To make a template field optional in ContractSafe, open the template under Settings > AI and Workflow Options > Manage Templates, select the field, and clear the Required checkbox. Senders can then leave that field blank when it doesn't apply, while required fields still make sure you collect the information every contract needs. Optional template fields don't change eSign signature or fill fields.
Mark a template field as optional
- Go to Settings > AI and Workflow Options > Manage Templates.
- Select the template you want to create or edit.
- Add a document field or select an existing field.
- Leave Required selected when the sender must provide a value.
- Clear Required when the sender may leave the field blank.
- Save the template.
Note: Template fields are required by default. You can change the setting when you create a field or edit an existing template field.
New to templates? Start with creating and managing templates.
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 doesn't prevent the sender from submitting the template.
- Text that contains only spaces is treated as blank.
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 doesn't 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.
Recommended:
Termination date:
Avoid: 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 doesn't create a date reminder.
What optional template fields don't change
Optional template fields don't change eSign signature or fill fields. They also don't create conditional document content or automatically remove surrounding text from the generated document. To require information on contract records outside templates, see using required fields and forms.
Optional template fields FAQs
Are template fields required by default?
Yes. Template fields are required by default. Clear the Required checkbox to let the sender leave a field blank.
Can I make a field optional in an existing template?
Yes. Open the template, edit the field, clear Required, and save the template.
What happens if a required field is blank?
The sender can't submit the template until the required field has a value.
What happens if an optional field is blank?
The sender can submit the template. The generated document and contract record keep the field empty.
Does ContractSafe remove the blank line or paragraph from the document?
No. ContractSafe removes the field value, but it doesn't remove the paragraph, table row, or surrounding document structure.
Can optional fields create conditional sections in a document?
No. Optional fields don't create conditional fields or sections. They only allow a sender to leave a field blank.
Can I use a default value for an optional field?
No. The feature doesn't add default values. If the sender leaves the field blank, the value remains empty.
Can I add the value after creating the contract?
Yes. You can add a value later from the contract page.
Will a blank optional date create a reminder?
No. A blank optional date doesn't create a date reminder.
Does this feature apply to eSign signature or fill fields?
No. Optional template fields apply to fields used to create the contract from a template. They don't change eSign signature or fill fields.
How should I write a template when a field may be blank?
Place the label and field on separate lines whenever possible. This helps the document remain readable when the sender doesn't provide a value.
To learn more about templates, see ContractSafe contract templates. If you have questions about how to incorporate optional fields into your template workflow, reach out to your Customer Success Manager or to support@contractsafe.com.