If you’ve recently migrated from Worldox to NetDocuments, you may have noticed a fundamental difference in how document selection works. This seemingly small change can be frustrating at first, but understanding the logic behind it will help you adapt quickly and work more efficiently.
The Key Difference: Click Behavior
In Worldox
When working in Worldox, clicking on a document in the list selects it. This allows you to perform actions like copying, moving, or emailing without opening the document itself. To open a document, you would typically double-click or use a separate action.
In NetDocuments
NetDocuments takes a different approach:
- Single-clicking a document name opens it for viewing or editing
- Clicking the checkbox to the left of the document selects it for performing actions
This design philosophy aligns with modern web-based applications and cloud platforms, where a single click on an item typically opens or navigates to that item.
Why the Change?
NetDocuments’ click-to-open behavior reflects its web-first architecture. The platform is designed to make document access fast and intuitive for users who expect cloud applications to work like other web services they use daily. The checkbox selection model provides clear visual feedback about which documents are selected while keeping the main document list clean and readable.
Making the Transition
Here are some tips to help you adjust:
Use Checkboxes for Bulk Actions
When you need to perform actions on one or more documents (emailing, downloading, moving, copying), look to the left side of each document row. You’ll see a checkbox that allows you to select documents without opening them.
Pro tip: You can select multiple documents at once by checking several boxes, then performing your desired action on all selected items simultaneously.
Click Names to Open
When you want to view or edit a document, simply click on the document name or anywhere in the document row (except the checkbox). This will open the document in your default application or NetDocuments’ web viewer.
Keyboard Shortcuts Can Help
NetDocuments supports keyboard shortcuts that can speed up your workflow:
- Use arrow keys to navigate through the document list
- Press Space to select/deselect the currently highlighted document
- Press Enter to open the highlighted document
Multi-Select Options
Need to select multiple documents quickly? NetDocuments offers several methods:
- Check individual boxes for non-consecutive documents
- Use Shift+Click on checkboxes to select a range of documents
- Use the checkbox in the header row to select all documents on the current page
Common Scenarios
Emailing Documents
- Click the checkbox next to each document you want to email
- Click the Email button in the toolbar
- NetDocuments will attach all selected documents to a new email
Moving or Copying Documents
- Select documents using their checkboxes
- Click Move or Copy in the toolbar
- Navigate to the destination workspace or folder
- Complete the action
Reviewing Document Properties
If you want to view a document’s properties without opening it:
- Click the checkbox to select it
- Right-click and choose Properties, or use the Info panel on the right side of the screen
The Learning Curve is Worth It
While this change may feel counterintuitive at first, most users report that they adapt within a few days of regular use. The checkbox selection method actually offers some advantages:
- Clear visual feedback showing exactly which documents are selected
- Reduced accidental opens when you’re trying to perform bulk actions
- Faster access to documents when you do want to open them
- Consistency with other modern web applications
Need More Help?
If you’re struggling with the transition from Worldox to NetDocuments, consider:
- Attending NetDocuments training sessions offered by your firm
- Reviewing NetDocuments’ official documentation and video tutorials
- Working with your NetDocuments administrator or consultant to customize your workspace
- Practicing with test documents until the new behavior becomes second nature
Remember, every document management system has its own conventions and workflows. While change can be challenging, NetDocuments’ approach is designed to provide fast, efficient access to your documents once you’ve adjusted to the new pattern.