> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.signspace.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.signspace.com/en/preparation/using-legal-document-templates.md).

# Using legal document templates

Document templates provide an easy way to create contracts without requiring legal expertise. The service includes essential templates with content created and maintained by legal professionals. Using these templates helps ensure that agreements are structurally and substantively correct.

### **What does this feature enable?**

* Browse and use ready-made document templates
* Create documents with guided steps
* Save documents in PDF format
* Attach documents to a conversation or signature request
* Edit documents before collecting signatures

### **Getting started**

* Open the **+New** menu
* Select **Legal document**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/fhLbWxjydZSimdmAk6n0" alt="" width="359"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### **Selecting a document template**

1. Choose a document category or search for a suitable template
2. Select a template to view more details

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/fmt3jHOs1C3jAU7d4GGc" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### **Creating a document**

* Click **Create document**
* Fill in the document using the document editor
* Choose:
  * **Save as draft** (click **< SignSpace**)
  * **Finalise document**

<figure><img src="/files/5yVWUW11vOwbAJ9YI2No" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**A draft** is an incomplete version of the document that can only be previewed in the document editor. Drafts can be edited later and are not invoiced.

**A finalised document** is saved as a PDF file in SignSpace and is ready to be attached to a conversation or a signature request.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** Finalising a document is invoiced according to the [price list](https://signspace.vastuugroup.fi/en/pricing).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If you need legal assistance in drafting templates or other documents, we recommend consulting a professional, as we do not provide legal advice. However, the document editor includes expert guidance for completing each section.
{% endhint %}

### **Editing a document**

You can edit a document later using the **Edit** function, which reopens the document in the editor. Each save creates a new version of the document, displayed as v1, v2, v3, and so on. The latest version is marked as **Current**.

A document can be edited until all parties have signed it.

{% hint style="info" %}
Please note that new versions do not affect existing signature requests or conversations. You can add a new version to them if needed.
{% endhint %}

### **Using a document**

You can use a completed document either in a signature request or in a conversation, depending on the situation.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/oAIoF07bOPtsdrvZ8di4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Send for signing

When the document is ready for signing, select **Send for signing**. This creates a new signature request, and the document is automatically attached.

Please note that the same document can only be attached to one signature request. If the document is already in use, you cannot create a new signature request from it, but you can add a new version of the document to the same request.

### Attach to a conversation

You can also attach the document to a conversation, for example for review or commenting before signing. Select **Attach to conversation**, after which you can create a new conversation.

### Adding an updated version

If you edit a document after it has already been attached to a conversation or a signature request, the system will notify you that an earlier version is already attached.

You can then update the document in the conversation or signature request by adding the new version. This ensures that the most up-to-date content is always in use.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**A document can only be signed once.** After it has been signed, it cannot be used in a new signature request. If you need to reuse a previously used template, you must create a new document.
{% endhint %}