Help with BriefCatch
Browse our Frequently Asked Questions
Help Topics
See the various sections below for the most frequently asked questions. The links above will allow you to quickly jump to specific BriefCatch sections.
If your question isn't answered here or if you require additional help, please send us an email.
General
The items in this section are general questions relevant to both BriefCatch 2 and BriefCatch 3.
Absolutely not. Just editing suggestions.
Yes! Many of the consistency features (defined terms being used before defined, missing parentheses, spacing, common typos for legal terms, inconsistent wording and acronyms, and so forth) in BriefCatch work well on contracts and other legal and nonlegal documents.
BriefCatch scans the text of your document and applies thousands of rules and algorithms. Any matches that are found are highlighted throughout the text. A side panel will suggest changes, offer general editing advice, and provide examples. Here you can navigate through the suggestions and decide to change, ignore, or skip to review later.
Yes! First, enable Track Changes (under Review - Track Changes), and then load BriefCatch. As you accept suggested changes, the document will include the red-lined changes, which can be reviewed after you finish editing the document.
It ignores most quotations, so you won’t waste time editing them!
The five special scores are designed both to measure and to motivate. They are explained here.
The Scores function requires that the document contains more than about 500 words to load. If Scores will not load for you, you need to add more words.
BriefCatch 3
The items in this section are questions relevant to BriefCatch 3 only and may not be applicable to BriefCatch 2.
Yes! BriefCatch 3 is now compatible on both Mac and PC.
Learn how to install BriefCatch 3 in this guide.
BriefCatch 3 is available on Microsoft® AppSource. Supported versions include Microsoft® Word 2013 or later on Windows®, Microsoft® Word 2016 or later on macOS®, and Microsoft® Word for Web (Microsoft® 365).
BriefCatch 3 is available on Microsoft® AppSource.
See our How to Install BriefCatch 3 page for more detailed installation instructions.
Yes! You can try BriefCatch 3 free for 7 days.
Yes. But you can cancel at any time during the 7 day period if you decide not to keep BriefCatch 3 and you will not be charged.
There's no longer a need to re-scan your document when you make changes to your document. The real-time editing feature in BriefCatch 3 continues to give on-demand and instant suggestions as you write.
Users can customize their experience by toggling the Realtime suggestions option under their account preferences.
Any of our BriefCatch 2 users can transfer their license to BriefCatch 3 at no additional cost.
To start using BriefCatch 3, you will need to install the new add-in. This is a very simple process, which is explained on our How to Install BriefCatch 3 page.
Once the app is installed, existing BriefCatch 2 users should click the Get Started! Button and go through the account creation process when using BriefCatch 3 for the first time.
Just make sure to use the same email address as your current BriefCatch 2 account. After you verify your email address, BriefCatch 3 will find and link your existing BriefCatch 2 account.
You can see our BriefCatch 3 plans here.
Yes. BriefCatch 3 processes documents on secure servers. The server returns the results of the scan only, no document text is ever collected, logged, or retained. Neither is the text from the scan.
Yes. You must be connected to the Internet to receive suggestions from BriefCatch 3.
Enterprise plans aren't currently available for BriefCatch 3. Please contact our sales team for more information on BriefCatch 2 enterprise plans and to be notified when BriefCatch 3 enterprise plans become available.
BriefCatch 2
The items in this section are questions relevant to BriefCatch 2 only and may not be applicable to BriefCatch 3.
BriefCatch 2 Download & Installation
No. We suggest Mac users try BriefCatch 3 which is Mac compatible!
Yes. However, only with the locally installed version (Word 2016.) BriefCatch 2 does not work with the online or app versions of Office365.
Windows XP or newer operating system with Word version 2007 or newer.
Note: BriefCatch 2 is not compatible with the online version of Word.
You must register a new account by signing up for the free 7 day trial or by purchasing an annual license. After registering, you will have access to the download page, where you can save BriefCatch 2 to your computer.
Note: You must be logged in to download BriefCatch 2.
Some browser settings may prevent .exe files from being downloaded, or warn you that the file may be unsafe. If prompted, make sure you mark BriefCatchInstaller.exe as safe so you're able to access the file.
The only requirements are a Windows PC with Word.
Installing BriefCatch 2 is a piece of cake: you simply download an .exe file and then open it to start the installation process. It takes about 30 seconds. The next time you open Word, BriefCatch 2 will be the last tab on the right.
