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Folder Paths

Configure where Certum Draft stores and finds files.

Matters Folder

Location: Preferences > Paths > Matters Root Path

This is the folder where matter folders are created when you use New Matter.

Choosing a Location

  • Local folder: Fast and reliable, but only accessible from this Mac
  • Shared folder (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.): Accessible from multiple computers
  • Network drive: Accessible across your office network

Shared Folders

If multiple people will use Certum Draft, point to a shared folder. The matter number counter file (.matter-counter.json) is stored here to ensure everyone gets unique matter numbers.

Changing the Path

  1. Open Preferences > Paths
  2. Click Choose next to Matters Root Path
  3. Select your matters folder
  4. Click Open

Templates Folder

Location: Preferences > Paths > Templates Root Path

This is where your document templates and matter type definitions are stored.

Expected Structure

Your templates folder should contain subfolders for each matter type:

Templates/
├── Conveyancing Sale/
│   ├── matter.json          (defines the form fields)
│   └── precedents/          (document templates)
│       ├── 000 General/
│       │   └── Cost Agreement.docx
│       └── 010 Contract/
│           └── Contract for Sale.docx
├── Conveyancing Purchase/
│   ├── matter.json
│   └── precedents/
└── Wills and Estates/
    ├── matter.json
    └── precedents/

Changing the Path

  1. Open Preferences > Paths
  2. Click Choose next to Templates Root Path
  3. Select your templates folder
  4. Click Open

Troubleshooting

"Templates not found" or "No matter types available"

  • Check that the Templates folder path is set correctly
  • Verify each matter type folder contains a matter.json file
  • Make sure folder names don't contain special characters

"Cannot create matter folder"

  • Check that the Matters folder path is set and accessible
  • Verify you have write permission to the folder
  • If using a cloud folder, ensure it's fully synced

Files not appearing in shared folders

Cloud storage services (Dropbox, OneDrive) may have "smart sync" features that don't download files until needed. This can cause issues.

Solution: Configure your cloud service to always keep the Templates folder available offline.