# Salesforce Document Generation vs CloudFiles: The Evidence

> Salesforce Document Generation 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 Salesforce Document Generation 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: Salesforce Document Generation vs CloudFiles](/salesforce/compare/document-generation/cloudfiles-vs-salesforce-document-generation)**

## 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce Document Generation is built into Salesforce and has no AppExchange listing, so there are no AppExchange reviews to read. Observed buyers rests on named customers alone.

ScoreN/ANot scored: there is no listing to read.

ConfidenceN/ANot scored, so no confidence applies.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_overview_one.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
Scored for CloudFiles only: its 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
No customer is named for Document Generation on Salesforce's Help pages, Trailhead modules or customer stories, read on 4 November 2026. The only company in the documentation is Cloud Kicks, Salesforce's fictional example.

Score1 · Not readyNo named customers found.

ConfidenceMediumA dated search of Salesforce's own pages.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_overview_one.htm&type=5), [2](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/working-with-industries-document-generation)

CloudFiles: the difference
Three points higher: CloudFiles 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:** CloudFiles leads: its identified reviewers and named customers are mostly large organisations. Salesforce names no customer for Document Generation, and has no AppExchange reviews to read.

| Metric | Salesforce Document Generation | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| AppExchange reviewer company sizes | Not scored | 4 · Leans high, Low confidence |
| Named customers: modal profile | 1 · Not ready, Medium 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce publishes no list price for Document Generation. It comes with Industries, Contracts and Revenue Cloud licences, through permission set licences for template designers, users and portal users. Server-side generation must be requested, and large files need Revenue Cloud Advanced.

Score4 · Leans highLicence-based pricing whose top end gates enterprise capability.

ConfidenceMediumThe licences are named in Help, but not priced.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_understand_doc_builder_and_doc_generation.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_hourly_and_daily_org_limits_eight.htm&type=5), [3](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_permission_set_licenses_for_salesforce_contracts_.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles is 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Standard support, with documentation, Trailhead and the community, comes with every licence, and Premier is included with newer editions, with 24/7 help for critical issues. Signature, with a named success manager and a 15-minute critical response, is sold separately.

Score4 · Leans highStrong support, with the top tier sold separately.

ConfidenceMediumRead from Salesforce's success plans page.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://www.salesforce.com/services/success-plans/overview/)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce runs Dreamforce and the World Tour events itself. No session dedicated to Document Generation was found, so this item is scored at company level.

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

ConfidenceHighThe events are Salesforce's own.

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

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce's self-serve Industries free trials, such as the Media Cloud trial, include Document Generation. There is no trial or guided test drive for the feature itself.

Score4 · Leans highA self-serve free trial is Complete; a guided test drive would be Extended.

ConfidenceMediumRead on Salesforce's trial comparison page.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://developer.salesforce.com/free-trials/comparison/media-cloud)

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. Both price through licences sized to the deployment, and Salesforce runs Dreamforce itself.

| Metric | Salesforce Document Generation | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing unit and tiers | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence |
| Customer support | 4 · Leans high, 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce's compliance site lists SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA and HITRUST reports for each Salesforce service. These cover the platform rather than Document Generation alone.

Score5 · Highly readyIndependently audited, with reports on a public compliance site.

ConfidenceHighRead on Salesforce's compliance site.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://compliance.salesforce.com/)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce Help has a Document Generation section covering setup, permissions, limits, tokens, batch processing, sample Apex and troubleshooting, alongside a Trailhead module and developer references. The documentation is split across Document Generation, OmniStudio Document Generation and Contracts.

Score4 · Leans highBroad, but spread across three product areas.

ConfidenceMediumRead in Salesforce Help; no page count is published.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_overview_one.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_what_can_you_do_three.htm&type=5), [3](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/working-with-industries-document-generation)

CloudFiles: the difference
One point higher: CloudFiles' help centre covers document generation in one place, with setup, admin, permissions, security, 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Apex runs generation by creating Document Generation Process records, with sample code in Help, and Apex namespaces let developers extend it. A REST API covers document templates, but not generation itself.

Score4 · Leans highBoth Apex and REST, with REST limited to templates.

ConfidenceMediumRead from Help and the developer reference.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_salesforce_document_generation_sample_apex_codes_eleven.htm&type=5), [2](https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/revenue/clm-developer/guide/connect-resources-design-document-template-resources.html), [3](https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/revenue/clm-developer/guide/salesforce-contracts-apex-reference.html)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: 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 documentation, kept in one help centre. Both are backed by SOC 2, ISO 27001 and HIPAA, and both offer Apex and REST.

| Metric | Salesforce Document Generation | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| Security & Compliances | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| Help-doc architecture | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| API depth and gating | 4 · Leans high, 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce Help says Document Generation is for teams that need control over formatting and document workflows, naming legal, sales operations and revenue teams. It is sold with Industries, Contracts and Revenue Cloud.

