Discover how to use Documents & Contracts in GHL Customer Care. Learn templates, payments, e-signatures, workflows, and tracking to manage client agreements easily.
6 min read1,403 words15 explained imagesUpdated Tue, 11 Aug at 11:55 AM
Assistants need to reach this page over the internet. While it is only running on your machine, these two buttons will not be able to load it.
Each image has a one line explanation. Switch to full detail for the step it belongs to, the fields and buttons involved, examples and the whole procedure.
Documents & Contracts in GHL Customer Care allows you to create, send, and track professional contracts, proposals, and estimates directly inside your CRM. With templates, PDF uploads, e-signatures, payments, and workflow automation, this feature centralizes your document management while improving professionalism and efficiency.
Documents & Contracts is a built-in tool under the Payments section in GHL Customer Care that enables businesses to manage legally binding agreements. You can start with a blank document, upload an existing PDF, or use a prebuilt template. It also supports e-signatures, payment collection, automated triggers, and full audit tracking.
This feature is designed to help agencies, small businesses, and service providers streamline client agreements, eliminate paperwork, and close deals faster.
Key Benefits of Documents & Contracts
Centralized Dashboard: Manage all your contracts and proposals in one organized place under Payments. This reduces time spent searching across different tools and ensures your team always knows the status of every document.
Custom Templates: Reuse prebuilt templates for recurring agreements like service contracts or proposals. This speeds up document creation while ensuring consistency and professionalism across clients.
E-Signatures with Audit Trail: Collect legally binding signatures online, with a certificate that records signer details, IP address, and timestamps. This provides legal protection while making the signing process easy for clients.
Integrated Payments: Add one-time or recurring payments directly inside your contracts. This allows you to close deals and collect revenue instantly, without requiring a separate invoicing process.
Workflow Automation: Trigger actions when a document is created, sent, viewed, or signed. This keeps deals moving forward automatically, reducing manual follow-ups and improving conversion rates.
Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard
The dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of all contracts, estimates, and proposals. This is your control center for managing agreements.
Accessing the Dashboard
To manage all agreements, go to Payments → Documents & Contracts from the left menu. From the dropdown, select All Documents & Contracts to view every draft, sent, completed, or archived document in one place.
Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard (image 1 of 15)What this shows To manage all agreements, go to Payments → Documents & Contracts from the left menu.What this showsIllustrates the "Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: To manage all agreements, go to Payments → Documents & Contracts from the left menu. From the dropdown, select All Documents & Contracts to view every draft, sent, completed, or archived document in one place. Immediately after, the guide continues: You can narrow down results by selecting a start and end date from the calendar. This is especially useful when tracking contracts created during a specific billing cycle or reviewing proposals sent within a certain timeframe.Image 1 of 15What to chooseTo manage all agreements, go to Payments → Documents & Contracts from the left menu. From the dropdown, select All Documents & Contracts to view every draft, sent, completed, or archived document in one place.
Buttons and menus referencedAccessing the DashboardPayments → Documents & ContractsAll Documents & ContractsDate FilterDocument Status and Dashboard Columns
Next stepYou can narrow down results by selecting a start and end date from the calendar. This is especially useful when tracking contracts created during a specific billing cycle or reviewing proposals sent within a certain timeframe.
Date Filter
You can narrow down results by selecting a start and end date from the calendar. This is especially useful when tracking contracts created during a specific billing cycle or reviewing proposals sent within a certain timeframe.
Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard (image 2 of 15)What this shows You can narrow down results by selecting a start and end date from the calendar.What this showsIllustrates the "Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: You can narrow down results by selecting a start and end date from the calendar. This is especially useful when tracking contracts created during a specific billing cycle or reviewing proposals sent within a certain timeframe. Immediately after, the guide continues: Document Status and Dashboard Columns.Image 2 of 15What this coversYou can narrow down results by selecting a start and end date from the calendar. This is especially useful when tracking contracts created during a specific billing cycle or reviewing proposals sent within a certain timeframe.
Buttons and menus referencedAccessing the DashboardPayments → Documents & ContractsAll Documents & ContractsDate FilterDocument Status and Dashboard Columns
Next stepDocument Status and Dashboard Columns
Document Status and Dashboard Columns
The dashboard organizes your contracts and proposals into tabs: Draft, Waiting for others, Completed, Payments, and Archived. These tabs make it easy to track progress — for example, you can quickly see which clients still need to sign under Waiting for others.
