FAQs
Specifications
What are the minimum requirements for DocsPlus?
DocsPlus works on Windows and Mac computers.
- Windows specifications: Windows 8.1 or newer. Click here for full details.
- Mac specifications: High Sierra (10.13) or newer.
What are the minimum requirements for the DocsPlus app?
- iPad specifications: iOS 15 or newer.
- Chromebook specifications: Chrome OS 86 or newer, with Google Drive enabled
Do you have any feedback from schools on the effectiveness of DocsPlus?
DocsPlus is used in thousands of schools around the world to develop students’ literacy skills, raise writing attainment and enjoyment, and help learners work more independently. We have a number of success stories and reviews available to read
here.
Subscriptions
How does the subscription work?
Many schools are using a combination of devices to support their learners. Our universal subscription enables you to ‘mix and match’ DocsPlus licenses for your Windows/Mac machines with DocsPlus app licenses for your iPads and Chromebooks. For example, if you purchased a Group subscription of DocsPlus, this could be 10 licenses for the Windows/Mac version, or five for the Windows/Mac version and five for the iPad version etc…choose whichever combination works best for your school’s set-up.
Is the licensing per user or per device?
The licensing for DocsPlus (Win / Mac) and the DocsPlus app for iPad is per device. DocsPlus Chromebook licenses are per user.
For example, with a Group subscription for DocsPlus you could:
- Install DocsPlus on five computers
- Install the DocsPlus app on three iPads
- Give two Chromebook users access to the DocsPlus app
Do I need to include teachers and TAs when deciding what subscription I need?
Yes, if you wish to use DocsPlus on staff devices, each of these will count as one license.
For example, if you would like DocsPlus access for 8 students, 1 teacher and 1 TA, you would need a total of 10 licenses. Therefore, you should opt for the Group subscription.
When I purchase DocsPlus, how long does the subscription last?
All our DocsPlus subscriptions are for 3 years.
How do I get my software?
You will receive an email from us with the license keys and installation details. If you are unable to find this, please call us and we can resend this information to you.
When does the subscription for DocsPlus start?
After you register your subscription, you can start this at any point within the first month. After the first month has lapsed, your subscription will start automatically.
Can I move the licenses if we change the devices we are using?
Yes – you can manage your licenses, including transferring them to different devices, via the DocsPlus Subscription Management system. Full details on this process can be found here.
What is included in a Flexi subscription?
The Flexi subscription is the best value subscription as it enables you to install DocsPlus on all of your school computers and have the DocsPlus app on all your iPads and/or Chromebooks. The Flexi subscription also includes home access for your students, teachers and teaching assistants.
Why have you stopped providing a single user subscription?
The overwhelming feedback from existing DocsPlus customers was that even in cases where schools are supporting just one student with DocsPlus, a second license was required so that staff have access to the software for planning, preparation and assessment purposes. This is why we have the One-to-One Support subscription.
How does a One-to-One Support subscription work?
The One-to-One Support subscription gives you one installation of DocsPlus for the student and a companion license for the staff member supporting their learning to have access to the program. This could be a license for DocsPlus (Windows/Mac), or the DocsPlus App (iPad/Chromebook) - choose whichever combination fits bests with your school’s device provision.
DocsPlus and exams
Can my students use DocsPlus in their exams?
DocsPlus can be used to support students who require the following additional access arrangements for exams:
- word processor
- reader
- scribe
DocsPlus’ ‘Exam Mode’ can be easily customised for various student scenarios. To find out more about using DocsPlus in exams, including frequently asked questions, click here.
Pricing
Can I buy DocsPlus using a purchase order (PO)?
Absolutely – we will then invoice the school when we email over the license keys and installation information.
Are there any additional costs for technical support or updates?
No – during your subscription period you will be provided with free technical support and any updates to DocsPlus and/or the DocsPlus App will also be provided free of charge.
Can I buy a one-year subscription?
We have chosen to make DocsPlus a three-year subscription rather than a one-year subscription because we know that schools need reassurance that any provision they invest in for their students will be available to them for the next few years, without having to worry about whether there will be enough to cover it in next year’s budget! The three-year subscription provides schools with the time they need to effectively set-up, install and implement DocsPlus, and ensures that they benefit from all the exciting new updates and additions we plan to release during this period.
Can I add more licenses during the subscription? How does that work?
