Why Use Templates?

Time Savings

Create contracts in minutes, not hours
No rewriting standard terms
Consistent structure every time

Consistency

Same professional quality for every client
Standard terms and conditions
Predictable layout and formatting

Reduced Errors

Fewer typos and omissions
Tested language and structure
Less room for mistakes

Template Types

Statement of Work (SOW)

Best for: Project-based engagements

Typical sections:

Project overview
Deliverables (from quote)
Timeline with milestones
Payment schedule
Acceptance criteria
Signatures

Service Agreement

Best for: Ongoing retainers and subscriptions

Typical sections:

Service description
Recurring billing terms
Service levels
Renewal/cancellation terms
Signatures

Full Contract

Best for: Large, complex projects

Typical sections:

Parties and definitions
Scope of work
Deliverables
Timeline
Payment terms
Intellectual property
Confidentiality
Warranties
Limitation of liability
Termination
General provisions
Signatures

NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)

Best for: Protecting confidential information

Typical sections:

Definition of confidential information
Obligations of receiving party
Exceptions
Term
Signatures

Custom

Build any structure you need using blocks.

Creating a Template

Step 1: Start Fresh or From Existing

From scratch:

Go to Settings > Contract Templates
Click "New Template"
Name and describe the template
Add blocks

From existing contract:

Open a completed contract
Click "Save as Template"
Name and categorize
Edit as needed

Step 2: Add Blocks

Build your template with blocks:

Text Block

Add custom content
Terms and conditions
Legal language
Introduction text

Deliverables Block

Placeholder for quote line items
Automatically populated when used
Configure display options

Payment Schedule Block

Define payment structure
Deposit percentage
Milestone payments
Balance due

Ongoing Services Block

For recurring billing
Frequency and terms
Auto-billing settings

Timeline Block

Project phases
Milestone dates
Delivery schedule

Signature Block

Your signature position
Client signature position
Title and date fields

Step 3: Use Smart Variables

Add variables that auto-fill:

Client Variables:

{clientName} - Company name
{clientContact} - Primary contact

Project Variables:

{projectName} - Project title
{totalAmount} - Contract value

Date Variables:

{contractDate} - Today's date
{effectiveDate} - Start date

Example Text Block:

This Statement of Work ("SOW") is entered into as of {contractDate}
between {companyName} ("Provider") and {clientName} ("Client")
for the project known as "{projectName}".

Step 4: Save and Categorize

Give it a clear name
Add description for team reference
Assign to category
Set as default for category (optional)

Template Categories

Organize templates by:

Project Type:

Web Development
Design
Marketing
Consulting

Client Type:

Enterprise
Small Business
Nonprofit

Engagement Type:

Project
Retainer
Maintenance

Using Templates

When Creating a Contract

Start Contract Wizard from approved quote
Select template
Template structure loads with blocks
Variables auto-populate from quote and client
Customize as needed
Review and send

Customizing on Use

You can always modify:

Add or remove blocks
Edit text content
Adjust payment schedule
Change specific terms

Changes don't affect the template.

Template Maintenance

Regular Review

Schedule template reviews:

Quarterly legal review
Annual comprehensive update
After significant project learnings

Version Control

Keep templates current:

Note significant changes
Archive old versions if needed
Train team on updates

Testing

Before using widely:

Create test contract
Review all variable replacements
Check formatting on different devices
Get legal review if needed

Standard Terms to Include

Intellectual Property

Define who owns what:

Work product ownership
Pre-existing materials
License grants

Payment Terms

Be specific:

Due dates
Late payment penalties
Accepted payment methods

Revisions and Changes

Set expectations:

Number of revision rounds included
Process for change requests
Pricing for additional revisions

Termination

Cover the exits:

Termination for convenience
Termination for cause
Effect of termination
Payment on termination

Limitation of Liability

Protect yourself:

Cap on damages
Exclusion of consequential damages
Indemnification

Confidentiality

Protect information:

What's confidential
Obligations
Duration

Dispute Resolution

Plan for problems:

Governing law
Mediation/arbitration
Jurisdiction

Best Practices

Keep It Clear

Use plain language where possible
Define technical terms
Avoid unnecessary jargon

Stay Consistent

Same structure across templates
Consistent terminology
Predictable organization

Include Flexibility

Allow for customization
Don't over-specify
Leave room for unique situations

Legal Review

Have attorney review templates
Especially for standard terms
Update based on legal advice

Test Thoroughly

Try with real projects
Get team feedback
Refine based on experience

Common Template Mistakes

Too Rigid

Can't adapt to different projects
Missing customization points
One-size-fits-all doesn't work

Too Complex

Overwhelming for simple projects
Unnecessary legal complexity
Clients intimidated

Outdated Terms

Old legal language
References to outdated processes
Not reflecting current practices

Missing Variables

Hardcoded values that should be dynamic
Inconsistent client/project names
Manual editing required

Related: Contracts | Smart Variables | Quote-to-Cash