Each document row displays important details including Title, Status, Customer, Date Modified, and Value. This lets you quickly assess which agreements are active, which ones need follow-up, and which are complete or archived for record-keeping.
A three-dot menu next to each record provides quick actions like View, Clone, Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Share via Link, Move to Draft, or Mark as Declined.
Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard (image 3 of 15)What this shows A three-dot menu next to each record provides quick actions like View, Clone, Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Share…What this showsIllustrates the "Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Overview of the Documents & Contracts Dashboard" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: A three-dot menu next to each record provides quick actions like View, Clone, Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Share via Link, Move to Draft, or Mark as Declined. Immediately after, the guide continues: You can create a new document from the + New menu or clone an existing document from its three-dot action menu.Image 3 of 15What this coversA three-dot menu next to each record provides quick actions like View, Clone, Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Share via Link, Move to Draft, or Mark as Declined.
Buttons and menus referencedAccessing the DashboardPayments → Documents & ContractsAll Documents & ContractsDate FilterDocument Status and Dashboard Columns
Next stepYou can create a new document from the + New menu or clone an existing document from its three-dot action menu.
Creating New Documents
You can create a new document from the + New menu or clone an existing document from its three-dot action menu.
Click the + New button at the top right of the dashboard. Choose from:
New Document: Start from scratch using the editor. Example: Build a fresh proposal with text blocks, pricing tables, and video embeds.
Upload Existing PDF: Import a PDF and overlay signature or text fields. Example: A coaching contract uploaded for client e-signature.
Import from Template Library: Choose from existing templates. Example: A cleaning business reuses its standard service agreement.
Creating New Documents (image 4 of 15)What this shows Import from Template Library: Choose from existing templates.What this showsIllustrates the "Creating New Documents" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Creating New Documents" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Import from Template Library: Choose from existing templates. Example: A cleaning business reuses its standard service agreement. Immediately after, the guide continues: Clone an existing document to create a duplicate without first converting the document into a template.Image 4 of 15What to chooseImport from Template Library: Choose from existing templates. Example: A cleaning business reuses its standard service agreement.
Buttons and menus referenced+ NewNew DocumentUpload Existing PDFImport from Template Library
Next stepClone an existing document to create a duplicate without first converting the document into a template.
Clone an Existing Document
Clone an existing document to create a duplicate without first converting the document into a template.
Go to Payments → Documents & Contracts.
Find the document you want to duplicate.
Open the three-dot menu next to the document.
Select Clone.
GHL Customer Care creates a new document named “Document Name Copy.”
Clone an Existing Document (image 5 of 15)What this shows GHL Customer Care creates a new document named “Document Name Copy.”What this showsIllustrates the "Clone an Existing Document" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Clone an Existing Document" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: GHL Customer Care creates a new document named “Document Name Copy.”. Immediately after, the guide continues: The editor provides a flexible drag-and-drop environment to design, configure, and finalize your documents.Image 5 of 15What to copyGHL Customer Care creates a new document named “Document Name Copy.”Next stepThe editor provides a flexible drag-and-drop environment to design, configure, and finalize your documents.All 4 steps in this procedure
Go to Payments → Documents & Contracts.
Find the document you want to duplicate.
Open the three-dot menu next to the document.
Select Clone.
Document Editor Toolbar
The editor provides a flexible drag-and-drop environment to design, configure, and finalize your documents.
Add Elements
Add text, images, videos, tables, product lists, and page breaks.
Insert fillable fields such as Signature, Text Field, Date, Initials, and Checkbox. After you add a fillable field (Example: Signature), select the field and use the right-side Properties panel. Use To be signed by to assign the field to the correct signer, including a specific staff member in your sub-account.
