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Creating Contract

Overview​

The Contract module enables you to create, manage, and track legally binding digital contracts with integrated e-signature capabilities. This system provides end-to-end contract lifecycle management from creation to execution.

Creating a New Contract​

Step 1: Initiate Contract Creation​

Create Contract

  1. From the Contract Dashboard, click + New or navigate to Contract > Create New
  2. The Create Contract dialog will appear

Step 2: Enter Basic Information​

Complete the contract creation form:

Title*

  • Enter a descriptive title for your contract
  • Use clear naming: "Service Agreement - ABC Corp" or "NDA - John Smith"
  • Title helps in searching and organizing contracts

Note (Optional)

  • Add internal notes or reminders about this contract
  • This note is not visible to signers
  • Use for tracking purposes or internal reference
  1. Click Create to proceed to the contract editor

Contract Editor​

Understanding the Editor Interface​

Once created, you'll see the Contract Detail page with:

Left Panel - Contract Detail

  • Title: Display contract title
  • Contract Information: Shows contract metadata

Right Panel - Signer's Analytics

  • Track who has signed and who is pending
  • View signature timestamps
  • Monitor contract completion status

Bottom Panel - Content Description

  • Rich text editor for contract content
  • Full formatting toolbar with standard text editing features

Adding Contract Content​

Contract Editor

Use the comprehensive text editor to create your contract:

Formatting Options:

  • File: New, Open, Save operations
  • Edit: Undo, Redo, Cut, Copy, Paste
  • View: Different view modes
  • Insert: Tables, images, links, special characters
  • Format: Text formatting, styles, colors
  • Tools: Spell check, word count
  • Table: Create and manage tables

Text Styling:

  • Paragraph styles and headings
  • Font selection (System Font)
  • Font size (12pt default)
  • Bold, Italic, Underline, Strikethrough
  • Text alignment (left, center, right, justify)
  • Bullet and numbered lists
  • Insert links, images, tables
  • Add special symbols

Creating Contract Content:

  1. Type or Paste Content

    • Write directly in the editor
    • Copy and paste from existing documents
    • Format as needed using the toolbar

  2. Add Standard Clauses

    • Insert common contract terms
    • Customize for specific agreements
    • Use templates for frequently used sections

  3. Include Party Information

    • Company name and address
    • Signer names and titles
    • Contact details
    • Effective dates

  4. Define Terms and Conditions

    • Payment terms
    • Deliverables and timelines
    • Responsibilities of each party
    • Termination clauses
    • Dispute resolution

  5. Add Signature Blocks

    • Create spaces for signatures
    • Include date fields
    • Add witness signature areas if needed

Managing Contract Actions​

Contract Action Buttons​

Action button

Four primary actions are available in the top-right corner:

  1. Copy Contract (📋)

    • Duplicate the contract
    • Create similar contracts quickly
    • Maintains formatting and structure

  2. Download Contract (⬇️)

    • Export contract as PDF
    • Save for offline review
    • Share via other channels

  3. Preview Contract (👁️)

    • View contract as signers will see it
    • Check formatting and layout
    • Review before sending

  4. Edit Contract (✏️)

    • Return to editing mode
    • Modify content and settings
    • Update contract details

Saving Your Work​

  • Click Save in the editor toolbar to save changes
  • Contracts auto-save periodically
  • Draft status is maintained until sent for signature

Adding Signature Fields​

Step 1: Access Signature Mode​

Signature Interface

  1. Click Sign Yourself button in the top-right
  2. The signature interface will open

Step 2: Understanding Signature Interface​

The signature panel shows:

Parties Section:

  • First Party: The contract creator (marked with red dot)
  • Additional parties can be added

Field Types Available:

