Question 1

What is LegalSimpler?

Accepted Answer

LegalSimpler is an AI-powered tool that analyzes legal documents and explains them in plain English. Upload any contract — a lease, employment agreement, NDA, or terms of service — and get a clear breakdown of what it says, what the risks are, and what deadlines to watch for. Most analyses complete in under 30 seconds.

Question 2

How does LegalSimpler work?

Accepted Answer

Upload a document (PDF, DOCX, or TXT) or paste the text directly. Our AI reads the entire document, identifies key provisions, flags potential risks, extracts your obligations, pulls out important dates, and defines legal terms — all translated into plain language you can understand without a law degree.

Question 3

Who is LegalSimpler for?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who signs contracts but isn't a lawyer. That includes renters reviewing leases, employees reviewing job offers, freelancers checking client contracts, small business owners evaluating vendor agreements, and anyone who's ever clicked "I Agree" without reading. You don't need legal knowledge to use it.

Question 4

Is LegalSimpler a substitute for a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

No. LegalSimpler provides legal understanding, not legal advice. It tells you what a contract says and flags potential issues — but it doesn't tell you whether to sign based on your specific circumstances. For high-stakes contracts (real estate purchases, business acquisitions, employment disputes), use the analysis as preparation for a conversation with a lawyer.

Question 5

What types of documents can I analyze?

Accepted Answer

Any legal document in English: residential and commercial leases, employment agreements, NDAs, non-compete agreements, freelance contracts, vendor agreements, terms of service, insurance policies, partnership agreements, consulting contracts, franchise agreements, and more. If it's a contract or legal document, LegalSimpler can analyze it.

Question 6

What languages are supported?

Accepted Answer

Currently, LegalSimpler supports English-language documents only. The document must be written in English for the analysis to be accurate.

Question 7

Is there a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

LegalSimpler is a web application that works on any device with a browser — desktop, tablet, or phone. There's no separate mobile app to download, but the website is fully responsive and works great on mobile. You can even upload documents from your phone's camera or file manager.

Question 8

How accurate is the analysis?

Accepted Answer

LegalSimpler uses multiple AI models with automatic fallback systems to ensure reliable analysis. Each document is processed through specialized models for different sections (summary, risks, obligations, dates, glossary). If one model fails, the system automatically switches to a backup. The analysis identifies what's in the contract — but as with any AI tool, we recommend verifying critical findings with a legal professional for high-stakes decisions.

Question 9

How is LegalSimpler different from ChatGPT?

Accepted Answer

ChatGPT is a general-purpose AI. LegalSimpler is built specifically for contract analysis. The differences: LegalSimpler reads your entire document holistically (not just pasted sections), uses specialized legal analysis models, provides structured output (risks, obligations, dates, glossary), cross-references defined terms throughout the document, compares clauses against standard practices, and stores your analyses for future reference. ChatGPT gives you paragraphs. LegalSimpler gives you a structured, actionable report.

Question 10

Can I use LegalSimpler for business contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LegalSimpler analyzes business contracts including vendor agreements, service contracts, SaaS terms, partnership agreements, consulting agreements, and commercial leases. The Pro plan (30 analyses/month) covers most professionals, and the Business plan (100 analyses/month) handles high-volume review needs.

Question 11

Do I need to create an account to try it?

Accepted Answer

No. You can try a free analysis from the homepage without creating an account. This demo analysis includes the summary section so you can see how LegalSimpler works. For full analysis (risks, obligations, dates, glossary) and to save your results, you'll need a free account.

Question 12

How long does an analysis take?

Accepted Answer

Most analyses complete in under 30 seconds. Complex or very long documents may take up to 2 minutes. You'll see a progress indicator while the analysis is processing.

Question 13

Can I analyze a contract I've already signed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Understanding a contract you've already signed helps you track deadlines, know your rights during disputes, and prepare for renewal negotiations. Upload it anytime — the analysis is just as useful after signing as before.

Question 14

What happens if the AI can't analyze my document?

Accepted Answer

If the AI encounters an issue with one section, it completes the other sections rather than failing entirely. You'll get partial results with a note about what couldn't be processed. Common causes include very short documents (under 100 characters), heavily formatted files the OCR can't read, or non-English text.

Question 15

Is LegalSimpler available worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LegalSimpler is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. However, the analysis is optimized for contracts governed by US and common law jurisdictions. Contracts from other legal systems will still be analyzed, but jurisdiction-specific insights may be limited.