Add Elements (image 6 of 15)What this shows Add text, images, videos, tables, product lists, and page breaks.What this showsIllustrates the "Add Elements" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Add Elements" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Add text, images, videos, tables, product lists, and page breaks. Insert fillable fields such as Signature, Text Field, Date, Initials, and Checkbox. After you add a fillable field (Example: Signature), select the field and use the right-side Properties panel. Use To be signed by to assign the…. Immediately after, the guide continues: Manage multi-page documents. Add, duplicate, or remove pages as needed.Image 6 of 15What to chooseAdd text, images, videos, tables, product lists, and page breaks. Insert fillable fields such as Signature, Text Field, Date, Initials, and Checkbox. After you add a fillable field (Example: Signature), select the field and use the right-side Properties panel. Use To be signed by to assign the field to the correct signer, including a specific staff member in your sub-account.
Buttons and menus referencedTo be signed bystaff
Next stepManage multi-page documents. Add, duplicate, or remove pages as needed.All 2 steps in this procedure
Add text, images, videos, tables, product lists, and page breaks.
Insert fillable fields such as Signature, Text Field, Date, Initials, and Checkbox. After you add a fillable field (Example: Signature), select the field and use the right-side Properties panel. Use To be signed by to assign the field to the correct signer, including a specific staff member in your sub-account.
Page Management
Manage multi-page documents.
Add, duplicate, or remove pages as needed.
Page Management (image 7 of 15)What this shows Manage multi-page documents.What this showsIllustrates the "Page Management" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Page Management" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Manage multi-page documents. Add, duplicate, or remove pages as needed. Immediately after, the guide continues: Insert dynamic placeholders like Created Date, Reference Number, Sub-Account Name, and custom fields. Variables automatically populate with the correct data when the document is sent.Image 7 of 15What this coversManage multi-page documents. Add, duplicate, or remove pages as needed.Next stepInsert dynamic placeholders like Created Date, Reference Number, Sub-Account Name, and custom fields. Variables automatically populate with the correct data when the document is sent.All 2 steps in this procedure
Manage multi-page documents.
Add, duplicate, or remove pages as needed.
Document Variables
Insert dynamic placeholders like Created Date, Reference Number, Sub-Account Name, and custom fields.
Variables automatically populate with the correct data when the document is sent.
Document Variables (image 8 of 15)What this shows Insert dynamic placeholders like Created Date, Reference Number, Sub-Account Name, and custom fields.What this showsIllustrates the "Document Variables" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Document Variables" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Insert dynamic placeholders like Created Date, Reference Number, Sub-Account Name, and custom fields. Variables automatically populate with the correct data when the document is sent. Immediately after, the guide continues: Centralized library of reusable blocks and full pages for Documents & Contracts Save a section/page you’ll reuse via Add to Content Library and name it for easy finding Insert saved items in any doc/template from Content Library → Custom….Image 8 of 15What this coversInsert dynamic placeholders like Created Date, Reference Number, Sub-Account Name, and custom fields. Variables automatically populate with the correct data when the document is sent.Next stepCentralized library of reusable blocks and full pages for Documents & Contracts Save a section/page you’ll reuse via Add to Content Library and name it for easy finding Insert saved items in any doc/template from Content Library → Custom using drag & drop Update/customize the inserted content as needed after adding it to the documentAll 2 steps in this procedure
Insert dynamic placeholders like Created Date, Reference Number, Sub-Account Name, and custom fields.
Variables automatically populate with the correct data when the document is sent.
Content Library
Centralized library of reusable blocks and full pages for Documents & Contracts
Save a section/page you’ll reuse via Add to Content Library and name it for easy finding
Insert saved items in any doc/template from Content Library → Custom using drag & drop
Update/customize the inserted content as needed after adding it to the document
Content Library (image 9 of 15)What this shows Centralized library of reusable blocks and full pages for Documents & Contracts Save a section/page you’ll reuse via Add to Content…What this showsIllustrates the "Content Library" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This animation appears in the "Content Library" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Centralized library of reusable blocks and full pages for Documents & Contracts Save a section/page you’ll reuse via Add to Content Library and name it for easy finding Insert saved items in any doc/template from Content Library → Custom using drag & drop Update/customize the inserted content as…. Immediately after, the guide continues: Define who needs to sign or receive the document. Add multiple recipients and set signing order (sequential or simultaneous). Each recipient is assigned specific fields (e.g., signature, initials).Image 9 of 15How to confirmCentralized library of reusable blocks and full pages for Documents & Contracts Save a section/page you’ll reuse via Add to Content Library and name it for easy finding Insert saved items in any doc/template from Content Library → Custom using drag & drop Update/customize the inserted content as needed after adding it to the document
Buttons and menus referencedblocksfull pagesAdd to Content LibraryContent Library → Customdrag & drop
Next stepDefine who needs to sign or receive the document. Add multiple recipients and set signing order (sequential or simultaneous). Each recipient is assigned specific fields (e.g., signature, initials).All 4 steps in this procedure
Centralized library of reusable blocks and full pages for Documents & Contracts
Save a section/page you’ll reuse via Add to Content Library and name it for easy finding
Insert saved items in any doc/template from Content Library → Custom using drag & drop
Update/customize the inserted content as needed after adding it to the document
Recipients
Define who needs to sign or receive the document.
