When you think of contracts, PDFs naturally come to mind. PDFs offer numerous advantages, but one of the biggest game-changers is their ability to be dynamic. In particular, creating dynamic PDF contract templates can save you significant time and money.
Contract templates are incredibly popular, and for good reason. While you can certainly create one from scratch, starting with an online template can save you hours of effort. If you’re looking for a head start, check out our blog post on great template sites.
Let’s dive in!
Why use PDF templates for contracts?
Great question. The rise of freelancing means more contracts than ever before. Here’s how the process used to go:
- Dig up a contract.
- Print it out.
- Manually fill in details.
- Send the contract to your freelancer.
- They sign it and send it back.
- You sign it.
Sounds simple, but in practice, it could be slow and error-prone. Fortunately, the digital age brought us PDFs, speeding up the process dramatically. With a tool like Soda PDF, you can even sign your contract electronically. What once took days can now be done in minutes, saving you time and improving your bottom line.
Why create contract templates?
If you frequently send contracts, creating a reusable template is a no-brainer. With a dynamic PDF template, you can fill in the specific details each time while keeping the core structure intact.
Did you know PDFs are dynamic?
That’s right—PDFs can do more than just display static information. They can include form fields that let users input details directly into the document. This is perfect for contracts where different parties need to enter information, like dates or names.
How to create your own dynamic PDF contract template
Now, let’s break down the steps to create your own dynamic PDF contract template.
Step 1: Start with an existing template
Don’t reinvent the wheel! Most legal templates available online already cover the basics. It’s always a good idea to double-check for accuracy, but starting with a well-crafted template will save you a ton of time.
Once you have the template, you can easily customize it. Add your branding, like a watermark or logo, to give it a professional touch.
Step 2: Modify the text
Now that you have your template, it’s time to adjust the text. For instance, if the contract is for a Canadian wedding, you’ll need to change “States” and “Zip Codes” to “Provinces” and “Postal Codes.”
With a PDF editor like Soda PDF, making text changes is as easy as switching into edit mode, clicking on the text, and typing in your updates. You can also reposition text or images, ensuring everything lines up perfectly.
Step 3: Adjust layout and design
Using tools like grids and rulers, you can ensure that everything looks clean and professional. Need to adjust the length of an underlined section? No problem. PDF elements like text boxes, images, and form fields can all be resized and moved around as needed.
Step 4: Managing pages
If your contract requires more pages, you can easily add them. In Soda PDF, creating a new page is simple, and you can even duplicate existing pages to maintain consistency in formatting.
To move content between pages, just use copy and paste—similar to working in Microsoft PowerPoint. This flexibility helps you organize your contract however you need.
Step 5: Adding form fields
Form fields are the heart of a dynamic PDF. You can add text fields for user input, checkboxes for multiple-choice selections, or radio buttons for single-answer options. In Soda PDF, adding and customizing these fields is straightforward. You can even set default appearance settings for a consistent look.
Step 6: Secure your contract template
To prevent unauthorized changes, it’s important to secure your PDF. Soda PDF allows you to set permissions, so others can fill in form fields or sign the document without altering the text or structure. You can also add a digital signature field, making the document ready for secure electronic signing.
Step 7: Sending your contract for e-signature
If you’re using Soda PDF’s built-in e-signature feature, the process is seamless. Simply add your signers, place the appropriate signature fields, and send the document. Each party will receive their copy and be able to sign it electronically. This method is legally binding, fast, and convenient.
Step 8: Save and reuse your template
Once your template is ready, save it in a secure location like a cloud drive. That way, you can access it anytime and reuse it as often as needed. Soda PDF even allows you to save directly to services like Dropbox or Google Drive for easy access from anywhere.
Creating a dynamic PDF contract template is a game-changer for anyone dealing with contracts regularly. It streamlines the process, reduces errors, and saves valuable time. With tools like Soda PDF, you can create, modify, secure, and send your contracts all in one place. Try it out today and let us know what kinds of templates you create!
