Section I · vs DIY Word Template

PPMWizard vs DIY with a Word template

A DIY workflow begins with a downloadable PPM template that the issuer and counsel edit directly in Word. Template scope, instructions, supporting files, and update rights vary by provider. Here is how that file-based approach compares with a hosted, guided drafting workflow.

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The DIY Word approach

A static file, a lot of copy-paste

You obtain a PPM template, download it as a Word document, and start working through the highlighted placeholders. Sponsor name, target asset, market information, waterfall structure, and risk factors go in by hand. Unless the package includes a separate automation tool, changes to the exemption, asset class, or deal structure must be reconciled manually across the file.

Manual editing can create reconciliation work for counsel: waterfall math may diverge from the pro forma, exemption language may remain in an unchanged section, or risk factors and formatting may no longer match the current deal. The actual risk depends on the template and editing process.

What PPMWizard adds

Guidance, math, and tuning the document to the deal

PPMWizard replaces the static Word experience with a guided wizard that asks structured questions and assembles the document as you go. Your selected framework tunes applicable exemption, solicitation, investor-status, and distribution language for counsel review. Your asset class tunes the prompts, narrative sections, and suggested risks, and the voice of the disclosure sections. Your waterfall inputs flow into the prose and, where financial modeling applies, the sensitivity tables, so the draft is designed to keep the math and the words aligned.

The output includes an editable Word draft for counsel and an editorially consistent PDF with pagination, folio numbers, and a layout tuned for print. Paid access also unlocks an investor questionnaire, an applicable Form D pre-fill, and a real-estate Excel underwriting model where applicable. Changes made in the Word file must be copied into the wizard manually if you want them reflected in a later export.

Section II · Side by Side

Eight questions that decide which path wins for your deal

Below is a side-by-side of a generic DIY Word workflow and PPMWizard. Specific template features and licensing vary by provider.

DIY Word template

PPMWizard

Guidance during drafting

Varies by template. A static file may include instructions, but it does not provide PPMWizard's hosted, input-driven workflow.

Structured wizard. Each step asks deal-specific questions and assembles the document around your answers.

Distribution waterfall math

A static Word file does not calculate a waterfall by itself; any included spreadsheet or outside model depends on the template package.

Built-in waterfall calculator. Preferred return, catch-up, promote, and applicable financial outputs are designed to stay aligned.

Disclosure section coverage

Whatever the template author included. Missing disclosures are your job to catch.

Structured sections for the cover, executive summary, sponsor, target, market, financial inputs, waterfall, risks, and subscription process.

Risk factor library

Coverage depends on the template. Selecting, removing, or adding deal-specific risks is a manual editing task.

A 54-factor catalog filtered to an asset-specific starting set, plus a custom-risk builder. The sponsor selects what applies.

506(b)/506(c) language tuning

Depends on the template package. Changing exemptions in a static file requires the user and counsel to reconcile affected language.

For the 506(b) and 506(c) choices, solicitation, verification, and related disclosure language update together.

Formatted output

Whatever the Word file looks like when you finish editing. Page breaks, folios, and headers are yours to manage.

Editable Word for attorney markup plus a print-tuned PDF with page breaks, folio numbers, and editorial layout. Word edits do not sync back automatically.

Counsel redline effort

Counsel determines which provisions need revision or replacement and quotes that work separately.

Counsel reviews a structured draft; timing and fees depend on the offering and agreed scope.

Cost

Set by the template provider, plus any separately quoted counsel or supporting-tool costs.

$249 once for one export package, $199/month for unlimited exports, or free drafting and watermarked previews for up to 3 drafts.

Assumes a generic, commercially available Word template. Results vary depending on the specific template and how carefully it was last updated.

Section III · Honest Fit

When DIY Word still makes sense

A Word template can fit a team that prefers a local-file workflow, already has a reviewed drafting and calculation process, and wants counsel to work directly in the same file. Confirm the template’s scope, license, update rights, and included supporting documents before relying on it.

A file-based workflow can also fit when counsel is leading the drafting and has agreed to use a particular template as a starting point. Counsel should define the review scope rather than assuming a template reduces it.

A guided draft may be useful when the issuer wants structured prompts, linked calculations, and a consistent preview before counsel review. Compare both workflows on your own deal and ask counsel which starting point fits the engagement.

Colophon · See the output for yourself

Draft both. Compare the output.

The direct comparison is to try the PPMWizard drafting flow, review its watermarked preview beside the template you are considering, and ask counsel which starting point fits the deal.

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Drafting tool only — attorney review required before issuance