--- title: Proposal Overview description: Learn how to quickly create professional-looking proposals and contracts, and how to send them to customers to sign electronically. --- [Skip to content](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Contact us](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![Untitled design (22)](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(22).png?width=75&height=75&name=Untitled%20design%20(22).png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Go to ressiosoftware.com](https://www.ressiosoftware.com/) [Go to ressiosoftware.com](https://www.ressiosoftware.com/) Hello. How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Ressio Knowledge Base](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Feature guides](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en) 3. [Approvals](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#approvals) # Proposal Overview ## Learn how to quickly create professional-looking proposals and contracts, and how to send them to customers to sign electronically. Ressio lets you create and send professional proposals directly from your estimate worksheet—helping clients make informed decisions and helping you win more jobs. #### Key Features 📝 **No double entry:** Estimates automatically populate your proposals—no need to retype or copy from spreadsheets. ✍️ **Fast digital signatures:** Send, sign, and approve proposals quickly and securely. 🔒 **Client-facing controls:** Choose exactly what information clients see. --- #### **Table of Contents:** 1. [Create a Proposal](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#Create) 2. [Customize a Proposal](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#Edit) 3. [Add and Invite Customers](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#customer) 4. [Saving, Releasing and Approving](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#Send)     5. [Multiple Proposals](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#multiple) --- [\[back-to-top\]](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#back-to-top) ### Create a Proposal  Proposals are created from the **Estimate.** Select **Create** and choose **New Proposal.** ![Proposal](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Proposal.jpg?width=600&height=344&name=Proposal.jpg) #### Approvals All proposals are accessible in the **Approvals** page. ![Approvals](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Approvals.jpg?width=600&height=380&name=Approvals.jpg) 📝 **Edit Proposal:** Draft proposals can also be edited from the estimate next to the **Create** button. --- [\[back to top\]](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#back-to-top) ### Customize a Proposal  The proposal will populate with information from your **Estimate** and **Project Details.** Use the editable fields and side toggles to customize client-facing content. ![Screenshot 2026-04-22 at 9.14.12 PM](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-22%20at%209.14.12%20PM.png?width=575&height=412&name=Screenshot%202026-04-22%20at%209.14.12%20PM.png) --- #### **Editable Fields** The following fields can be typed into: **Title | Valid Until Date | Description | Terms and Conditions** **![Recording2025-04-21173847-ezgif.com-optimize](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Recording2025-04-21173847-ezgif.com-optimize.gif?width=670&height=584&name=Recording2025-04-21173847-ezgif.com-optimize.gif)** 💾 **Terms & Conditions** are saved and will populate in future proposals/contracts. --- #### **Display Settings** Choose which Estimate data to include by toggling on or off display settings on the right.  ![Screenshot 2026-04-20 at 10.26.01 AM](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%2010.26.01%20AM.png?width=372&height=410&name=Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%2010.26.01%20AM.png) **Show data rows:** Choose how detailed your line items appear: ❌ **None:** Hides all categories, items, sub-items, and descriptions. **📂 Categories**: Shows only the top-level categories. **📁 Cost Items**: Displays both categories and their associated cost items. **📑 Cost Details**: Displays categories, cost items, and sub-items for full detail. **Show data columns:** Select which estimate column to show next to cost lines: **📝 Item Description**: Displays scope of work pulled from the estimate. **🔢 Quantity and Units**: Shows measurement details (e.g., 10 SF x $80). **💰 Builder Cost**: Displays either the builder cost or customer price (Cost-plus or Fixed price). **Show builder cost on:** Control pricing visibility: **📂 Categories**: Only shows cost/price at the category level **📁 Cost Items**: Shows pricing at both the category and cost item level **📑 Cost Details**: Shows pricing at the category, cost item, and sub-item levels **Show selection details:** Choose to display optional choices and allowance amounts: 🔽 **Display all choices**: Reveals all optional selections. *(Note: Requires "Cost details" data rows to be toggled on.)* 💸 **Display selection allowances**: Displays allowance amounts. *(Note: "Builder cost" must be toggled off.)* **Signature settings:** Choose who and how many customers must sign to approve. **📝 Include signature**: Allows a client to digitally sign to approve. **💰 All customers must sign**: Requires all clients to sign to approve (setting becomes available if more than one client is given access to the project. **Other settings** 💲 **Hide $0 items:** You can choose to hide items that have a $0 price 📎 **Show attached files:** Include relevant images for selections, categories, and cost items.  