How to Create and Authoring a Contract?

Estimated reading: 2 minutes 21 views

Introduction

A contract is a legally enforceable agreement that defines the rights and obligations of all parties involved. Both parties are bound to fulfil the duties stated, which often include payments, delivery of goods, or provision of services.

For example, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) establishes confidentiality terms between parties and restricts access to sensitive information by third parties.

Zoho Contracts simplifies the process of creating, drafting, and managing contracts, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Create a New Contract

Go to the Contracts tab in the top menu.
Click New Contract in the top-right corner.
Choose a Contract Type from the selection window.
Complete the New Contract form and click Save and Continue.

Once saved, the Contract Details page opens, where you can start authoring the document.

Key Notes:

If Contract Effective Date is set to On Execution, Specific End Date will not be available.
Financial Details apply only to contracts intended for buying or selling.
For renewable contracts, select either:
- Manual Renewal: Renew before expiration with optional reminders.
- Evergreen Renewal: Auto-renews with an optional non-renewal notice period.
Contract timelines, including effective date, expiry, and obligations, follow the selected Time Zone. You can change this during the Draft

How to Author a Contract Document

The Document Editor automatically loads a template based on the chosen Contract Type, Term, and Renewal Details.

Follow these steps to draft and finalize the document:

Review Clauses: Ensure the document contains all required clauses.
- Add, remove, or replace clauses via the Clauses tab in More.

2. Insert Additional Clauses: Type directly into the document if needed.

3.Fill Document Fields:

- Navigate to More > Tools > Document Navigation.
- Select Fillable Fields, click each field, and complete the Pre-filled Value.
- Insert New Fields:
  - Place your cursor, go to More > Fields > Fillable Fields, select the field type, and assign a Label and Pre-filled Value.
  - Complete the Draft: Click Draft Complete to finalize the draft.

Additional Tips:

Admins can create new contract types and customize templates.
You can collaborate with team members for joint document authoring.

Reopen and Edit a Completed Draft

Go to the Contracts
Open the contract in Draft Complete
Click Reopen to Edit in the top-right corner to continue editing.

Streamlined Contract Authoring

By leveraging Zoho Contracts for drafting, clause management, and renewal tracking, your organization ensures faster contract creation, reduced risks, and a fully auditable process.