Add multiple recipients and set signing order (sequential or simultaneous).
Each recipient is assigned specific fields (e.g., signature, initials).
Recipients (image 10 of 15)What this shows Define who needs to sign or receive the document.What this showsIllustrates the "Recipients" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Recipients" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Define who needs to sign or receive the document. Add multiple recipients and set signing order (sequential or simultaneous). Each recipient is assigned specific fields (e.g., signature, initials). Immediately after, the guide continues: Add payment options directly inside the contract. Choose between One-Time or Recurring billing. Enable direct payment upon signing, or send invoices automatically. Supports live payment mode and autopay configurations.Image 10 of 15What this coversDefine who needs to sign or receive the document. Add multiple recipients and set signing order (sequential or simultaneous). Each recipient is assigned specific fields (e.g., signature, initials).Next stepAdd payment options directly inside the contract. Choose between One-Time or Recurring billing. Enable direct payment upon signing, or send invoices automatically. Supports live payment mode and autopay configurations.All 3 steps in this procedure
Define who needs to sign or receive the document.
Add multiple recipients and set signing order (sequential or simultaneous).
Each recipient is assigned specific fields (e.g., signature, initials).
Payment Settings
Add payment options directly inside the contract.
Choose between One-Time or Recurring billing.
Enable direct payment upon signing, or send invoices automatically.
Supports live payment mode and autopay configurations.
Payment Settings (image 11 of 15)What this shows Add payment options directly inside the contract.What this showsIllustrates the "Payment Settings" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Payment Settings" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Add payment options directly inside the contract. Choose between One-Time or Recurring billing. Enable direct payment upon signing, or send invoices automatically. Supports live payment mode and autopay configurations. Immediately after, the guide continues: Choosing a template and editing the email right before sending ensures the recipient sees the most accurate message. This reduces errors and speeds up client approvals.Image 11 of 15What to chooseAdd payment options directly inside the contract. Choose between One-Time or Recurring billing. Enable direct payment upon signing, or send invoices automatically. Supports live payment mode and autopay configurations.
Buttons and menus referencedOne-TimeRecurring
Next stepChoosing a template and editing the email right before sending ensures the recipient sees the most accurate message. This reduces errors and speeds up client approvals.All 4 steps in this procedure
Add payment options directly inside the contract.
Choose between One-Time or Recurring billing.
Enable direct payment upon signing, or send invoices automatically.
Supports live payment mode and autopay configurations.
Edit Email & Choose Template
Choosing a template and editing the email right before sending ensures the recipient sees the most accurate message. This reduces errors and speeds up client approvals.
What You Can Do
Pick a Template: Use the Email Template dropdown to select the version that fits the context.
Edit Before Sending: The Edit icon is always visible, making last-second changes easy.
Steps
Click Send on the document to open the send modal.
Select the EmailTemplate you want to use.
Click Edit to adjust subject or email body if needed.Step 3 of 4: Click Edit to adjust subject or email body if neededWhat this shows Step 3 of 4: Click Edit to adjust subject or email body if needed.What this showsShows what to click for step 3 of 4 in the "Edit Email & Choose Template" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 4 in the "Edit Email & Choose Template" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". At this point in the walkthrough you click Edit to adjust subject or email body if needed. The next step is to confirm the preview and send.Step 3 of 4Image 12 of 15What to clickClick Edit to adjust subject or email body if needed.
Buttons and menus referencedEditWhat You Can DoEmail TemplateStepsSendEmailTemplate
Next stepConfirm the preview and send.All 4 steps in this procedure
Click Send on the document to open the send modal.