Question 16

Can I analyze terms of service from websites?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Copy and paste the terms of service text into LegalSimpler. This works for any website's terms, privacy policies, or user agreements. You'll see exactly what you agreed to when you clicked "I Agree."

Question 17

What's the difference between uploading a file and pasting text?

Accepted Answer

Both methods produce the same analysis. File upload (PDF, DOCX, TXT) extracts the text automatically. Pasting text lets you analyze content from websites, emails, or documents you don't have as files. Use whichever is more convenient.

Question 18

Can I analyze a document that's a photo or scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if it's a clear, legible scan saved as a PDF. LegalSimpler uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to extract text from scanned documents. For best results, ensure the scan is high-resolution with clear, readable text. Handwritten documents are not supported.

Question 19

How many documents can I analyze?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your plan: Free (2/month), Pro (30/month), Business (100/month). You can also purchase individual analyses for $2.99 each without a subscription. Unused analyses don't roll over to the next month.

Question 20

Can I re-analyze a document?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can upload and analyze the same document again at any time. Each analysis uses one of your monthly credits. This is useful when comparing an original contract to a revised version.

Question 21

Does LegalSimpler work with contracts from any country?

Accepted Answer

LegalSimpler analyzes the document text regardless of which country's law governs it. However, the risk flags and standard comparisons are primarily calibrated for US and common law jurisdictions. The plain-language translation and clause identification work for contracts from any country, as long as they're in English.

Question 22

Can LegalSimpler help me negotiate a contract?

Accepted Answer

LegalSimpler identifies what to negotiate — one-sided clauses, unusual terms, missing provisions. You can use the AI Chat feature to draft counter-proposals and understand what balanced alternatives look like. The analysis gives you the knowledge to negotiate effectively, though the actual negotiation is up to you.

Question 23

What does the free plan include?

Accepted Answer

The free plan includes 2 analyses per month with the summary section only. You get the plain-language overview of what the contract is about. For the full analysis (risks, obligations, dates, glossary), you'll need a Pro or Business plan, or a single analysis purchase.

Question 24

Is there a limit on document length?

Accepted Answer

There's no strict page limit. File size limits are: Free (5 MB), Pro (15 MB), Business (30 MB). For pasted text: Free (20,000 characters), Pro/Business (50,000+ characters). Most contracts — even 50-page agreements — fall well within these limits.

Question 25

Can multiple people use the same account?

Accepted Answer

Each account is designed for one person. For team use, each member should have their own account. The Business plan is designed for professionals who review many contracts. For team-wide access, contact us about enterprise options.

Question 26

What's a "single analysis" purchase?

Accepted Answer

For $2.99, you can purchase one full analysis without subscribing to a monthly plan. It never expires — use it whenever you need it. This is ideal for occasional contract review (e.g., signing a new lease once a year). Single analyses include all five sections: summary, risks, obligations, dates, and glossary.

Question 27

How do I get the most out of LegalSimpler?

Accepted Answer

Upload the complete document (including exhibits and appendices). After the analysis, read the Risks section first — it highlights the most important issues. Use AI Chat to ask specific questions about clauses you're concerned about. Set calendar reminders for any dates the analysis identifies. And always analyze before signing, not after.

Question 28

Does LegalSimpler analyze email agreements or text message contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a contract was formed via email exchange or text messages, paste the relevant messages into LegalSimpler. The AI will analyze the terms discussed and identify obligations, even in informal formats.

Question 29

Can I use LegalSimpler for real estate closings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload your purchase agreement, mortgage documents, title commitment, or any other closing documents. The analysis helps you understand what you're signing at the closing table — especially useful for first-time homebuyers who are seeing these documents for the first time.

Question 30

Is LegalSimpler suitable for law students?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Law students use LegalSimpler to understand contract structures, learn how different clauses interact, and see how legal concepts apply in real documents. It's a practical learning tool that complements traditional legal education.

Question 31

How do I contact support?

Accepted Answer

Email us at support@legalsimpler.com. Pro plan members receive email support with faster response times. Business plan members receive priority support. You can also reach us through the in-app help section.

Question 32

What if I find an error in the analysis?