(Note: Make sure Word is closed before you install BriefCatch 2.)
While installing the latest version of BriefCatch 2, it’s possible you may receive a message similar to the below screenshot:
If so, click on “More info” then on “Run anyway” to continue with the installation, as shown below:
Rest assured that BriefCatch 2 is safe to install and will not harm your computer.
This message may appear due to a new code signing certificate used in the newest version of BriefCatch (version 1.2.352.0 or newer.) The warning will be removed when Microsoft recognizes the new BriefCatch certificate, which can take a few weeks after being released. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us.
The first time you open Word after installing BriefCatch 2, you may be prompted to confirm the installation. If so, click the Install button.
This can occur if the software was installed using administrative privileges, then a user account without the same administrative privileges attempts to run it. It can also occur if it was installed by a different user account then the one you are using. By default, BriefCatch 2 installs to the user account that is logged in and is only accessible by that user account. (If you're installing BriefCatch 2 on a work computer, your IT department should be able to verify this.)
This can also occur if Word was open while BriefCatch 2 was installed. To help resolve this, completely uninstall BriefCatch 2, restart your computer, then try installing BriefCatch 2 again. Make sure Word is closed before running the installation again.
If reinstalling BriefCatch 2 does not solve this issue, please follow the steps in our documentation.
Try using BriefCatch 2 after following each step below, in order:
- Close and reopen Microsoft Word.
- Restart your computer.
- Open the installation file again and choose Repair.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2.
- Within Word, click File - Options. In the Options menu, click Add-ins. Near the bottom, click Go next to “Manage COM Add-ins”. Ensure that “Legal Writing Pro’s Brief Catch for Microsoft Office” is listed and checked. Click OK.
- Completely uninstall and reinstall BriefCatch 2, then repeat steps 1 and 2. (Make sure you have downloaded the most recent version.)
If BriefCatch 2 still does not work, please contact us for help.
Under the BriefCatch 2 tab in Word, click About. The installed version will be shown like the screenshot below:
Check the current version shown on the download page to see if you’re running the latest version.
Simply download the new version and install. This will overwrite your existing installation with the updated version of BriefCatch 2.
(Note: Make sure Word is closed prior to updating.)
Major releases once or twice per year. Minor releases every 1-2 months with bug fixes or smaller improvements.
To disable the add-in within Word, click on File - Options, then click on Add-ins. Next to Manage COM Add-ins, click Go. Uncheck Legal Writing Pro's BriefCatch for Microsoft Office.
You can completely remove BriefCatch 2 from your computer in two ways:
1) Open the installation file and select Uninstall.
2) Click the Windows Start Menu and type "Add or remove programs", then click on it. Find BriefCatch within the list, click on it, and choose Uninstall.
View our uninstall documentation if you need more thorough instructions.
BriefCatch 2 Features
Once installed, BriefCatch 2 will appear as a tab within the ribbon in Word. Click the tab to access the BriefCatch 2 functions. For more information, see the following articles:
Style: This feature taps into thousands of editing possibilities designed to make the document crisper, tighter, and more precise. The edits are all automatic—you just “Accept” or “Ignore” each one—with no rewriting needed.
Consistency: This feature focuses less on style and more on pure accuracy. With one click, you can spot and fix inconsistent language, formatting, and punctuation along with commonly confused words and citation errors.
All: This feature explores nearly every aspect of a draft. On top of all the automatic style and consistency checks, you’ll be prompted to recast passive constructions, streamline quotations, cut dates, shorten sentences, and vary your transitions.
Clear Catch: Clears the BriefCatch 2 markup.
Scores: Scans the document and displays global statistics based on five proprietary algorithms that each yield a maximum score of 100.
Report: Generates a detailed report of the document’s style strengths, weaknesses, and wording patterns.
Send Feedback: Allows you to share feedback, report issues, or make suggestions.
About: Displays information about the BriefCatch software and license.
Resources: Online link to relevant articles and longer explanations.
Yes! By default, the Catch function will run on the entire document. However, you can also select the text you'd like to analyze before clicking on Catch. BriefCatch 2 will only analyze the selected text.
Starting with version 2.5.3.0 and later, you can use our Subscription Sign-In feature to automatically manage your license.
This will allow you to connect your BriefCatch account to the BriefCatch 2 software. See our Subscription Sign-In guide for more information.
