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Export and Import InfoSheets (JSON)

Daniel Martin
  • Updated

Overview

This article explains how Administrators and Template Administrators can export and import InfoSheet definitions using the JSON format.

Exporting and importing InfoSheets allows you to back up configurations, share InfoSheets between OneLaw environments, and reuse existing designs without recreating them from scratch.

This process works at the InfoSheet definition level (structure and configuration). It does not include any data entered by users.

Who can do this

  • Administrators
  • Template Administrators

Before you start

  • From version 4.3, InfoSheet exports use the JSON format instead of CSV.
  • Older CSV export files can still be imported for backward compatibility.
  • New exports are JSON only.

Export an InfoSheet

Exporting an InfoSheet creates a JSON file containing the full definition of the InfoSheet.

Steps

  • Go to Administration > Templates > InfoSheets.
  • Open/Edit the InfoSheet you want to export.
  • Select Export Definition.
  • Choose a location and file name for the JSON file.
  • Select Save.

Edit InfoSheet window showing an existing InfoSheet named “Conveyancing,” with fields and settings displayed. The Export Definition button is highlighted at the bottom of the window.

What is included in the export

The exported JSON file contains:

  • All fields and their properties
  • All blocks and nested block structures
  • Conditional field configurations
  • Choice list values
  • All other InfoSheet settings

Note: The export includes the InfoSheet definition (schema) only. It does not include any InfoSheet data entered by users.

Import an InfoSheet

Importing an InfoSheet creates a new InfoSheet based on an exported definition.

Steps

  • Go to Administration > Templates > InfoSheets.
  • Select the Import InfoSheet (paper with green ↑) icon, from the InfoSheet options,
  • Select the JSON file you want to import (or a CSV file from older exports).
  • Select Open.

Result: The Create InfoSheet window opens.

Create InfoSheet window showing a newly imported InfoSheet named “Conveyancing-Rural,” with the Field Code Prefix set, Fee Type selected, automatic attachment enabled, and imported fields displayed in the editor.

  • In the Create InfoSheet window, enter a Name for the InfoSheet (for example, Conveyancing-Rural).
  • Review the Field Code Prefix.
    • The prefix defaults from the InfoSheet name.
    • You can edit it if needed. This prefix is applied to all fields created in the InfoSheet and forms part of each merge field code.

Note: Long InfoSheet names create long merge field codes in Word. Shortening the prefix can make merge fields easier to work with.

  • Review the imported fields and blocks in the window.
  • Make any required adjustments.
  • Select Save & Close to create the InfoSheet.

Result

You have exported or imported an InfoSheet definition, allowing you to reuse, back up, or transfer InfoSheet configurations between OneLaw environments.

 

Import validation and conflicts

When an InfoSheet is imported, OneLaw validates the definition to ensure:

  • Field codes are valid and unique
  • Block codes and block types are valid and unique
  • Conditional field references are valid
  • Block structures are valid
  • All required information is present

If validation fails, an error message explains what must be corrected before the InfoSheet can be saved.

Backward and forward compatibility

  • JSON exports are designed to be backward compatible where possible.
  • If you export an InfoSheet from a newer version of OneLaw and import it into an older version, the import may fail if the InfoSheet uses features that do not exist in the older version.
  • CSV export files created in earlier versions can still be imported in version 4.3 and later.

Imported InfoSheets do not overwrite existing InfoSheets automatically. Each import creates a new InfoSheet, allowing you to review and adjust it before saving.

Use cases

Back up InfoSheets

Export InfoSheets regularly to create backups of your configurations. Store JSON files securely so you can restore InfoSheets if required.

Share InfoSheets between environments

If you use multiple OneLaw environments (for example, test and production), you can export InfoSheets from one environment and import them into another, adjusting settings such as fee type filters as needed.

Create variations

You can export an existing InfoSheet, import it as a new InfoSheet, and then modify it to create a variation without affecting the original.

Version control

Because InfoSheets are exported as JSON files, they can be stored in version control systems. This allows you to track changes over time and revert to earlier versions if required.

 

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