Score4 · Leans highLeans towards enterprise teams.

ConfidenceLowThere is no product marketing page; this is read from Help only.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_understand_doc_builder_and_doc_generation.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles' document generation page 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce's partner programme includes global integrators such as Accenture and Deloitte. No partner is named for Document Generation itself, so this item is scored at company level.

Score5 · Highly readyGlobal integrators at company level.

ConfidenceMediumScored at company level, with no product partner named.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://appexchange.salesforce.com/consulting)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Salesforce's LinkedIn People page shows 90,899 members, led by the United States (39,498) and India (20,157), with sales the largest function (21,297).

Score5 · Highly readyA strong mix of functions across time zones.

ConfidenceHighRead from LinkedIn's own counts.

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

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles' team also 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
No profile for Salesforce Document Generation was found on G2, Capterra or TrustRadius, and it is not listed in G2's Salesforce document generation category.

Score1 · Not readyNo review-site profile.

ConfidenceMediumA dated search of all three sites.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://www.g2.com/sellers/salesforce)

CloudFiles: the difference
Three points 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 review-site profiles. Salesforce brings its global integrator network, and both have a strong team mix.

| Metric | Salesforce Document Generation | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| Stated ICP and messaging focus | 4 · Leans high, Low confidence | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence |
| Partner ecosystem | 5 · Highly ready, Medium confidence | 4 · Leans high, Medium confidence |
| Team mix | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence | 5 · Highly ready, High confidence |
| Review-site profile richness | 1 · Not ready, 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
A Microsoft 365 Word add-in, the Salesforce Contracts Connector, inserts clauses from a library and checks syntax. Fields are typed as tokens and mapped separately in a Data Mapper or a custom class, and the add-in needs the Contracts add-on licence.

RungL3 · LimitedTokens typed by hand, with clause help in Word, is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_salesforce_contracts_connector_for_word.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_create_template_using_microsoft_365_word.htm&type=5), [3](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.doc_gen_tokens_in_microsoft_word_or_microsoft_powerpoint_documents.htm&type=5)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Templates keep versions, with one active at a time, in a single template library. Access is set by persona permission sets rather than per template, and templates export and import between orgs.

RungL3 · LimitedVersions and migration without per-template access is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_design_document_templates_in_salesforce.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_export_and_import_document_templates_in_salesforce_orgs.htm&type=5), [3](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.doc_gen_DocGen_User_Permission_Set.htm&type=5)

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 tokens typed by hand. The two are level on management.

| Feature | Kano | Salesforce Document Generation 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Templates take data from any JSON source, including Salesforce objects, through context mappings and Apex transform plug-ins. The OmniStudio version also maps data from outside databases.

RungL5 · ExtendedOutside data merged into the same run is Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteA Flow or Apex creates the Document Generation Process record that runs generation.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_overview_one.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.billing_invoice_document_generation_single.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles also merges outside data into the same run, through runtime variables and collections filled by Flow or Apex.

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
OmniStudio's Omniscript, a sister product, builds guided pages with template search and validation before generation. Flow and Apex pass token data at run time.

RungL5 · ExtendedA guided, validated wizard is Extended.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow and Apex pass the values in the generation request.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_document_generation_with_omniscript.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_reference_gendoc_lwc.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: CloudFiles templates define typed runtime variables that the widget or a Screen Flow asks for, with no sister product needed.

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:** Both reach Extended on data sources and runtime input. Salesforce relies on OmniStudio, a sister product, for its guided input.

| Feature | Kano | Salesforce Document Generation rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Sources | Dealbreaker | L5 · Extended | 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
IF tokens show or hide any content, and each condition is a formula that supports AND, OR, IF, CASE and comparisons. Choosing a whole template by data is not documented.

RungL4 · CompleteConditions with AND and OR on any content is Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_ctxtransform_reference.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
One rung higher: CloudFiles conditions combine rules 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Repeating tokens repeat a section for each item, with group and hierarchy output. A template allows one filter, with up to five AND conditions, and one sort field.

RungL4 · CompleteRepeating sections, with limited filtering and sorting, is Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_ctxtransform_reference.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_context_filters_limits.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
One rung higher: CloudFiles 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Transformation formulas handle arithmetic, rounding, sums and dates. An Apply localization setting formats token data in the user's locale, for templates that use context token mapping.

RungL4 · CompleteCalculations with locale formatting is Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_ctxtransform_reference.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_reference_gendoc_lwc.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
Level: 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Dynamic images come from image tokens. Barcodes and charts must be rendered elsewhere and passed in as images, which is a workaround.

