How to Create a Contract on Docusign from Start to Finish

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Two professionals formalizing a business agreement with a handshake over a desk.
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Creating a contract on Docusign is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. You can start by logging into your Docusign account and clicking on the "Create a Document" button.

To get started, you'll need to have a template or a document already created. This can be a Word document, a PDF, or even a template from the Docusign library. You can upload your document to Docusign and then fill it out electronically.

Once you've uploaded your document, you can add signers and assign roles to each one. This is an important step, as it determines who will receive the document and who will be responsible for signing it.

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Getting Started

To get started with creating a contract on DocuSign, you'll first need to set up a DocuSign account. This provides access to a comprehensive e-signature solution and advanced contract management software.

With your account set up, you can select a template and choose the recipient of the contract. This is where you'll decide which type of contract you want to create and who it's for.

You can start with any contract template that your CLM admin has set up, so it's a good idea to build a list of common contract types and upload standardized templates.

Set Up Account

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To get started with using DocuSign, you'll need to set up an account. This provides access to a comprehensive e-signature solution and advanced contract management software.

DocuSign's account creation process is designed to streamline the signing of contracts by offering a user-friendly platform. You can upload, send, and sign documents electronically with ease.

This platform ensures the security and legality of digital signatures, bringing convenience and efficiency to contract management.

Start with a Template

Starting with a template is a game-changer for frequent senders. You can simplify the sending process by using a template that includes the names of specific people or placeholder roles that can be filled for each new person who receives the document.

To create a template, you can use your own document or a Docusign template. If you already have a finalized document, you can copy and paste the text into the template editor and add the necessary fields.

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People Shaking Their Hands in Close Deal Business Contract
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A Docusign template can be used to create a variety of documents, including non-disclosure agreements, sales contracts, statement of work, emergency contact forms, and more. Here are some common use cases for Docusign templates:

  • Non-disclosure agreements
  • Sales contracts
  • Statement of work
  • Emergency contact form
  • Joint credit application
  • Retainer agreement
  • Purchase orders
  • Vendor/supplier agreements
  • Employment offer letter

Once you've created a template, it's saved directly to your account, so you can easily access it whenever you need it.

Creating the Contract

To create a contract on Docusign, start by setting up your account and drafting the contract document. This involves negotiations and finalizing terms, ensuring accurate details before initiating the electronic contract management and sending process. Once the terms are finalized, the document can be distributed securely to all relevant parties involved.

You can utilize contract templates to save time and streamline the process. These pre-designed formats can be customized quickly to suit your needs, and electronic signature tools within Docusign offer a user-friendly interface for both senders and recipients.

To add recipients to your contract, specify their roles and define the signing order in Docusign. This feature streamlines the process and ensures that the contract is signed in the desired sequence.

Create Using Clm

Credit: youtube.com, CLM in Action: Creating a Court-Ready Contract in 5 Minutes

Creating a contract using Docusign CLM is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. You can use Docusign CLM to create a new agreement.

To start, you can use Docusign CLM to create a new agreement in three simple steps. This makes it easy to get started and complete the contract process quickly.

You can use Docusign CLM to create a new agreement by following these three simple steps. This process is designed to be easy to follow and complete.

By using Docusign CLM, you can create a new agreement in a short amount of time. This is especially helpful if you need to complete contracts quickly.

Creating a Successful Agreement

Creating a successful agreement is all about setting it up for success from the start. To do this, you need to create a clear and concise contract title.

Effective contract management tips include organizing contracts into logical categories, setting up notifications for important milestones, and regularly reviewing and updating contract terms to align with evolving business needs.

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Clear instructions and user-friendly interfaces can enhance the overall signing experience. This is crucial as it enforces the correct order of signatures, preventing any unauthorized alterations or premature completion.

To create a contract in DocuSign, you need to set up a DocuSign account, draft the contract, and manage recipients effectively. This involves specifying their roles and defining the signing order.

Templates help simplify the sending process when you frequently send the same or similar documents. You can create a template by using your own document or an existing Docusign template and adjusting it to fit your use case.

Some common use cases that are well suited for a Docusign template include non-disclosure agreements, sales contracts, and statement of work. You can find pre-built contract templates and form templates in Docusign's extensive Template Library.

Here are some key features to consider when creating a successful agreement:

Configuring the Contract

To configure the contract, start by selecting a template that your CLM admin has set up. This can be any contract type, such as an MSA, SOW, or NDA.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Make a DocuSign Contract 2025 (EASY!)