Select the Email Template you want to use.
Click Edit to adjust subject or email body if needed. this image
Confirm the preview and send.
Confirm the preview and send.
Document Settings
Control how the document is delivered.
Override the default email configuration (From Name, From Email, Subject, Template).
Redirect clients to a custom URL after signing.
Upload attachments to be included with the document email.
Document Settings (image 13 of 15)What this shows Control how the document is delivered.What this showsIllustrates the "Document Settings" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Document Settings" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Control how the document is delivered. Override the default email configuration (From Name, From Email, Subject, Template). Redirect clients to a custom URL after signing. Upload attachments to be included with the document email. Immediately after, the guide continues: Access the three-dot menu (⋮) for additional options: Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Add Expiry, Delete.Image 13 of 15What this coversControl how the document is delivered. Override the default email configuration (From Name, From Email, Subject, Template). Redirect clients to a custom URL after signing. Upload attachments to be included with the document email.Next stepAccess the three-dot menu (⋮) for additional options: Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Add Expiry, Delete.All 4 steps in this procedure
Control how the document is delivered.
Override the default email configuration (From Name, From Email, Subject, Template).
Redirect clients to a custom URL after signing.
Upload attachments to be included with the document email.
Action Menu Inside the Editor
Access the three-dot menu (⋮) for additional options: Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Add Expiry, Delete.
Action Menu Inside the Editor (image 14 of 15)What this shows Access the three-dot menu (⋮) for additional options: Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Add Expiry, Delete.What this showsIllustrates the "Action Menu Inside the Editor" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Action Menu Inside the Editor" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Access the three-dot menu (⋮) for additional options: Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Add Expiry, Delete. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once complete, click Send to deliver. Choose between Send via Email or Share via Link.Image 14 of 15What this coversAccess the three-dot menu (⋮) for additional options: Mark as Completed, Download PDF, Convert to Template, Add Expiry, Delete.Next stepOnce complete, click Send to deliver. Choose between Send via Email or Share via Link.
Send Options
Once complete, click Send to deliver.
Choose between Send via Email or Share via Link.
Send Options (image 15 of 15)What this shows Once complete, click Send to deliver.What this showsIllustrates the "Send Options" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?".This screenshot appears in the "Send Options" section of "How to use Documents & Contracts?". The text alongside this image reads: Once complete, click Send to deliver. Choose between Send via Email or Share via Link. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: What happens if a client partially signs but doesn’t complete the document?Image 15 of 15What to chooseOnce complete, click Send to deliver. Choose between Send via Email or Share via Link.
Buttons and menus referencedSendSend via EmailShare via Link
Next stepQ: What happens if a client partially signs but doesn’t complete the document?All 2 steps in this procedure
Once complete, click Send to deliver.
Choose between Send via Email or Share via Link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if a client partially signs but doesn’t complete the document?
If multiple signers are assigned and only some complete their fields, the document remains in Waiting for others. You can remind incomplete signers by resending from the dashboard. The document won’t move to Completed until every required signer finishes.
Q: How secure are e-signatures and payment details inside documents?
GHL Customer Care applies SSL encryption to all documents and payment data. Each signature generates a certificate with IP address, email, and timestamp. Payment information is processed securely through your integrated payment provider and never stored in GHL Customer Care.
Q: Can I create conditional content in documents (e.g., show different pricing tables depending on the client)?
Currently, conditional logic inside documents is not supported. Each document is static once created. If you need variations, create multiple templates or use workflows to send different templates based on conditions.
Q: What happens if I edit a template after sending a document?
Editing a template does not affect documents already sent. Any changes will only apply to future documents created from that template. This ensures legal integrity for already signed or pending agreements.
Q: Can I accept multiple payment methods in one document?
Yes, you can configure documents to accept multiple payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) if those gateways are connected to your account. Recipients can choose their preferred method at checkout.
Q: How do expiry dates work with documents?
You can add an expiry date from the document action menu. Once the date passes, the document automatically moves to Expired and can no longer be signed. This is useful for time-limited offers or proposals.
Q: Can workflows trigger based on specific template usage?
Yes, workflows can filter by both Document Status and Template Name. For example, you could send a reminder only when a specific “Service Agreement” template remains unsigned for more than 3 days.
