L1 · Absent | L4 · Complete |

## Data Reliability Score

Two questions are asked of every item that feeds either score: is it public, and is it a checkable fact. Each is averaged over the 31 items, and in document generation the Data Reliability Score is the average of the two.

|  | S-Docs | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| **Score · band** | 88% · Well documented | 88% · Well documented |
| Coverage: is it public at all? | 98% | 98% |
| Precision: is it a checkable fact? | 78% | 78% |
| What is public · what is not | Every feature rests on a page in S-Docs' help centre. Seven of the ten recent AppExchange reviewers could not be matched to an employer, and mobile support is not documented. | Every feature rests on a dated CloudFiles help page, and Enterprise Readiness draws on AppExchange, review sites, LinkedIn and CloudFiles' Trust Portal. |

Item by item: Coverage · Precision
Coverage: Found 1 · Partly 0.5 · Not public 0. Precision: High 1 · Medium 0.5 · Low 0.25, and “n/a” where no precise figure is expected.

| Item | S-Docs | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| AppExchange reviewer company sizes | 0.5 · 1 | 0.5 · 1 |
| Named customers: modal profile | 1 · 1 | 1 · 0.5 |
| Pricing unit and tiers | 1 · 0.5 | 1 · 0.5 |
| Customer support | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Conference and webinar presence | 1 · 1 | 1 · 1 |
| Hands-on evaluation | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Security & Compliances | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Help-doc architecture | 1 · 1 | 1 · 1 |
| API depth and gating | 1 · 0.5 | 1 · 1 |
| Stated ICP and messaging focus | 1 · 0.5 | 1 · 0.5 |
| Partner ecosystem | 1 · 0.5 | 1 · 0.5 |
| Team mix | 1 · 1 | 1 · 1 |
| Review-site profile richness | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Template Authoring | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Template Management | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Data Sources | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Runtime Input | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Conditional Logic | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Repeating Content | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Calculations & Formatting | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Rich Media | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Output Formats | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Fillable Documents | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Document Packets | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Bulk Generation | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Preview & Edit | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Save & Write-back | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Send & Hand-off | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Run History | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Experience Cloud Support | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |
| Mobile Compatibility | 1 · n/a | 1 · n/a |

> The score reflects how much each vendor publishes, not how good the vendor is.

## What changed

- 2026-11-09 · Baseline: this is the first cycle, so there is no earlier score to compare against.