Accepted Answer

While our multi-model AI system is reliable, no AI is perfect. If you spot an inaccuracy, please report it through the feedback feature in the analysis. Your feedback helps us improve. For critical contract decisions, we always recommend verifying key findings with a legal professional.

Question 33

Does LegalSimpler provide contract templates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LegalSimpler offers a library of legal templates that you can reference when creating your own contracts. Templates are available for common contract types like NDAs, freelance agreements, and service contracts. Templates are available to all registered users.

Question 34

Can I use LegalSimpler offline?

Accepted Answer

No. LegalSimpler requires an internet connection to process documents through our AI analysis pipeline. The analysis happens on our servers, not on your device.

Question 35

What browsers are supported?

Accepted Answer

LegalSimpler works on all modern browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and their mobile versions. We recommend keeping your browser updated for the best experience.

Question 36

What file formats does LegalSimpler support?

Accepted Answer

LegalSimpler accepts PDF, DOCX (Microsoft Word), and TXT (plain text) files. You can also paste text directly — useful for analyzing terms of service from websites, email agreements, or content from other sources.

Question 37

What's the maximum file size I can upload?

Accepted Answer

File size limits depend on your plan: Free (5 MB), Pro (15 MB), Business (30 MB). For pasted text: Free (20,000 characters, roughly 4,000 words), Pro and Business (50,000+ characters, roughly 10,000 words). Most contracts are well within these limits.

Question 38

How long does an analysis take?

Accepted Answer

Most analyses complete in under 30 seconds. Longer or more complex documents may take up to 2 minutes. You'll see a real-time progress indicator while the analysis is running. Don't close the tab during processing.

Question 39

What sections are included in the analysis?

Accepted Answer

A full analysis includes five sections:

- **Summary** — plain-language overview of the contract (who, what, when, key terms)
- **Risks** — flagged clauses that are one-sided, unusual, or potentially problematic, with severity ratings
- **Obligations** — everything you're required to do (payments, deliverables, deadlines, restrictions)
- **Key Dates** — important dates extracted from the document (start, end, renewal, notice deadlines)
- **Glossary** — legal terms defined in plain English within your contract's context

Free plan users receive the Summary section only. Pro, Business, and Single Analysis users receive all five sections.

Question 40

What do the risk levels mean?

Accepted Answer

Each flagged risk has a severity level:

- **High** — could have significant financial or legal consequences. Address before signing.
- **Medium** — one-sided or unusual, but manageable. Worth discussing or negotiating.
- **Low** — minor deviation from standard practice. Good to know, but not a dealbreaker.

Question 41

What risk categories does LegalSimpler check for?

Accepted Answer

The analysis checks for 15+ risk categories including: auto-renewal traps, non-compete clauses, unlimited liability, unilateral modification rights, broad IP assignment, one-sided termination, data privacy gaps, excessive penalty clauses, mandatory arbitration, aggressive indemnification, unfavorable jurisdiction, perpetual obligations, assignment restrictions, force majeure imbalance, warranty disclaimers, hidden fees, and scope creep potential.

Question 42

How does AI Chat work?

Accepted Answer

After your document is analyzed, you can ask questions about it in plain English. Type a question like "Can I cancel this contract early?" and the AI finds the relevant clause, explains what it says, and provides context. The AI answers from YOUR specific document — not from general legal knowledge.

Question 43

Can I ask follow-up questions in AI Chat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The chat maintains context within the conversation. You can drill down: "Is there a non-compete?" → "How long does it last?" → "Does it apply if I'm laid off?" Each follow-up builds on previous answers.

Question 44

How many chat messages can I send?

Accepted Answer

Chat messages are unlimited on all paid plans. Free plan users don't have access to AI Chat. There's no per-conversation or per-day limit on chat messages.

Question 45

Can I analyze multiple documents at once?

Accepted Answer

Each analysis covers one document. If you have multiple documents to analyze (e.g., an employment agreement plus a separate NDA), upload them separately. Each analysis uses one of your monthly credits.

Question 46

What happens to my document after analysis?

Accepted Answer

Your uploaded document is stored securely with AES-256 encryption and automatically deleted after 30 days. Your analysis results (the report) are stored indefinitely in your account so you can reference them anytime. You can also manually delete documents at any time.

Question 47

Can I download my analysis as a PDF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pro, Business, and Single Analysis users can export their analysis as a branded PDF document. The PDF includes all analysis sections with severity color-coding for risks. This is useful for sharing with lawyers, partners, or keeping for your records.

