With Studio Manager, you can prepare a contract for a client and collect signatures online. Start with a blank contract or a reusable template, then add your agreement, client-fillable fields, saved information, signers, and optional document settings before sending it by email or direct link. Pixieset also provides sample contract templates for common photography services that you can customize as a starting point.

On this page:

• Creating a contract
• Adding client-fillable fields
• Adding variables to auto-fill information
• Managing signers
• Setting contract expiry and reminders
• Sending the contract

Creating a contract

In Studio Manager, you can start with a blank document or use a contract template as your starting point.

Tip: If you regularly use the same agreement, create a reusable version under Templates.

To create a new contract:

1. Go to Documents > Contracts.
2. Click New Contract.
3. Assign a new or existing client to the contract.
4. Choose whether to start from scratch or use an existing contract template.
5. In the document editor, type directly into the contract to add or update its content.
6. Use the options at the top of the editor to format the contract.

Adding client-fillable fields

Fields let clients enter or update information directly in the contract. Use them to collect details such as initials, an address, a session location, or other information that the client needs to provide.

To add a field:

1. In the contract editor, click where you want the field to appear.
2. Select Insert Field.
3. Configure the field as needed:
   • Field name: Add a label that tells the client what to enter, such as “Client Address” or “Initials.”
   • Field value: Enter an optional default answer. The client can replace this value when completing the contract.

Note: Any field left blank must be completed by the client before they can sign the contract. A field with a value is already considered complete, but the client can still edit it.

Adding variables to auto-fill information

Variables automatically insert information saved in Studio Manager, such as a client’s name, address, or phone number, or your company name. Unlike fields, variables are completed before the contract is sent and cannot be edited by the client.

To add a variable:

1. In the contract editor, click where you want the information to appear.
2. Select Variables.
3. Choose the information you want to add.

Note: If a variable is blank, Studio Manager could not find the corresponding information in the client’s contact profile or your business details. You will need to enter the missing information before sending the contract.

Adding custom variables to a contract template

When editing a contract template, you can select Variables > Custom Variable to create a placeholder for information that changes with each contract. When you use the template for a client, Studio Manager prompts you to complete the custom variable before the contract can be sent.

Managing signers

A contract can have up to three signers:

• One business signer
• Up to two client signers

By default, a new contract includes one business signer and one client signer. A contract must always have at least one client signer

Tip: To require only client signatures, click ••• next to your business name and select Remove signer.

Adding a second client signer

1. Go to the Signers section in the top-left corner of the editor.
2. Click +Add second signer.
3. Select the additional client.

A second client signature field is added to the bottom of the contract.

Setting contract expiry and reminders

Note: Contract expiry and document reminders are available on upgraded Studio Manager or Suite plans.

You can optionally set an expiry date and automatic reminders before sending a contract. These settings help you manage contracts that are still waiting for a signature.

• Document Expiry: An incomplete contract is automatically canceled on the selected date. The client can still view the canceled contract, but they can no longer sign it.
• Document Reminders: Automatically email client signers who have not signed the contract within the selected timeframe. The reminder emails are generated automatically and cannot be customized.

Note: A specific expiry date can only be selected for an individual contract, not a contract template. Apply the template to a client’s contract before setting the expiry date.

Sending the contract

When the contract is ready, you can send it to your client by email or copy a direct link to share through another communication method.

To send the contract by email:

1. Click Send Contract in the top-right corner of the contract editor.
2. Review the email composer.
3. Customize the message for your client.
4. Send the email immediately or schedule it to send later.

To share the contract outside of email, click Send via link at the bottom of the email composer and copy the direct contract link.