Category: ndMail (Email Filing)
NetDocuments offers two versions of ndMail for filing emails from Outlook into your document management system. The original ndMail for Outlook (Classic) has been the standard for years, and the newer ndMail for M365 is built on Microsoft’s modern add-in platform. Both let you file emails to client matter workspaces, but they differ in how they are installed, where they run, and which Outlook clients they support.
This guide explains the differences to help you and your firm understand which version you are using and where things are headed.
ndMail for Outlook (Classic) #
The Classic version of ndMail is a COM add-in that installs directly on your Windows computer. It has been the primary email filing tool for NetDocuments users for many years and is what most firms are currently running.
Key Characteristics #
- Installation: Installed locally on each Windows PC, typically by your IT department as part of the NetDocuments desktop rollout.
- Outlook support: Works in Outlook for Windows (classic desktop version) only.
- Platform: Windows only. Does not work on Mac, Outlook on the web, or the new Outlook for Windows.
- Features: Full feature set including predictive filing, bulk filing, duplicate detection, automatic filing rules, save attachments separately, and attach documents from NetDocuments to outgoing emails.
- Interface: Adds a filing panel directly into the Outlook interface. The panel appears when you select an email and suggests the most likely workspace based on sender, recipients, subject, and your filing history.
The Classic COM add-in is mature, stable, and fully supported. Many firms continue to use it without any issues.
ndMail for M365 #
The M365 version of ndMail is built on Microsoft’s modern add-in framework. It is the newer version and the recommended path forward, as all NetDocuments add-ins are moving to this platform.
Key Characteristics #
- Installation: Added from the M365 add-in store inside Outlook, or deployed centrally by your IT administrator through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
- Outlook support: Works across all Outlook clients, including Outlook for Windows (classic), New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and the Outlook mobile app.
- Platform: Works on Windows and Mac. Mac users can use it through New Outlook for Mac or Outlook on the web, which gives Mac users full ndMail functionality for the first time.
- Features: Provides the same core functionality as the Classic version. You can file emails to matter workspaces, save attachments, attach documents from NetDocuments to outgoing emails, and take advantage of predictive filing suggestions. The M365 add-in is still maturing and may not yet have every feature available in the Classic version, but it is very close to full parity.
- Interface: Accessed by clicking the NetDocuments icon in the Outlook ribbon or toolbar. The filing panel opens in a side panel within Outlook.
Because the M365 add-in runs through the browser-based add-in framework rather than being installed locally, it does not require a traditional desktop installation. This makes deployment easier for IT departments, especially in firms with remote workers or mixed device environments.
Which One Should You Use? #
The ndMail for M365 add-in is the recommended path forward. NetDocuments is actively developing all of its add-ins on the M365 platform, and the Classic COM add-ins will eventually be phased out. Most firms are encouraging their teams to transition to the M365 version.
That said, the transition does not need to happen overnight. Here is a general guide:
- If your firm is currently using the Classic COM add-in and it is working well, there is no urgent need to switch immediately. The Classic version is still fully supported. However, it is worth planning for the transition since the M365 add-in is where future development is focused.
- If your firm has Mac users, the M365 add-in is the way to go. The Classic COM add-in does not work on Mac at all. With the M365 version, Mac users can file emails through New Outlook for Mac or Outlook on the web.
- If your firm uses New Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web, the M365 add-in is required. The Classic COM add-in only works in the traditional Outlook desktop client.
- If your firm is deploying NetDocuments for the first time, start with the M365 add-in. There is no reason to deploy the Classic version for a new rollout.
Can You Run Both? #
Yes, it is possible to have both the Classic COM add-in and the M365 add-in installed at the same time. Some firms run both during a transition period so users can gradually get comfortable with the new version while still having the Classic version available as a fallback. However, running both long term is not recommended as it can cause confusion about which panel is which.
Backend Setup Required #
Regardless of which version you use, some backend configuration is required before ndMail will work. Your NetDocuments administrator or implementation partner will need to complete the setup on the NetDocuments side. This applies to both the Classic and M365 versions. The add-in will not function until this configuration is in place, whether it is installed by IT or self-installed from the M365 add-in store.
Summary #
ndMail for Outlook (Classic): Traditional COM add-in. Windows only. Outlook desktop (classic) only. Full feature set. Locally installed. Still supported but not the future direction.
ndMail for M365: Modern add-in. Works on Windows and Mac. Works in Outlook desktop (classic), New Outlook, Outlook on the web, and Outlook mobile. Nearly full feature parity with Classic. Recommended for all new deployments and the direction all NetDocuments add-ins are heading.
Need help transitioning your firm to the ndMail M365 add-in? HFSM Technology provides implementation, training, and ongoing support for Canadian law firms. Visit hfsm.ca/contact to learn more.