Question 48

How do I share my analysis with someone else?

Accepted Answer

Use the shareable link feature. Create a link that gives read-only access to your analysis. You can optionally add password protection and expiration dates. The recipient doesn't need a LegalSimpler account. You can revoke the link at any time.

Question 49

Can I password-protect a shared analysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When creating a shareable link, you can set an optional password. The recipient will need to enter the password to view the analysis. You can also set an expiration date for the link.

Question 50

What does the Summary section tell me?

Accepted Answer

The Summary provides a plain-English overview of the entire contract in 150-250 words. It covers: who the parties are, what each side agrees to do, key financial terms, the contract duration, and the overall structure. It's written at an 8th-grade reading level — no legal jargon.

Question 51

What are obligations in the analysis?

Accepted Answer

Obligations are everything you're required to do under the contract. They're categorized as:

- **Financial** — payments, fees, costs you owe
- **Performance** — actions, deliverables, services you must provide
- **Reporting** — documentation, disclosures, notifications required
- **Restriction** — things you can't do (non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality)

Each obligation includes a reference to the specific section in the contract.

Question 52

What dates does the analysis extract?

Accepted Answer

The analysis identifies: contract start and end dates, auto-renewal dates, notice period deadlines, payment due dates, milestone deadlines, warranty expiration dates, and any other time-sensitive provisions. Each date includes a description of what it triggers and what action is needed.

Question 53

How does the glossary work?

Accepted Answer

The glossary identifies the 5-10 most important legal terms in your contract and defines them in plain English. Unlike a general legal dictionary, the definitions are contextual — they explain what each term means in YOUR specific contract. It focuses on terms that affect your rights and obligations, skipping boilerplate.

Question 54

Can I compare two versions of a contract?

Accepted Answer

Upload each version as a separate analysis. Then use AI Chat on each to ask the same questions and compare the answers. This reveals what changed between versions — useful for lease renewals, contract amendments, or competing offers.

Question 55

Does the analysis show the original contract text?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For each flagged risk, the analysis quotes the original clause from your contract verbatim. You can see exactly which sentence triggered the flag, alongside the plain-language explanation.

Question 56

What if my document has tables, charts, or images?

Accepted Answer

The analysis focuses on text content. Tables in PDFs and Word documents are extracted as text. Charts, images, logos, and signatures are ignored — they don't contain legal provisions. Handwritten content is not supported.

Question 57

Can I analyze a contract that's very short (1-2 paragraphs)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but very short documents may produce limited results. The analysis works best with documents of at least a few hundred words. A one-sentence agreement won't generate meaningful risk flags or obligation lists. The minimum is approximately 100 characters.

Question 58

What if the analysis misses something?

Accepted Answer

No AI analysis is 100% comprehensive. LegalSimpler catches the most common and impactful contract issues, but nuanced legal situations (jurisdictional specifics, regulatory compliance, industry-specific requirements) may require professional legal review. For critical contracts, use the analysis as a starting point and consult a lawyer for flagged items.

Question 59

Can I analyze government contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload any government contract, RFP response, grant agreement, or procurement document. The analysis identifies standard provisions as well as government-specific clauses. However, the analysis may not cover all FAR clause implications for federal contracts — consult a government contracts attorney for those.

Question 60

Does the analysis understand contract amendments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload the amendment and the analysis will identify what's being changed, what the new terms are, and any new risks introduced. For best results, also upload the original contract separately so you can compare the full picture.

Question 61

How does LegalSimpler handle confidential documents?

Accepted Answer

All uploaded documents are encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256). Documents are automatically deleted after 30 days. Your files are never shared with other users, never used for AI training, and are only accessible by you through your account. See our Security FAQs for more details.

Question 62

Can I analyze a lease renewal offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload the renewal terms and the analysis will show what's changing — new rent amounts, modified terms, added restrictions. Compare against your original lease analysis to see all the differences.

Question 63

What's "priority processing"?

Accepted Answer

Pro and Business users get priority in the analysis queue. When the system is busy, paid users' documents are processed before free tier users'. In practice, this means consistently fast analysis times even during peak usage.

Question 64

Can I re-download a previous analysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All your analyses are stored in your account history. You can view, export to PDF, or share any previous analysis at any time. Analyses are stored indefinitely — even if the original document has been auto-deleted.

Frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

General

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