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Set up a contract smart file

How to create a branded, seamless contract experience for your clients using smart files.

Updated over 2 months ago

When you add a contract to a smart file, you can book a client and obtain their electronic signatures. Additionally, you have the option to enhance the experience by including an invoice, client questions, and more.

Regardless of how you choose to build your smart file, the outcome will be a smooth client experience and a contract that aligns with your branding.


Add a contract to a smart file or template

The contract block will be what adds contracting capabilities to your smart file. When you add this block to your smart file, a new page will be created that holds the contract.

Add the contract block to an existing page

  1. While creating your smart file, select the large plus ( + ) button to add a new block

  2. Select Contract

  3. From here, either:

    1. Select + Start from blank

    2. Select an existing smart template to pull in its contract

Add the invoice block to a new page

  1. At the top of the builder, select the page icon > select Add page

  2. From here, either:

    1. Select + Start from blank to add a blank page > select Contract


Add smart fields to the contract

Smart fields can efficiently gather project details and request information. Learn how to add smart fields to a contract.

They have various functions, including:

  • Automatically extracting relevant dates, locations, client contact information, and other project details from designated fields

  • Automatically including responses to questions you've asked in your smart file prior to the contract

  • Automatically incorporating session-related information, such as meeting date, time, location, and name

  • Prompting clients to complete fields before they can sign, which can be made mandatory if needed

  • Sending reminders to fill out specific client or project information before sending it out

๐Ÿ“š Tip

You can also use smart fields to add your client's initials to specific clauses.


Insert payment or service recaps

If you've included services or an invoice in a smart file that also contains a contract, you can pull information dynamically from those blocks into the body of the contract.

  1. Select the block that holds the contract

  2. From the settings sidebar, insert a recap:

    1. Inserting a payments recap will insert the payment schedule (supplied from the invoice page)

    2. Inserting a services recap will insert the client's service selections (supplied from the services page)


Add signature lines to the contract

You're almost done. Now, make sure you can gather signatures on the contract.

๐Ÿ“ฃ Note

If you're working on a template (aka you started from the My Templates screen), you won't be able to add signature lines. Return here when you're about to send the contract to a client.

  1. At the bottom of the contract, find the signature block

  2. If you want to change who must sign the contract, select the signature line > select the new assignee from the settings sidebar

    1. By default, the creator of the project and the first participant of the project will be selected (but you can change these)

  3. Optionally, select the email to change it

  4. If more signatures are required from other project participants, select Add signature > select the assignee from the settings sidebar > toggle whether their signature is required

๐Ÿ“š Tip

You'll be able to sign the contract as soon as it's sent. No need to resend the contract once you signโ€”your client's version of the file will automatically reflect that update.


Share the smart file

The final step: send your smart file to the client so you can get what you need. Learn how to share a smart file.

โœ… Note

If you find an error with your smart file after you've shared it, you can edit it and resend the updated version. Learn how to edit and resend a smart file.

Still have questions? Feel free to send us a message by clicking the Question Mark icon on any HoneyBook page. Our team is always happy to help!

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