# Contract Templates Guide

Contract templates save time by letting you reuse standard structures across similar projects. This guide covers creating, managing, and using contract templates effectively.

## 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:**
1. Go to Settings > Contract Templates
2. Click "New Template"
3. Name and describe the template
4. Add blocks

**From existing contract:**
1. Open a completed contract
2. Click "Save as Template"
3. Name and categorize
4. 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

1. Start Contract Wizard from approved quote
2. Select template
3. Template structure loads with blocks
4. Variables auto-populate from quote and client
5. Customize as needed
6. 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](/llms/features/contracts.txt) | [Smart Variables](/llms/reference/smart-variables.txt) | [Quote-to-Cash](/llms/guides/quote-to-cash.txt)*