Enabling Accessibility Mode adds these features to BriefCatch 2:
- Easier keyboard navigation.
- Support for screen readers.
- Easier-to-read text through the contrast ratio.
- Ability to use the keyboard to select all actions and links.
See our How to Enable and Use Accessibility Options with BriefCatch 2 guide for more information.
BriefCatch 2 Licenses
You can see our current pricing on our purchase page.
Yes, however they must be purchased on a singular basis. To purchase a second license, follow the same steps as you did the first time. Make sure you’re logged into your account, visit the annual license page, confirm your personal details, and then click Sign Up. Each license will be processed as a separate payment.
Please contact us to process multiple licenses under one payment.
Note: If your company would like to purchase 10 or more licenses at once, please visit our sales page.
BriefCatch 2 is currently available on an annual basis.
No. We offer only annual licenses for BriefCatch 2.
Yes. BriefCatch 2 licenses are valid for one year. After one year, your license will automatically renew and you will be billed again. You will be notified by email one week prior to this date. You can cancel the auto renew option at anytime by visiting the Subscription tab on the my account page. Simply click Cancel to disable auto-renew.
Your BriefCatch 2 license will still be active until it expires, but you will not be billed again unless you decide to renew your license.
Subscriptions are non-refundable, but if you have a problem with the product, we will do whatever we reasonably can to resolve it. If you’re not sure if BriefCatch 2 is right for you, we recommend starting with our 7 day free trial.
Starting with version 2.5.3.0 and later, you can use our Subscription Sign-In feature to automatically manage your license.
Alternatively, you can find your license file on the download page. Click the download link to save the license.key file to your computer.
Starting with version 2.5.3.0 and later, you can use our Subscription Sign-In feature to automatically manage your license.
If you have a manual license file, click on About under the BriefCatch tab in Word. From there, click on Install License. Navigate to the license.key file you downloaded above and press Open. You will then receive the message "Your license was successfully imported."
The download page on our website shows the details of your license, including expiration.
You can also view your license details, including when it expires, by clicking the About button under the BriefCatch ribbon within Word. You will see details like the screenshot below:
If you’re having trouble installing your license, please contact us and include the error message you’re receiving.
Yes, as long as you are the sole owner of each device.
You can cancel the auto renew option at anytime by visiting the Subscription tab on the my account page. Simply click Cancel to disable auto-renew.
Your BriefCatch 2 license will still be active until it expires, but you will not be billed again unless you decide to renew your license.
We are offering trials and special pricing case-by-case for groups. Groups are generally ten or more people. See our sales page for more information.
Absolutely! You can purchase a coupon code to gift BriefCatch 2.
BriefCatch 2 Free Trial
7 days. During that time, you will have full access to the BriefCatch 2 software.
You can sign up for the free trial here.
No. The only requirement is registering an account by providing your name and email address.
No. Simply download and install the software and BriefCatch 2 will work for 7 days.
If you're receive an error message related to your free trial immediately after installing BriefCatch 2, or anytime prior to the 7 days, please contact us for further assistance.
No. The free trial is limited to one time per user.
If for some reason you would like to put your trial on hold or change the start to later in the future, please contact us for assitance.
After the 7 day trial, BriefCatch 2 will no longer function. To keep using it, you simply need to purchase an annual license.
We offer extended free trials on a case by case basis. Please fill out our sales form for more details.
BriefCatch 2 Security & Payments
Payments are processed by a third party (https://stripe.com). No credit card information is ever stored directly on our site. Our site uses SSL 256-bit encryption to ensure that all transactions are secure. The private certificate has been issued via Trustwave Holding, Inc.
Charges will show up on your statement as BRIEFCATCH or BRIEFC.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and AMEX.
If your card was blocked, you can try using a different credit card. You can also contact support for assitance.
To change your credit card, visit the Subscription tab on the my account page. Click on Update for the subscription you would like to modify then enter your new credit card details.
While scanning documents, BriefCatch only runs locally. It never connects to the cloud or to any servers, nor does it track or report any usage data to us or to any third parties.
BriefCatch 2 Account Information
Visit your account page under the Subscriptions and Payments links.
We do not store or have access to any member’s passwords. If you’ve forgotten yours, you can manually reset your password here.
Please contact us and we can help you.
Please fill out our contact form. We would love to hear from you!