Yes – if you wish to move to a DocsPlus Flexi subscription, then we can provide you with an extension price that takes into account the time remaining on your current subscription. If you want to buy a smaller number of additional licenses to add to your current Group subscription, you can do that in bundles of 5. Please contact us for a quote.
Do you provide special pricing if all the schools in our MAT want to use DocsPlus?
Yes, we can put together a bespoke price for schools in your MAT. Contact us with details of the subscription you require and the number of schools in your MAT. We can also talk to you about Clicker, our child-friendly word processor for primary schools.
I work in a federation of schools – can we buy a subscription for DocsPlus and share it?
No, our subscriptions are provided on a ‘per school’ basis. If you are designated as separate schools (meaning that each school has a unique DfES/SEED number), then each school needs its own subscription.
Renewals
When does the subscription for DocsPlus start?
When you resubscribe, we simply add the three years to your current subscription. This means you can re-subscribe at any time to take advantage of the early bird discount.
When does our subscription end?
DocsPlus is a three-year subscription so will end three years after purchase. If you are unsure of when your subscription ends, just contact us on renewals@cricksoft.com and we will be able to let you know your subscription end date.
Will our subscription auto-renew?
In the final year of your subscription, we will be in touch to talk to you about renewing. We know how hectic things can be at school, and so for your convenience we will automatically renew your subscription if we have not been able to speak to you. This will ensure that those students who rely on the software to support their learning will not have their access interrupted. If you would like to cancel the subscription, or make a change to it, please contact us.
How much will it cost to renew?
Around 6 months before your subscription ends, we will contact you via email to remind you of your upcoming renewal date and of the ‘early bird’ renewal discount we can offer. Standard renewal prices can be found online at https://www.cricksoft.com/uk/docsplus/pricing/renewals
Can I increase the number of licenses we have access to?
Yes! We would love to talk about how DocsPlus would best suit you going forward. So, email us on renewals@cricksoft.com or call us to discuss your renewal options.
I’m interested in renewing, but our subscription manager has changed/left since we purchased, how do I manage our DocsPlus licenses?
To change the subscription manager, please contact support with your organisation name, organisation postcode, full name and Google address/Apple ID of the person(s) you wish to add/remove.
Home access to DocsPlus
We have a DocsPlus Flexi subscription; how do we give access to the software for home use?
You will need to share home user licenses via the Subscription Management system. This is a straightforward process - see the support article here.
With the DocsPlus Flexi subscription, can the home access be for iPad or Chromebooks even if we only have Windows computers in school?
Yes – your subscription enables parents and teaching staff to use DocsPlus on their home devices. If that device is a Windows/Mac computer, you can provide them with the installation instructions for DocsPlus. If they are using an iPad or Chromebook, they can use the DocsPlus app.
How do I share resources for students to access on their home devices?
There are a variety of ways to share DocsPlus resources and documents. Take a look at our training tutorials here to help you save, share and print your resources.
I’m a parent and my child’s school does not have a Flexi subscription. Can you buy DocsPlus for home use?
Yes – parents can purchase a home user subscription for DocsPlus, which is the same as the school’s version of the software but offered at a 50% discount. The home user subscription gives you up to two installations of DocsPlus on your home devices - this could be two licenses for DocsPlus (Windows/Mac), two licenses for the DocsPlus app (iPad/Chromebook), or one of each – choose whichever combination works best for you. Please contact us if you’d like to find out more about the DocsPlus home user subscription or place an order.
Is DocsPlus VAT exempt?
No. Although DocsPlus is widely used to support learners with special needs, it is also used and sold as a product for children without disabilities, and therefore does not qualify for VAT exemption.
Training and resources
We have some new staff on board – do you have any training they can use?
We have a range of free training materials including tutorial videos and on-demand training webinars. This can all be accessed here.
Do you provide in-school training?
If you would like a bespoke training session for your staff, our training team can provide a half day of hands-on DocsPlus training for up to 25 staff members. You can find further details and pricing here.
How do we access the LearningGrids resources?
In DocsPlus or the DocsPlus app, go to Explorer and select LearningGrids (Internet connection required).
How do we share DocsPlus files?
You can share files across your network or use your preferred cloud service such as Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive. DocsPlus files are fully compatible across Windows, Mac, iPad and Chromebook.