---
title: "BriefCatch for Word: overview"
description: "About BriefCatch: BriefCatch Next"
---

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3. [Product Overviews](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/get-started?hsLang=en#product-overviews)

# BriefCatch for Word: overview

## BriefCatch Products

BriefCatch for Word (Next) is the most recent version of the BriefCatch Add-in! If you have any additional questions, run into any issues, or would like to provide feedback, please [send us an email](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en).

**Contents**

- [Information & Compatibility](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#information-compatibility)
- [Security](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#security)  
    - [Does BriefCatch for Word (Next) store any document data?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#does-briefcatch-store-any-document-data)
    - [Does BriefCatch for Word (Next) connect to external servers?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#does-briefcatch-connect-to-external-servers)
    - [Are all connections encrypted?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#are-all-connections-encrypted)
- [Functionality](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#functionality)  
    - [Does BriefCatch for Word (Next) use AI during processing?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#does-briefcatch-next-use-ai)
    - [What are Real-time updates?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#what-are-realtime-updates)
    - [Is an internet connection required to use BriefCatch for Word (Next)?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#is-an-internet-connection-required-to-use-bc)
    - [Does BriefCatch for Word (Next) support real-time collaboration in Word (Concurrent Editing)?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#does-briefcatch-support-realtime-collaboration)
    - [BriefCatch for Word (Next) User Guide](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#briefcatch-next-user-guide)
- <https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#subscriptions>[Main areas of the task pane](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next?hsLang=en#main-areas-task-pane)
- [Subscriptions](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#subscriptions)  
    - [How can I sign up for a BriefCatch subscription?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#how-can-i-sign-up-for-bc-subscription)
- [Installation](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#installation)  
    - [How do I install BriefCatch for Word (Next)?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#how-do-i-install-briefcatch-next)
    - [How do I deploy BriefCatch for Word (Next) to multiple users or groups?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#how-do-i-deploy-bc-multiple-users-groups)
    - [Do you offer Single Sign-On?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#do-you-offer-single-sign-on)
    - [How do I update from BriefCatch 3?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/briefcatch-next#update-from-bc3)

 

### Information & Compatibility

BriefCatch for Word (Next) is a Microsoft Word Office Add-in available on Marketplace. Supported versions include:

- **Windows**: Word for Microsoft 365 (recommended) or Word 2024+ (Version 2311 or later)
- **Mac**: Word for Microsoft 365 (recommended) or Word 2024+ (Version 16.79 or later)
- **Word Online**: Microsoft 365 Online (web version, Windows or Mac)

**Please Note:** BriefCatch no longer supports Word 2016 or Word 2019. Microsoft officially ended support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 in October 2025. While BriefCatch may continue to work in some older configurations of Word 2019, we strongly recommend using Word for Microsoft 365 for full compatibility and ongoing updates.

 

### Security

#### Does BriefCatch for Word (Next) store any document data?

No. Document text is processed in RAM only and promptly cleared. No documents are ever stored or cached.

#### Does BriefCatch for Word (Next) connect to external servers?

Yes. BriefCatch for Word (Next) is a cloud-based application and requires an internet connection to function. It connects securely to our servers to process documents and deliver real-time suggestions.

#### Are all connections encrypted?

Yes. End-to-End Encryption. AES-256 at rest and in transit (TLS 1.3).

### Functionality

#### Does BriefCatch for Word (Next) use AI during processing?

BriefCatch for Word (Next) includes optional AI features. These features are disabled by default and can be enabled for your enterprise organization, or for single users (if on a professional subscription.)

Learn more here: [BriefCatch for Word (Next) AI Features & Administrative Controls](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/enterprise/briefcatch-next/ai-features-admin-controls?hsLang=en)

#### What are Real-time updates?

There's no need to re-scan your document when you make changes. The real-time editing feature in BriefCatch for Word (Next) continues to give on-demand and instant suggestions as you write.

Users can customize their experience by toggling the Real-time updates option under their account preferences. (Settings - Preferences)

Note: Real-time updates are not available when using Word Online.

 

![pref-real-time-updates-new](https://support.briefcatch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pref-real-time-updates-new.png?width=260&height=150&name=pref-real-time-updates-new.png)

If Real-time updates are disabled or turned off, you can re-scan the document by clicking the refresh icon in the navigation bar.

![real-time-updates-disabled-new](https://support.briefcatch.com/hs-fs/hubfs/real-time-updates-disabled-new.png?width=330&height=113&name=real-time-updates-disabled-new.png)

 

#### Is an internet connection required to use BriefCatch for Word (Next)?

Yes. You must be connected to the internet to receive suggestions from BriefCatch for Word (Next).