Next, choose the recipient of the contract. You can easily identify individuals designated to review, approve, or sign the document by managing recipients effectively in DocuSign.

Once the contract document is ready, add different types of fields to your document, such as text boxes, initial lines, radio buttons, or checkboxes, to collect information from the signer.

Here are some common fields and their uses:

Set Deadline for Signing

Setting a deadline for signing is a crucial step in the contract configuration process. It helps ensure that all parties involved review and sign the document in a timely manner.

Having a clear deadline in place promotes accountability and maintains a structured workflow, leading to smoother collaboration and efficient completion of tasks. This proactive approach saves valuable time and minimizes delays in finalizing agreements.

To set a deadline for signing, you can establish a clear timeline in your DocuSign contracts. This is crucial for ensuring a timely turnaround and expediting the approval process. By having a definitive timeline in place, all parties involved are encouraged to prioritize reviewing and signing the document promptly.

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Credit: youtube.com, How to Send a Contract Via Docusign - Full Guide

Here are some key benefits of setting a deadline for signing:

  • Ensures timely turnaround and expedites the approval process
  • Saves valuable time and minimizes delays in finalizing agreements
  • Promotes accountability and maintains a structured workflow
  • Encourages all parties to prioritize reviewing and signing the document promptly

By setting a deadline for signing, you can enhance the overall e-signature workflow implementation and ensure thorough document verification for compliance and authenticity.

Add Fields for Recipients to Fill Out

Adding fields for recipients to fill out is a crucial step in configuring the contract. This step enables secure digital signatures, paperless contract handling, and seamless online document signing.

Interactive fields play a crucial role in streamlining the contract signing process. They allow recipients to digitally input information directly into the document, enhancing security through encrypted digital signatures.

By incorporating interactive fields, you can eliminate the need for physical paperwork, reducing costs and saving time. This approach also contributes to a more eco-friendly approach.

You can use different types of fields, such as text boxes, initial lines, radio buttons, dropdowns, checkboxes, and payment items, to capture specific information from recipients.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Use Custom Fields for Smarter Contract & Document Signing Workflows

Here's a brief overview of each field type:

These customizable fields can be used in various scenarios, such as new account openings, insurance claims, patient intake forms, SOWs, and employee handbooks and policies.

Real-time Collaboration

Once your contract has been written and proofread, you can send it to the other party to ask if they have any questions or if they want to make changes.

Any comments can be made directly in the document using the Docusign Comments feature.

This tool allows all parties to collaborate within the document in real time.

You can tag a specific person in the comment, whether they are inside or outside the organization drafting the contract, to ensure they see the comment.

Sensitive questions can be discussed privately within the comment before responding to the other party.

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Sending and Managing the Contract

Sending and managing a contract on DocuSign is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. You can set specific permissions and access levels for each recipient, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or edit the contract.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Send a Contract Via Docusign (Full 2025 Guide)

Once the document reaches the e-signature stage, recipients receive notifications prompting them to electronically sign the document using their unique digital signatures. This ensures that the contract is secure and tamper-proof.

To manage recipients effectively, you can easily identify individuals designated to review, approve, or sign the document. You can also establish the signing sequence to enforce the correct order of signatures.

Here are the key steps to follow:

  1. Send the completed document for approval and initiate the e-signature workflow.
  2. Set specific permissions and access levels for each recipient.
  3. Establish the signing sequence to ensure the correct order of signatures.
  4. Use advanced encryption techniques and audit trails to maintain document integrity.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your contract is sent and managed securely and efficiently on DocuSign.

Tips and Best Practices

To create a contract on DocuSign, it's essential to avoid common mistakes such as overlooking errors before sending.

Error checking plays a vital role in the contract creation process, helping to identify and rectify any mistakes that could lead to legal issues.

Defining clear roles and responsibilities is equally important to prevent confusion and establish accountability among all parties involved.

Setting signing deadlines is crucial to ensure timely completion of the contract, preventing delays in document verification and approval.

By paying attention to these aspects, you can streamline the contract creation process and enhance the efficiency of document handling within DocuSign.

Colleen Boyer

Lead Assigning Editor

Colleen Boyer is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling storytelling. With a background in journalism and a passion for complex ideas, she has built a reputation for overseeing high-quality content across a range of subjects. Her expertise spans the realm of finance, with a particular focus on Investment Theory.

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