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Get started with contract builder

by QuickBooks • Image Alt Text 126
Image Alt Text Updated 5/26/2026 00:13

Learn how to use, send, and manage a contract using contract builder in QuickBooks Online and Intuit Enterprise Suite.

Contract builder helps you streamline your contract signing process by letting you send a contract for e-signature directly within the product. No need to switch between apps.

Know its key features

  • Upload existing contracts: Upload an existing contract in PDF format. (up to 25 MB, and up to 5 files per request).

  • Add e-signature fields:  Add signature fields, date fields, and text fields for both your business and your customer  onto your uploaded PDF.

  • Access code security: Add an access code to your contract for enhanced security. Your customer needs to enter this code to view and sign the document. The system maintains a full audit trail of who signed and when.

  • Email notifications and reminders: Send contracts via email with a custom message. Configure automated reminders and expiration settings to prompt customers with pending signatures.

  • Customer signing experience: Your contact or lead receives an email with a link to view and sign the contract. They can add their signature by typing in their name, which converts to a digital signature. This is always a required field.

  • Add initials: You and your contact or lead can initial each page of a contract. This helps make sure that you have both reviewed and agreed to the terms. 

  • Contract management: Track contract status  in the Customers & leads center. Download signed contracts for your records with a full audit trail.

Create and send a contract

Create an e-sign request and send a contract to your contact or lead using contract builder.

Step 1: Access contract builder

  • Go to All apps A bunch of numbers and letters on a tile wall., then Customer Hub, then Contracts (Take me there).

  • Select Create e-sign request.

  • Select the Select a customer to send to dropdown, then select a customer.

  • Select Continue.

Step 2: Upload a contract

  • Select Upload Documents.

  • Browse your files, then select the contract you want to send.
    Note: The acceptable file format is PDF. You can upload up to 5 files per signature request. The maximum file size is 25 MB. You’ll see a preview of the uploaded contract.

  • Select Open.

  • Set a 6-9 digit access code manually or let the system auto-generate one.

  • Select Next.

Step 3: Add e-signature fields

  • Select either Signature, Signing date, or Text to add a field. Then, select the location where you want them to appear in the contract.
    Note: Drag and resize fields as needed.

  • To add your e-signature fields, select the Add fields for dropdown, then select your name.

  • To sign the contract yourself, select Signature, then enter your full legal name. QuickBooks generates a digital signature for you.

  • Select Sign.

  • Select Preview document or Next.

Step 4: Send the contract

  • Double-check your customer’s information.
    Important: Make sure to send the access code to your contact or lead in a separate email, text message, or other secure channel.

  • Add a custom message for your customer.

  • Set up automated reminders and expiration settings.

  • Select Send.

Review and sign the contract

Your customer will receive an email with a link to the contract. Ask your customer to:

  • Open the email from the product.

  • Select Review, then enter the access code you set up for them to view the documents.

  • Select Verify, then select Get started.

  • Fill out the required fields, then select Next.

  • Add their signature by typing their full legal name. QuickBooks generates a digital signature for them.
    Note: The signature date is automatically filled in based on when the customer signs.

  • Select Sign, then select Send. Once sent, you’ll receive an email notification.

Manage contracts

Manage all your contracts in one location.

  • Go to All apps A bunch of numbers and letters on a tile wall., then Customer Hub, then Contracts (Take me there).

  • View the status of each contract (delivered/completed).

  • Download the signed PDF for your records. Each contract includes an electronic signature certificate which gives a full audit history of signers.

Troubleshoot issues with contract builder

  • If you can’t upload your contract, make sure it’s within the size limit (25 MB) and that you’re uploading a valid PDF file.

  • Your customers get up to 3 attempts to enter the correct access code. If they fail, the system blocks access to the contract. If this happens, you’ll need to send a new e-signature request with a fresh access code.