  • Text Field: For typed information (name, title, etc.)
  • Signature: Digital signature field
  • Initials: For initialing clauses
  • Date: Automatic or manual date entry
  • Number: Numeric input fields
  • Image: Upload images (logos, stamps)
  • Checkbox: For acknowledgments and confirmations
  • Multiple: Multiple choice selections
  • Radio: Single selection options
  • Select: Dropdown selections
  • Cells: Table cell inputs
  • Stamp: Official stamps or seals
  • File: File upload fields
  • Phone: Phone number inputs

Step 3: Add Signature Fields​

Drag and Drop Placement:

  1. Select Signature from the field types
  2. Drag the signature field onto the contract
  3. Position it where the signature should appear
  4. The field shows as "🖊️ Signature Field 1"

Configure Field Properties:

  • Resize the signature box by dragging corners
  • Label the field (e.g., "Company Signature", "Client Signature")
  • Mark as required or optional
  • Assign to specific signer

Step 4: Add Multiple Signers​

Adding Additional Parties:

  1. Click + (Plus) next to "First Party"
  2. Enter signer information:
    • Full name
    • Email address
    • Role/Title
    • Company name
  3. Click Add Signer

Assigning Fields to Signers:

  1. Each signer can have their own fields
  2. Color-coded fields show which party signs where
  3. Set signing order if needed (sequential or parallel)

Multiple Signer Workflow:

  • Parallel Signing: All signers receive the contract simultaneously
  • Sequential Signing: Signers receive in a specific order
  • Hybrid: Some fields parallel, others sequential

Step 5: Add Additional Fields​

Beyond signatures, add supporting fields:

Text Fields:

  • Signer's name (typed)
  • Company name
  • Title/Position
  • Address

Date Fields:

  • Signature date (auto-populated)
  • Effective date
  • Expiration date

Checkboxes:

  • Acknowledgment statements
  • Agreement to terms
  • Consent checkboxes

Example Field Placement: AGREEMENT BETWEEN:Company Name: [Text Field 1] Represented by: [Text Field 2] Signature: [Signature Field 1] Date: [Date Field 1]ANDClient Name: [Text Field 3] Represented by: [Text Field 4] Signature: [Signature Field 2] Date: [Date Field 2]☑ [Checkbox] I agree to the terms and conditions ☑ [Checkbox] I acknowledge receipt of this agreement

Sending Contract for Signature​

Step 1: Review Before Sending​

  1. Click Preview to review the contract
  2. Check all signature fields are properly placed
  3. Verify signer information is correct
  4. Ensure all required fields are included

Step 2: Send Contract​

  1. Click Send button
  2. Choose sending options:
    • Send immediately
    • Schedule for later
    • Set expiration date
  3. Add message to signers (optional)
  4. Click Confirm and Send

Step 3: Track Contract Status​

Monitor in Dashboard:

  • Contract moves from "Draft" to "Pending"
  • Track who has viewed the contract
  • See who has signed
  • Monitor time since sent

Signer's Analytics Panel:

  • Shows each signer's status
  • Displays signature timestamps
  • Indicates current signer (if sequential)
  • Shows completion percentage

Signing Workflow​

For Contract Creator (Self-Signing)​

  1. Click Sign Yourself button
  2. Review the contract content
  3. Fill in your assigned fields
  4. Add your signature by:
    • Drawing with mouse/touchscreen
    • Typing your name (auto-converted to signature)
    • Uploading signature image
  5. Click Submit

For Other Signers​

Signers receive an email with:

  • Contract title and reference number
  • Link to view contract
  • Deadline (if set)
  • Instructions for signing

Signing Process for Recipients:

  1. Click the link in email
  2. Review the contract thoroughly
  3. Locate their signature fields (highlighted)
  4. Complete all required fields
  5. Add signature
  6. Click Submit Signature

After All Parties Sign​

When the contract is fully executed:

  • All parties receive signed copy via email
  • Contract status changes to "Signed"
  • Signed PDF is generated automatically
  • Contract is stored in system
  • Blockchain record is created (if enabled)

Downloading and Sharing​

Download Options​

Download Contract:

  1. Open the contract
  2. Click Download button
  3. Select format:
    • PDF (standard)
    • PDF with audit trail
    • Original with signatures
  4. File downloads automatically

When to Download:

  • Before sending for backup
  • After signing for records
  • For offline review
  • For integration with other systems

Preview Features​

Preview Contract:

  1. Click Preview button
  2. View contract as signers see it
  3. Check layout and formatting
  4. Verify signature field placement
  5. Test on different screen sizes

Recent Contracts​

Viewing Contract List​

Recent Contracts The dashboard shows recent contracts with:

Columns:

  • CONTRACT: Reference number (e.g., #CON00000)
  • SUBJECT: Contract title
  • STATUS: Current state (Pending, Signed, etc.)
  • ACTION: Quick action buttons

Action Buttons:

  • 👁️ View: Open and review contract
  • ✏️ Edit: Modify draft contracts
  • 🗑️ Delete: Remove contracts (drafts only)

Find contracts quickly:

  • Search by contract number
  • Filter by status
  • Sort by date created
  • Filter by contract type
  • Search by party names

Contract Analytics​

Signer's Analytics​

Track signing progress:

  • Sent: When contract was distributed
  • Viewed: When each party opened it
  • Signed: Timestamp of each signature
  • Completed: When all signatures collected

Performance Metrics​

Monitor contract efficiency:

  • Average time to sign
  • Most used contract types
  • Completion rates
  • Declined contract reasons

Best Practices​

Creating Effective Contracts​

  • Use Clear Language: Avoid legal jargon when possible
  • Structure Properly: Use headings, sections, and numbering
  • Be Specific: Include exact dates, amounts, and terms
  • Include All Details: Don't leave important information to "be determined later"
  • Proofread: Check for errors before sending

Signature Field Placement​

  • Place signature fields at the end of sections they relate to
  • Use appropriate field sizes (signatures need more space)
  • Label fields clearly ("Company Signature", not just "Signature")
  • Group related fields together (name, title, signature, date)
  • Ensure fields don't overlap text

Managing Multiple Signers​

  • Communicate signing order clearly
  • Set realistic deadlines
  • Send reminders to pending signers
  • Keep all parties informed of progress
  • Resolve questions quickly

Document Management​

  • Use consistent naming conventions
  • Maintain version control for templates
  • Keep drafts organized
  • Archive completed contracts systematically
  • Back up important contracts externally

Troubleshooting​

Q: Can I edit a contract after sending it? A: No, contracts are locked once sent to maintain integrity. Create a new version if changes are needed.

Q: What if a signer doesn't receive the email? A: Check spam folders first. Use the "Resend" option in the contract details. Verify the email address is correct.

Q: Can I change the signing order after sending? A: No, signing order is fixed when sent. You must cancel and resend with the new order.

Q: How long are signed contracts stored? A: Signed contracts are stored indefinitely in the system. You can also download and store externally.

Q: Can I add more signers after sending? A: Not to an active contract. You can cancel the current contract and resend with additional signers.

Q: What happens if the contract expires? A: The contract becomes invalid and cannot be signed. You must create a new version to continue.

Q: Can signers sign on mobile devices? A: Yes, the contract interface is mobile-responsive and supports touch-screen signatures.

Q: How do I know when someone signs? A: You receive email notifications for each signature, and can check real-time status in the dashboard.

Security and Compliance​

Data Security​

  • All contracts are encrypted in transit and at rest
  • Secure signature technology ensures authenticity
  • Audit trails track all actions
  • Access controls limit who can view/edit
  • Digital signatures are legally binding in most jurisdictions
  • System complies with e-signature laws (ESIGN, eIDAS)
  • Tamper-proof records ensure document integrity
  • Certificate of completion provided for each signed contract

Audit Trail​

Every contract includes a complete audit trail:

  • Who created the contract and when
  • All edits and modifications
  • When contract was sent
  • Who viewed it and when
  • Signature timestamps
  • IP addresses and device information
  • Any declined or cancelled actions