#### Does BriefCatch support real-time collaboration in Word (Concurrent Editing)?

Yes. BriefCatch works when multiple users are editing the same document. During concurrent editing, if one user accepts a suggestion that changes the text above another user's current position, it may cause that user's suggestions to shift. This can lead to temporary inconsistencies, such as changes in the order or number of suggestions shown.

#### BriefCatch for Word (Next) User Guide

For more information on BriefCatch for Word (Next) functions, see: [User guide: BriefCatch for Word](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/briefcatch-guides/how-to-use-briefcatch-next?hsLang=en)

### Main areas of the task pane

The BriefCatch Word add-in is a Microsoft Office task pane that reads the active document, requests BriefCatch analysis, and applies the changes you approve back to Word. It has four main areas:

- **Suggestions:** writing and citation-format cards anchored to the document text.
- **RealityCheck:** citation-substance verdicts, filters, comments, and a PDF report.
- **Reports:** review progress, document scores, readability, strengths, and improvement ideas.
- **Settings:** account, subscription links, real-time updates, inline suggestions, and eligible AI controls.

Applying a suggestion is separate from suppressing a rule.

### Subscriptions

#### How can I sign up for a BriefCatch subscription?

We offer subscription options for law firms, government agencies, courts, solo practitioners, students, educators, and more.

See [How do I sign up for BriefCatch?](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/about/how-do-i-sign-up-for-briefcatch?hsLang=en) for details on the right plan for you or your team.

### Installation

#### How do I install BriefCatch for Word (Next)?

BriefCatch for Word (Next) is available through the [Microsoft Marketplace](https://marketplace.microsoft.com/en-us/product/office/WA200009535?tab=Overview) store. 

View our [detailed installation instructions](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/technical-troubleshooting/briefcatch-next-installation-options?hsLang=en) for more information.

#### How do I deploy BriefCatch for Word (Next) to multiple users or groups?

With an active enterprise subscription, BriefCatch for Word (Next) can be deployed through the Integrated Apps section of the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. You can assign it to specific users, groups, or your entire organization with just a few clicks.

View our [centralized deployment instructions](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/enterprise/briefcatch-next/deployment-installation?hsLang=en) for more information.

#### Do you offer Single Sign-On?

Yes. BriefCatch for Word (Next) uses Microsoft Single Sign-On for authentication.

#### How do I update from BriefCatch 3?

To begin using BriefCatch for Word (Next), simply deploy or install the new add-in. Existing accounts and subscriptions automatically carry over. No new account setup is required.

For more information, see: [BriefCatch for Word (Next): How to Update Guide](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/technical-troubleshooting/briefcatch-next-how-to-update-guide?hsLang=en)

 

- [Get Started](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/get-started?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Product Overviews](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/get-started?hsLang=en#product-overviews)
- [Install & Sign In](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/install-sign-in?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [System Requirements](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/install-sign-in?hsLang=en#system-requirements)
    - [Install it Yourself](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/install-sign-in?hsLang=en#install-it-yourself)
    - [Deploy for Your Firm](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/install-sign-in?hsLang=en#deploy-for-your-firm)
    - [Sign In & Accounts](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/install-sign-in?hsLang=en#sign-in-accounts)
    - [Update & Uninstall](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/install-sign-in?hsLang=en#update-uninstall)
- [Use BriefCatch](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/use-briefcatch?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Format](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/use-briefcatch?hsLang=en#format)
    - [Refine](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/use-briefcatch?hsLang=en#refine)
    - [Verify (RealityCheck)](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/use-briefcatch?hsLang=en#verify-realitycheck)
- [Learn](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/learn?hsLang=en)
- [Manage Your Account](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/manage-your-account?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Users, Teams & Settings](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/manage-your-account?hsLang=en#users-teams-settings)
    - [Identity & SSO](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/manage-your-account?hsLang=en#identity-sso)
    - [Admin Portal & AI Controls](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/manage-your-account?hsLang=en#admin-portal-ai-controls)
    - [Billing, Plans & Credits](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/manage-your-account?hsLang=en#billing-plans-credits)
- [Troubleshoot](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/troubleshoot?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Product FAQs](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/troubleshoot?hsLang=en#product-faqs)
- [Trust & Security](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/trust-security?hsLang=en)
- [Legacy Products](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/legacy-products?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [BriefCatch 3](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/legacy-products?hsLang=en#briefcatch-3)
    - [WordRake](https://support.briefcatch.com/home/legacy-products?hsLang=en#wordrake)

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