🆔 **Show generated name**: Displays the proposal ID, e.g., *Proposal 3*. 🧾 **Include cost summary**: Adds cost totals at the bottom. | **Fixed Price** | **Open book / Cost plus** | | --- | --- | | ![Fixed price summary](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Fixed%20price%20summary.png?width=340&height=144&name=Fixed%20price%20summary.png) | ![Cost Plus Proposal](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Cost%20Plus%20Proposal.png?width=284&height=144&name=Cost%20Plus%20Proposal.png) |   **Prepared by** **Prepared By**: Choose a team member’s name to appear on the proposal for a personal touch.   🎥 To see how the "Show attached files" toggle works, watch "[Displaying Images in Client Proposals](https://youtu.be/FmhoraHm4R8)".   ---   [\[back-to-top\]](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#back-to-top) ### **Add and Invite Customers** Customers must be given access / invited to a project to receive a proposal. Select the link above to **assign a customer.** ![Assign a customer](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Assign%20a%20customer.jpg?width=650&height=278&name=Assign%20a%20customer.jpg) **Adding Customers:** Learn how to [add and manage customers](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/adding-customers-to-ressio?hsLang=en). --- #### **Assign Customers** Client can be assigned to a project in **Project Details - Access.** **![Recording2025-04-29175742-ezgif.com-optimize](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Recording2025-04-29175742-ezgif.com-optimize.gif?width=650&height=359&name=Recording2025-04-29175742-ezgif.com-optimize.gif)** #### **Add or Invite Customers** **➕ Plus button:** Click to add or invite customers to the project. **![Recording2025-04-29172946-ezgif.com-optimize](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Recording2025-04-29172946-ezgif.com-optimize.gif?width=600&height=390&name=Recording2025-04-29172946-ezgif.com-optimize.gif)**   --- [\[back-to-top\]](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/proposal-overview#back-to-top) ### **Saving, Releasing, and Approving** Proposals move through four statuses: **Draft │ Released │ Completed │ Cancelled** **![Status](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Status.jpg?width=550&height=349&name=Status.jpg)** 📄 **Multiple Proposals:** Once a proposal is **RELEASED**, a new one can be created. --- #### Save as Draft When you're finished editing, click **Save** to keep your changes. ![save1](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/save1.jpg?width=550&height=142&name=save1.jpg) 💡**Tip:** Skip steps by clicking **Save & Release** or **Save & Approve.** --- #### Release a Proposal Select **Release** to send the proposal to a potential client. ![Release1](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Release1.jpg?width=550&height=139&name=Release1.jpg) **🖨️ Print:** Click the **Print** icon in the upper-left to print or create a PDF copy of the proposal. You can create a PDF printout of your estimate by clicking Edit Proposal or Create -\> New Proposal then selecting the Print icon.   💾 Remember, before hitting **Print**, make sure that you have saved your changes. If you print before saving, it will default to the last save and may not reflect your most recent changes.    --- #### Approve a Proposal Once released, clients will receive an email that will provide access to the proposal. In the client portal, clients can: ✅ **Approve** the proposal with one click. ❌ **Decline** if the proposal doesn’t meet their needs. 🖨️ **Print** a copy for their records. 💬 **Send a Message** to ask questions or request changes. 📎 **View Files** attached to the proposal. #### ![Recording2025-04-30172154-ezgif.com-optimize](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Recording2025-04-30172154-ezgif.com-optimize.gif?width=350&height=492&name=Recording2025-04-30172154-ezgif.com-optimize.gif) 🔄 **Bypass Client Approval**: If the proposal has already been approved outside of Ressio, you can select **Approve** on the client’s behalf. ![approve](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/approve.jpg?width=500&height=126&name=approve.jpg) --- #### Unrelease or Discard a proposal **Unrelease** if you need to revise the proposal or estimate. ![unrelease](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/unrelease.jpg?width=550&height=141&name=unrelease.jpg) 🗑️ **Discard**: Select **Discard** to remove the proposal from client view. Discarded proposals remain accessible on the **Approvals** page. ⚠️ **Important:** Once a proposal is **Approved**, it **cannot** be unreleased or discarded. However, a new proposal can be released. ⚠️ ---   #### Multiple Proposals If you would like to send your client multiple versions of a proposal, you can now do that by navigating to you Estimate. Go through the same process of creating a proposal but be mindful of titling to simple and clear versions. Below is a quick step-by-step walkthrough: 1. Each version has to be released to the client 2. After the client views each version they must approve one. 3. After client approval, you as the builder will have to approve it. 4. When the proposal is approved by BOTH the client and builder, the '**Apply to estimate**' button will appear on the proposal.  