RungL3 · LimitedDynamic images only is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_dynamic_images_server_side.htm&type=5)

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 conditions and repeating content. The two are level on calculations and formatting, and on rich media.

| Feature | Kano | Salesforce Document Generation rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional Logic | Dial | L4 · Complete | L5 · Extended |
| Repeating Content | Dealbreaker | L4 · Complete | L5 · Extended |
| Calculations & Formatting | Dial | L4 · Complete | 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Documents output as Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX) or PDF. Excel output is not offered.

RungL3 · LimitedNo Excel output is Limited, which misses this dealbreaker.

AutomationL4 · CompleteA Flow or Apex request sets the output, including conversion to PDF.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_what_can_you_do_three.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_salesforce_document_generation_sample_apex_codes_eleven.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
Two rungs higher: CloudFiles outputs PDF, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with PDF passwords and restrictions.

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
No fillable output is documented.

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.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_what_can_you_do_three.htm&type=5)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
A MergePDF step joins up to ten PDFs in a set order, including existing PDFs. Word or image files cannot join.

RungL3 · LimitedPDF-only packets is Limited.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow and Apex run the merge.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_what_can_you_do_three.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_salesforce_document_generation_sample_apex_codes_eleven.htm&type=5)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
A batch process groups generation requests, with statuses and run, pause and cancel controls. Batches are built by Apex or by hand, not from list views or reports, and run one at a time under an hourly cap.

RungL3 · LimitedBatches with no list-view or report entry is Limited.

AutomationL4 · CompleteFlow and Apex create and run batches.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_document_generation_batch_process.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_view_batch_status.htm&type=5), [3](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_hourly_and_daily_org_limits_eight.htm&type=5)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
The Generate Document component previews PDF, Word and PowerPoint output from a record page or Screen Flow. Editing generated output is not documented.

RungL3 · LimitedPreview only is Limited.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_reference_gendoc_lwc.htm&type=5)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Documents attach to the record they were generated from, with a title set per request, and a Flow can update the record from the result. Saving to external storage is not offered.

RungL4 · CompleteSaving with naming and write-back, without external storage, is Complete.

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

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_overview_one.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.billing_invoice_document_generation_single.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
One rung higher: 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Documents go by email through Flow or Omniscript. E-signature runs through DocuSign, and only with Salesforce Contracts.

RungL3 · LimitedEmail with one e-signature path is Limited.

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

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_Workflow_to_Setup_eSignature_for_Standard_and_Custom_Objects.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.v_contracts_using_the_genericdocusign_sendesignature_omniscript.htm&type=5)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Each request creates a Document Generation Process record with its status, request and response, the record it ran for and who ran it. There is no usage dashboard.

RungL4 · CompleteA record of every run, with its status, is Complete.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.billing_invoice_document_generation_single.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_view_batch_status.htm&type=5)

CloudFiles: the difference
One rung 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 seven of the eight features, including output formats, where Salesforce offers no Excel. The two are level on sending.

| Feature | Kano | Salesforce Document Generation rung | CloudFiles rung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output Formats | Dealbreaker | L3 · Limited | 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 | L4 · Complete | L5 · Extended |
| Send & Hand-off | Delighter | L3 · Limited | L3 · Limited |
| Run History | Delighter | L4 · Complete | 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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Portal users generate documents through the DocGen Runtime Community User licence, and an Omniscript guides them with a preview.

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

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Sources – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.doc_gen_set_up_omnistudio_foundation_customer_community_user_395445.htm&type=5), [2](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_contracts_document_generation_with_omniscript.htm&type=5)

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.

Salesforce Document Generation
Generation in the Salesforce mobile app is not documented.

RungL1 · AbsentNot documented, so rated Absent.

AutomationN/AAutomation is not rated for this feature.

Last read on 2026-11-04Source – [1](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=ind.sf_docgen_requirements_two.htm&type=5)

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 Salesforce documents no support.

| Feature | Kano | Salesforce Document Generation 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 items scored for each product, 31 for CloudFiles and 30 for Salesforce Document Generation, and in document generation the Data Reliability Score is the average of the two.

|  | Salesforce Document Generation | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| **Score · band** | 76% · Well documented | 88% · Well documented |
| Coverage: is it public at all? | 95% | 98% |
| Precision: is it a checkable fact? | 56% | 78% |
| What is public · what is not | Every feature rests on a Salesforce Help page, though the documentation is split across Document Generation, OmniStudio and Contracts. There are no AppExchange reviews to read, and no customers are named for the product. | 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 | Salesforce Document Generation | CloudFiles |
|---|---|---|
| AppExchange reviewer company sizes | Not scored | 0.5 · 1 |
| Named customers: modal profile | 1 · 0.5 | 1 · 0.5 |
| Pricing unit and tiers | 0.5 · 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 · 0.5 | 1 · 1 |
| API depth and gating | 1 · 0.5 | 1 · 1 |
| Stated ICP and messaging focus | 0.5 · 0.25 | 1 · 0.5 |
| Partner ecosystem | 0.5 · 0.25 | 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.