Introduction
Editing contracts in DocuSign is an important part of the document lifecycle. DocuSign is an electronic signature platform that allows its users to prepare, send, and sign contracts securely. Editing is a critical aspect of modifying and finalizing a document. In this article, we will discuss how to edit a contract in DocuSign, common problems that occur and solutions for them, unique features, and best practices for using the platform to its fullest potential.
Step-by-Step Guide
The process of editing a contract in DocuSign is straightforward.
Step 1: First, log in to your DocuSign account, and click on the “Documents” tab. This will take you to your document management dashboard.
Step 2: From the “Documents” tab, select the contract you wish to edit.
Step 3: Once you have chosen your document, go to the “More” dropdown menu, and click on “Edit in Word.” This converts your document into a usable and editable document in Word.
Step 4: Edit your contract as per your requirements in Microsoft Word, and then save it.
Step 5: Return to DocuSign, and select the previously saved document from your computer to upload it to DocuSign and replace the previous contract.
Keep in mind that editing a contract should be conducted with great care. After all, contracts often represent legally binding agreements. With this in mind, here are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind while editing a contract in DocuSign.
Do:
- Take your time and carefully review the document before publishing it.
- Save the original copy of the document before editing it.
- Spell-check and ensure that the formatting of the document remains consistent with the previous contract.
Don’t:
- Make unnecessary modifications to the document. Ensure that all the changes you make are relevant and have a specific purpose.
- Forget to verify the document’s legal consistency with all involved parties.
- Use shortcuts or hasty fixes to save time while editing your contract. Always take your time and conduct thorough proofreading.
Here are a few screenshots to help you visualize the process of editing a contract in DocuSign.
Video Tutorial
Some people may find it more engaging to watch a video tutorial rather than read a written guide. Below is a video tutorial that demonstrates how to edit a contract in DocuSign.
Video tutorials are handy in that they offer a visual step-by-step guide to tasks that may need more clarification. A video tutorial may be especially helpful for beginners who are not familiar with DocuSign’s interfaces.
If you wish to record your own screen while editing a contract and sharing your experience with editing on DocuSign, there is a variety of screen recording software that you can use.
Common Problems and Solutions
When editing contracts in DocuSign, some common problems may occur. Below are some of these issues and easy solutions for countering them.
Problem 1: Losing track of the original document while editing.
Solution: Always keep a copy of the original document before editing. This preserves its original form and consistency. DocuSign provides users with a range of versions history to ensure that the original document stays preserved.
Problem 2: The need to change the document’s format.
Solution: Use the Microsoft Word editing feature to format the contract, then upload the new document to DocuSign. Ensure that you save a copy of the document in a format recognized by the recipient.
Problem 3: Inaccurate content.
Solution: Read through and carefully review your contract’s content to ensure its accuracy before editing. Review the document’s content thoroughly and ensure that all the contents are updated and accurate.
Tools and Features
DocuSign offers a broad array of tools and features that make editing contracts easier. Below are a few of these features:
- DocuSign for Microsoft Word: This feature allows you to open your contracts in Microsoft Word. You can make any necessary edits, including formatting, and then send the document for signature.
- DocuSign Insight: This feature helps users track and get information about different aspects of the contract. You can monitor workflows, track turnaround times, and evaluate the productivity of individual team members and departments.
- Conditional fields: With DocuSign’s conditional fields, you can customize the information presented to your signer based on their needs. This allows signers to review only the relevant information they need to complete their portion of the document, thus saving everyone’s time and effort.
DocuSign continues to add and improve features on its electronic signature platform regularly. Do keep in mind to check the website regularly for updates and new features.
Collaboration Tips
Collaborating while editing contracts is necessary to ensure that the contract is accurate and complete. Below are some tips for managing multiple users while editing a contract in DocuSign.
- Set clear expectations and communication protocols for the collaborating parties. Everyone should be aware of their roles and responsibilities.
- Delegate the workload based on expertise and experience levels. Ensure that duties are assigned based on the collaborator’s skill levels.
- Ensure that everyone is working with the same version of the document to avoid conflicts and confusion.
- Have a firm deadline for submission of edits to encourage promptness and efficiency.
Best Practices and Guidelines
The best practices for editing a contract in DocuSign involve setting and adhering to specific guidelines. These guidelines help to ensure that the outcome is accurate and acceptable for all involved parties. Below are some of the guidelines for using DocuSign to edit contracts:
- Ensure that the document is formatted correctly before signing.
- Verify that the names of the signers, initiator, and recipients are spelled correctly and are up-to-date.
- Have a clear understanding of the legal and technical implications of electronic signatures. Ensure that the recipient fully understands what they are being asked to sign.
- Ensure that signatures are properly placed on the document and correspond to the signer’s name and signature block.
- Ensure that the document completes the entire workflow and is not left pending.
Do’s and Don’ts
When editing a contract in DocuSign, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind. These are:
Do:
- Proofread the document thoroughly before publishing.
- Keep a copy of the original document before editing.
- Spell-check the contract and ensure that formatting remains consistent with the previous agreement.
Don’t:
- Make unnecessary modifications.
- Forget to verify the document’s legal consistency with concerned parties.
- Use shortcuts or hasty fixes to save time while editing your contract.
Conclusion
Edit the contract in DocuSign with confidence after reading this comprehensive guide. This article covered how to edit a contract in DocuSign, common problems and solutions, tools, and features built into DocuSign that can make editing easier. We also discussed collaboration tips and provided best practices and guidelines, along with a list of dos and don’ts while editing. Remember always to proofread the contract and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
