Smart files simplify and streamline the client experience. You can create and manage every aspect, including onboarding, service selection, contracting, invoicing, and payments. Customize each smart file to match your brand and process, from visuals and styling to steps and automations. Whether you create individual files or complete experiences, smart files will work efficiently for you.

Ultimately, smart files can accomplish pretty much anything you need, so decide what you want to make first, then build a smart file that answers that need. Here's what the process might look like:

If this sounds like a lot, you can always start from the Template Gallery. Filter and search for what you need, then download the template before making it your own. Learn more about the Template Gallery.

The key to unlocking the potential of smart files is to remember that they can do whatever you need them to, and can combine any steps you want. For example, if you want to have your clients pick the services they want, sign a contract agreeing to pay for those services, then actually pay for those services all at the same time, you can do that.

Something that could help you figure out what you need the smart file to do is the process mapping tool. See your process for a specific service mapped out, figure out what smart files you'll need to replicate that process in the real world, then test and figure out where you can combine steps using smart files.

If you ever get stuck, you can always reach out to a HoneyBook Pro, who can point you in the right direction.

Now that you've decided what the smart file should accomplish, you can begin building your smart file. Take this one step at a time, and focus on each specific action or piece of content you're adding before moving on to the next one. If you ever need to figure out if you can do something, refer to the help center or reach out to your HoneyBook community.

At this point, it's really important to decide whether you're making a smart file or a template. Smart files should be built for a specific project's needs first, and you'll start building them from the project workspace.

Templates on the other hand should be built for a general need first, and you'll begin building them from the My Templates screen. Smart files can be turned into templates, and templates can be the starting point for smart files (you'll pick this up as you tinker).

Once you've decided whether you're building a smart file or a template, you can begin adding the actions and content you want to it. Smart files and templates can hold any combination of actions. Remember, they can be molded to what you need them to do. Here's a list of actions and content you can include in a smart file (you don't need to add all of these).

That's a huge step to get your smart file's content to where you want it! Now, design your smart file so it matches the look and feel of your company's branding. Here's a list of steps you can take to design your smart file:

Now that the smart file (or template) has the actions and content in it and looks the way you want, set it's settings so it does what you need it to do (for example, give it a security access code to protect it). Here's a list of steps you can take to manage the settings:

You've put in all this work, so it's worth checking that the smart file does everything you need it to do, looks exactly like you want it to, and has the right settings configured for it. Learn how to send yourself a test 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.

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!