---
title: Creating a Document from Scratch
description: "OneSuite includes a Notion-like rich text editor for writing and formatting documents inside your workspace. You can create contracts, proposals, NDAs or any custom document, then send it for signatures in a few steps. **In this guide you'll learn how…"
url: "https://help.onesuite.io/docs/creating-a-document-from-scratch/"
updated: "2026-10-01"
category: Documents
---

# Creating a Document from Scratch

OneSuite includes a Notion-like rich text editor for writing and formatting documents inside your workspace. You can create contracts, proposals, NDAs or any custom document, then send it for signatures in a few steps.

**In this guide you'll learn how to:**

- Start a new document from a blank page
- Insert content blocks with the `/` command
- Format text and add images, links, tables and code
- Download a PDF and view the audit log
- Save a draft or share the document to add signer fields

## How to start a new document

You start a document by clicking **Start from blank** on the Contracts home page.

1. **Go to the Contracts module.** In the left sidebar, click **Contracts** to open the Contracts home page.
2. **Click Start from blank.** This opens the OneSuite document editor, where you can begin writing.
3. **Enter a document title.** At the top, give your document a name, for example "Freelance Agreement".
4. **Select a document type.** Use the dropdown next to the title to choose the type, such as Proposal, NDA or Contract. You manage these options with the **Customize** button on the main page.
5. **Link a project (optional).** Use the **Project** selector in the top-right corner to associate the document with a client project.
6. **Select recipients (optional).** As you add parties, select existing contacts from your OneSuite **Clients**, **Leads** or **Team** database. If you don't see the person, click **Create new** to add them manually.
7. **Start writing your document.**
   - Type freely in the editor.
   - Press `/` to insert content blocks such as headings, lists and tables.
   - Use the formatting toolbar to style your content.

## How to insert blocks with the / command

Typing `/` in the editor opens a quick-insert menu that adds content blocks without the toolbar. This helps you build documents faster with consistent formatting.

| Block | Use it for |
| --- | --- |
| **Heading 1** | Large section titles |
| **Heading 2** | Subheadings for structure |
| **Heading 3** | Smaller sub-sections |
| **Bullet List** | General item lists |
| **Numbered List** | Ordered steps |
| **Task List** | Interactive checkboxes for to-dos or approval items |
| **Blockquote** | Highlighting text or key statements |
| **Code Block** | Formatted code or technical notes |
| **Table** | Simple structured tables |
| **Horizontal Rule** | A divider line between sections |

## Which formatting options does the editor have?

The editor includes the essential formatting tools for clean, professional and easy-to-read documents. Use the toolbar at the top of the editor to apply them.

| Group | Options |
| --- | --- |
| Headings | Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3 |
| Text styles | Bold, Italic, Underline, Strikethrough |
| Alignment | Left, Center, Right |
| Lists | Bullet List for grouped items, Numbered List for steps or sequences, Task List for checkbox-style to-dos or action points |
| Quotes and dividers | Blockquote for important notes, statements or quotes; Horizontal Rule (Divider) to separate sections |
| Links | Highlight any text, click the link icon and paste the URL |

## How to add rich content

You add images, links, tables and code blocks from the toolbar or with the `/` command.

- **Add an image:** click the image icon in the toolbar.
- **Add a link:** highlight any text, click the link icon, add your link and press Enter.
- **Insert a table:** type `/table` to insert a basic table, then use the inline menu to add or remove rows and columns.
- **Add a code block:** type `/code block` for multi-line technical content. For inline code, use the three-dot menu.

## How to use advanced block options

Click the three-dot menu in the toolbar to insert any of these:

- Divider
- Task list
- Superscript / Subscript
- Strike
- Code (inline)
- Code block
- Quote

## How to download a PDF or view the audit log

Both options are in the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner of the editor.

- **Download a PDF:** open the three-dot menu and download the document at any time. This saves a PDF of the current document, whether it is a draft or a signed copy.
- **View the audit log:** open the three-dot menu and choose **Audit Log** to track every activity on the document. You see who created, edited, shared, viewed or signed it, which helps with compliance and internal review.

## How to save or share your document

Once your content and field setup are complete, you can save your work for later or move on to add signature fields and send it.

- **Save as a draft:** click **Save** in the top-right corner. This stores the document as a draft, so you can return later to keep editing, add signers or make updates.
- **Share the document:** click **Share**, next to **Save**. This starts the signing process and opens the signature editor, where you add signing fields such as **Signature**, **Date**, **Text** or **Checkbox** for each party.

## How to add signer fields

After you click **Share**, OneSuite opens the signature field editor, where you set where each signer adds their input.

1. On the left side of the screen, choose the field you want to add: **Signature**, **Date**, **Text**, **Checkbox** or **Initials**.
2. Drag and drop the field onto the correct place in the document.

Each field is color-coded by party, so you can see which signer is responsible for each section.

![Signature field editor with Signature and Date fields placed on the document in each party's color](https://help.onesuite.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/creating-a-document-from-scratch-2.webp)

## How to send the document for signature

After you place all the fields, click **Save** and then **Send** to move to signer selection.

After you click **Send**, OneSuite opens the signer confirmation and email customization screen, where the sending step starts. Continue with [Sending Documents to Parties to Sign](https://help.onesuite.io/docs/sending-documents-to-parties/).

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## FAQs

### Can I paste content from Google Docs or PDFs into the editor?

Yes. You can copy and paste content from Google Docs, Word or PDFs directly into the OneSuite editor. Some formatting, such as font sizes or spacing, may not match exactly, so review it and adjust it with the editor toolbar.

### Do I have to link a project or client to create a document?

No. Linking a project or client is optional, and you can create standalone documents. Linking helps keep everything organized and accessible for you and your clients.

### How do I add signature fields to a document?

Click **Share** to open the signer field placement screen. From there, drag and drop fields such as **Signature**, **Date**, **Text** or **Checkbox** onto the document wherever you need them.

### Can I track changes or edits made to a document?

Yes. The **Audit Log** in the three-dot menu shows the full history of document activity: who created, edited, shared, signed or viewed the file.

### Can I just write the contract in Word and upload it instead?

Yes, if the document already exists elsewhere. Export it as a PDF and follow [Uploading a PDF Document](https://help.onesuite.io/docs/uploading-a-pdf-document/), which uses the same signer and field placement flow. Writing in the editor suits documents you build from scratch inside your workspace.

## What to do next

**Send it out:** Confirm signers and customize the invitation with [Sending Documents to Parties to Sign](https://help.onesuite.io/docs/sending-documents-to-parties/).

**See the signer's side:** Learn what your recipients do with the link in [Signing a Document](https://help.onesuite.io/docs/signing-a-document/).

**Know the module:** Review features, roles and file types in [Contracts Overview](https://help.onesuite.io/docs/overview-documents-module/).