Create a contract draft from a template
Creating contract drafts from templates requires specific permissions depending on the storage location of the source template. To create a draft from a template in a shared template space, you must have at least “View” permissions in the source template space. Ensure you have the necessary access before proceeding, or contact your company administrator for help.
You can generate a new contract draft using one of the following two options:
Create new draft from the templates menu
This is the fastest method when you already know which template you need and want to start drafting immediately without reviewing the template's full layout.
Click on the Templates tab from the main navigation menu at the top of the screen.
Use the left-hand sidebar or the Search for templates field to locate the desired file.
Hover your mouse over the specific template in the list.
Click the blue Create draft button that appears on the right side of the template row.
Create a draft from an opened template
Use this method if you are already reviewing a template's content or making adjustments and need to start a new contract’s creation based on this specific template.
Review the body text and settings to ensure it is the correct version.
Click the green Create draft button located in the top right corner of the editor.
The system will automatically generate an identical copy of the document in a Draft state, allowing you to fill in party, signee details, assign data fields, etc, and eventually send for signatures or add to shared contract space.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a template and a draft?
A template is a reusable master version (a "sketch") of a document that can be used by multiple company users within shared template spaces. A draft is a unique instance created from that template intended for a specific recipient, which can be edited and eventually sent for signature.
Where is my new draft saved?
In general, a new draft is saved under the Contracts tab of the main menu within My contracts default contract view. However, if the draft is created from a template within a shared template space that has specific Automations set up, the new draft will be automatically added to a relevant shared contract space. You can learn more about how to set this up in our guide on the Add to shared space automation.
How can I share contract drafts with the rest of my company (e.g., my department)?
To collaborate on company drafts effectively, you should use shared spaces and User groups to manage access. By adding a draft to a shared contract space, anyone with access to that space or user from the assigned User group can view or edit it, depending on their access level.
Note: User groups is a premium feature that is not included in all plans. If you do not see the option to manage user groups under your company settings, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager for more information on how to get this feature.
Will the new draft include the template's default attachments, parties and signees?
Yes. Any files added to the Default attachments section of the template will be automatically included in every new draft created from it. The parties and signees added to the template will also be present in the new draft and can be managed from the Parties and signees sidebar tab.
Can I change the name of the draft?
Yes. Once the new draft opens, click on the Document title field at the top of the document body to give the contract draft a unique name (e.g., "Service Agreement - Client Name").
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