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How to make template fields optional

Use optional template fields when some information does not apply to every contract. Senders can leave optional fields blank, while required fields continue to make sure you collect the information every contract needs.

Mark a template field as optional

  1. Go to Settings > AI and Workflow Options > Manage Templates.

  2. Select the template you want to create or edit.

  3. Add a document field or select an existing field.

  4. Leave Required selected when the sender must provide a value.

  5. Clear Required when the sender may leave the field blank.

  6. Save the template.

Template fields are required by default. You can change the setting when you create a field or edit an existing template field.

Complete a template with an optional field

When someone creates a contract from the template:

  • Required fields must have a value before the sender can submit the template.

  • Optional fields can remain blank.

  • A blank optional field does not prevent the sender from submitting the template.

  • Text that contains only spaces is treated as blank.


See what happens when an optional field is blank

When an optional field is blank, ContractSafe leaves the field value empty in the generated document and contract record.

ContractSafe does not automatically:

  • Delete the paragraph or table row that contains the field.

  • Rewrite the surrounding sentence.

  • Fix punctuation or spacing.

  • Add a default value.

  • Create conditional fields or sections.


Format your template for optional values

To help the generated document read naturally when a value is missing, put the label and field on separate lines whenever possible. For example:

  • Recommended

Termination date:

  • Using a field in the middle of a sentence can leave awkward wording or punctuation when the sender leaves it blank. For example:

This agreement ends on .

Review your template and make sure each optional field still makes sense when no value appears.


Add a value later

If a sender leaves an optional field blank, the field remains empty on the contract record. You can add a value later from the contract page.

Blank optional values also remain empty in search results, contract-list columns, exports, and reports. A blank optional date does not create a date reminder.


What optional template fields do not change

Optional template fields do not change eSign signature or fill fields. They also do not create conditional document content or automatically remove surrounding text from the generated document.

FAQs

  1. Are template fields required by default?

    1. Yes. Template fields are required by default. Clear the **Required** checkbox to let the sender leave a field blank.

  2. Can I make a field optional in an existing template?

    1. Yes. Open the template, edit the field, clear **Required**, and save the template.

  3. What happens if a required field is blank?

    1. The sender cannot submit the template until the required field has a value.

  4. What happens if an optional field is blank?

    1. The sender can submit the template. The generated document and contract record keep the field empty.

  5. Does ContractSafe remove the blank line or paragraph from the document?

    1. No. ContractSafe removes the field value, but it does not remove the paragraph, table row, or surrounding document structure.

  6. Can optional fields create conditional sections in a document?

    1. No. Optional fields do not create conditional fields or sections. They only allow a sender to leave a field blank.

  7. Can I use a default value for an optional field?

    1. No. The feature does not add default values. If the sender leaves the field blank, the value remains empty.

  8. Can I add the value after creating the contract?

    1. Yes. You can add a value later from the contract page.

  9. Will a blank optional date create a reminder?

    1. No. A blank optional date does not create a date reminder.

  10. Does this feature apply to eSign signature or fill fields?

    1. No. Optional template fields apply to fields used to create the contract from a template. They do not change eSign signature or fill fields.

  11. How should I write a template when a field may be blank?

    1. Place the label and field on separate lines whenever possible. This helps the document remain readable when the sender does not provide a value.

Need help?

If you have questions about how to incorporate optional fields into your template workflow, reach out to your Customer Success Manager or contact Support at support@contractsafe.com.