5. Review what categories will be included and removed and hit '**Apply'**.  6. **Navigate** to you estimate to see the changes.  🎓 For a more in-depth walkthrough of creating multiple proposal from one estimate, read and watch [Estimate Versioning](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/estimating-versioning-overview?hsLang=en).    --- If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact our support team at [support@ressiosoftware.com](mailto:support@ressiosoftware.com). We're here to help! - [Getting started](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/getting-started?hsLang=en) - [Feature guides](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Schedule](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#schedule) - [Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#estimate) - [Specs](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#specs) - [Budget](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#budget) - [Invoices](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#invoices) - [Approvals](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#approvals) - [Time Clock](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#time-clock) - [Calendar](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#calendar) - [Daily Log](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#daily-log) - [Change Orders](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#change-orders) - [Messaging & Notifications](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#messaging-notifications) - [Client Portal](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#client-portal) - [Settings](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#settings) - [Projects](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#projects) - [Selections](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#selections) - [Prospect management](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#prospect-management) - [Vendor Management](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#vendor-management) - [Cost Catalog](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#cost-catalog) - [To-dos](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#to-dos) - [Bid Management](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#bid-management) - [Plan hub](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#plan-hub) - [General](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#general) - [Proposals](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#proposals) - [Files](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#files) - [Ressio Payment Processing](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#ressio-payment-processing) - [Financial Tools & Services](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#financial-tools-services) - [Mason](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#mason) - [Reports](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#reports) - [Warranty](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#warranty) - [Automations](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/feature-guides?hsLang=en#automations) - [FAQs](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Vendors](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#vendors) - [Estimate](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#estimate) - [QuickBooks Online](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#quickbooks-online) - [Customers](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#customers) - [Files](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#files) - [Invoices](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#invoices) - [My account](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#my-account) - [Insurance](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#insurance) - [Time Clock](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#time-clock) - [Selections](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#selections) - [Templates](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#templates) - [Mason AI](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/faqs?hsLang=en#mason-ai) - [Troubleshooting](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en) - [Integrations](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/integrations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [QuickBooks Online](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/integrations?hsLang=en#quickbooks-online) - [File Integrations](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/integrations?hsLang=en#file-integrations) - [Sero](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/integrations?hsLang=en#sero) - [Adaptive](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/integrations?hsLang=en#adaptive) - [AI](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/integrations?hsLang=en#ai) - [Account](https://help.ressiosoftware.com/account?hsLang=en) [![](https://43531900.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/43531900/hubfs/Logo%20Dock%20Icon-1.png?width=50&height=50&name=Logo%20Dock%20Icon-1.png)](http://ressiosoftware.com) [www.ressiosoftware.com](http://www.ressiosoftware.com) Copyright © 2026, Ressio Software