Canopy Software Reviews

Pros

I adore how user-friendly it is and how seamlessly it automates tasks. It's no wonder why other accountants love it.

Cons

I believe there could be more user restrictions in place, and automating certain IRS forms would be beneficial. However, I must commend TaxDome for their responsiveness. Whenever I've reached out about an unavailable feature, they've offered alternative solutions. They even have a program where users can request new features.

Pros

The Client Management module and the client-facing mobile app are fantastic. They are incredibly simple for our clients to use, allowing them to securely send us documents. We've had great success with client adoption. I also appreciate the automated client reminders.

Cons

I must admit, navigating Canopy requires quite a few clicks, which can be time-consuming. Streamlining the processes by reducing at least one click for each action would greatly improve efficiency, especially when working across multiple tasks and clients. Additionally, the mobile app for firm use could use significant enhancements in both its UI and functionality.

Pros

Being able to transfer documents across clients while limiting access to team members by folder is a great feature.

Cons

The task setup proved to be more complex than necessary, particularly when configuring recurring tasks. Despite my efforts, I couldn't get it to work as intended.

Pros

It's easy to use, and the organization by size is convenient.

Cons

The file categories deviate from the conventional approach.

Pros

It is an outstanding software overall, and it's incredibly user-friendly.

Cons

The cost of Canopy is quite high, making it unaffordable for smaller firms.

Pros

From my customer experience, this product stands out as one of the best. I could personalize the portal login page, and I successfully trained clients, even those in their 70s, to use the client portals. Each file can be hidden or shared with the client, and Canopy offers a decent in-app PDF editor that doesn't share your annotations with the client. I haven't found anything better than Engagement for document management, and Canopy is much more affordable, plus it includes a client portal.

Cons

Honestly, the only drawback is the price. Additionally, I found some of the automations, like engagement letters, to be clumsier compared to competitors such as TaxDome.

Pros

Sharing documents and obtaining electronic signatures is simple for both us and our clients. The communication tab is also incredibly helpful, preventing client communications from getting isolated in individual team members' inboxes. The ability to share files with clients and their trusted advisors is also invaluable. Clients appreciate being able to access data on their computer, phone, or tablet.

Cons

Each module comes with its separate cost, and it's frustrating that certain features require a specific module, even if we don't utilize all its features. Additionally, we currently can't grant access to third parties on a file-by-file and contact basis. When we provide access to a client and their advisor on the portal, it allows them to view all files with access turned on. It would be ideal if we could selectively choose which clients and important contacts have access to specific folders. For example, clients would have access to their tax returns, estimates, and source documents, while financial advisors would only have access to tax returns.

Pros

Canopy's client portal is extremely user-friendly, and I received numerous compliments from clients about its ease of use. Time tracking and invoicing were smooth and uncomplicated. As a solo practitioner, I can't speak for multi-user organizations, but it worked well for my practice.

Cons

My main grievance with Canopy revolves around their pricing. It feels like they completely revamp their pricing structure every six months, not just by raising rates, but by changing how the pricing is calculated and how features are accounted for. It became challenging to keep track of and became too expensive compared to other software providers. Additionally, as a law firm, I needed an invoicing system that could handle trust accounting to comply with bar regulations.

Pros

The Canopy team is exceptional when it comes to troubleshooting issues, with incredibly quick turnaround times, and they are always working on new innovations. The fact that this isn't a "set it and forget it" system shows that Canopy is continuously striving to be a top competitor. They have exciting beta features, like automation, currently in the works that I, as an Ops Manager, am eagerly looking forward to seeing implemented. The staff is always a pleasure to chat with, and they hold quarterly "First Look" webinars to discuss what's new with the product and their future plans. This team is always on the move.

Cons

While Canopy does have a few drawbacks, such as the inability to send text messages (we rely on a third-party system) and a lack of complex reporting (although users can create them through CSV export and Excel tricks), it's worth noting that Canopy is aware of these issues (check out their forums!) and is actively working on improving them over time.

Pros

The availability of free support through chat or phone calls is fantastic. The templates for global folder creation are a game-changer. Once you figure it out, you can populate new client files with all the necessary folders in under 30 seconds. Using "Tags" to identify clients for email blasts within Canopy is brilliant. The unlimited file storage is a huge advantage. It's odd that Thomson Reuters charges me for data storage when it's so affordable nowadays. Being able to annotate files (such as PDFs) without needing an Adobe license is a significant benefit. And let's not forget the client portals. I've used other portal software, including Thompson Reuters VO portal, but Canopy has simplified it to perfection. The Desktop Assistant even allows live editing of Word and Excel files.

Cons

The process of migrating files from File Cab can be time-consuming, but it's manageable with a step-by-step guide created by my firm. Don't let that discourage you, as switching from one software to another often involves some pain. We're also transitioning from Thomson Reuters Practice CS (our time and billing software) to Canopy's integrated solution. Although the invoicing and reporting capabilities in Canopy are weaker compared to Practice CS, it wasn't a deal-breaker for us. Canopy has assured me that better reports are in the pipeline, and I have confidence in their commitment.

Pros

What I loved most about the software was its ease of use and affordability.

Cons

The only thing I wish for in the software is the ability to use more charts, but other than that, it's truly amazing.