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# Contracts

# Contracts

Generate professional contracts from proposals or create standalone contracts. Manage contract lifecycle and e-signatures.

## What are Contracts?

Contracts are legal agreements between you and clients. SWELLEnterprise helps you:
- **Generate Contracts**: Create from proposals or templates
- **Customize Terms**: Add your terms and conditions
- **E-Signatures**: Digital signature support
- **Track Status**: Monitor contract status
- **Manage Renewals**: Track contract renewals

## Creating Contracts

### From Proposal

Convert accepted proposal:

1. **Open Proposal**: Go to accepted proposal
2. **Click "Generate Contract"**: Contract button
3. **Review Terms**: Check contract terms
4. **Customize**: Add/modify terms if needed
5. **Generate**: Contract created
6. **Send**: Send to client for signature

### Standalone Contract

Create new contract:

1. Go to **Contracts** (or **Proposals** → **Contracts**)
2. Click **"New Contract"**
3. **Select Client**: Choose contact/company
4. **Use Template**: Start from template (optional)
5. **Add Content**: Contract terms and details
6. **Save**: Contract created

## Contract Content

### Standard Sections

**Contract Includes:**
- **Parties**: Your company and client
- **Services**: What's being provided
- **Pricing**: Payment terms and amounts
- **Timeline**: Project timeline and deadlines
- **Terms**: Legal terms and conditions
- **Signatures**: Signature blocks

### Customizing Terms

**Add Sections:**
- Payment terms
- Delivery terms
- Cancellation policy
- Intellectual property
- Confidentiality
- Liability clauses

## E-Signatures

### Requesting Signature

1. **Complete Contract**: Finish contract content
2. **Click "Request Signature"**: Signature button
3. **Enter Signer Email**: Client email address
4. **Send**: Contract sent for signature
5. **Client Signs**: Client signs digitally
6. **Contract Executed**: Fully signed contract

### Signature Process

**For Client:**
1. Receives email with contract link
2. Opens contract
3. Reviews terms
4. Signs digitally
5. Contract executed

**For You:**
1. Receive notification when signed
2. Download signed contract
3. Contract stored securely
4. Both parties have copy

## Contract Status

### Draft

Contract being created:
- Not sent yet
- Can edit freely
- Not visible to client

### Sent

Contract sent to client:
- Awaiting signature
- Client can view
- Can sign

### Signed

Contract fully executed:
- All parties signed
- Contract active
- Legally binding
- Can download PDF

### Expired

Contract expired:
- Past expiration date
- No longer active
- Can renew if needed

## Contract Management

### Viewing Contracts

1. Go to **Contracts**
2. See all contracts
3. **Filter**: By status, client, date
4. **Search**: Search contract content
5. **View Details**: Open contract

### Renewing Contracts

For recurring contracts:

1. **Open Contract**: Find expiring contract
2. **Click "Renew"**: Renew button
3. **Review Terms**: Check terms still apply
4. **Update Dates**: Set new dates
5. **Generate New**: New contract created
6. **Send**: Send for signature

## Best Practices

1. **Use Templates**: Start from contract templates
2. **Legal Review**: Have contracts reviewed by legal
3. **Clear Terms**: Use clear, understandable language
4. **Track Expirations**: Monitor contract expiration dates
5. **Renew Promptly**: Renew before expiration
6. **Store Securely**: Keep signed contracts safe
7. **Follow Up**: Follow up on unsigned contracts

## Integration with Other Modules

Contracts link to:
- **Proposals**: Generate from proposals
- **CRM**: Link to contacts/companies
- **Finance**: Create invoices from contracts
- **Projects**: Link to projects

## Troubleshooting

**Contract not generating?**
- Check proposal is accepted
- Verify contract module active
- Ensure client information complete
- Try refreshing page

**Signature not working?**
- Check e-signature is enabled
- Verify client email is correct
- Test signature process
- Check signature service connection

**Can't download contract?**
- Verify contract is signed
- Check file permissions
- Try different browser
- Contact support if needed

For more help, see [Common Issues](../troubleshooting/common-issues.md).

## Next Steps

- [Proposals Overview](https://help.swellsystem.com/en/article/proposals-overview-gt5w21/) - Create proposals
- [Templates](https://help.swellsystem.com/en/article/templates-dh9ckr/) - Use contract templates
- [Creating Invoices](https://help.swellsystem.com/en/article/creating-invoices-e045z0/) - Bill from contracts