How to Build a Digital Waiver in Patch: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will walk you through creating a digital waiver in Patch, from initial setup to finalization. Patch's intuitive platform makes it easy to design, customize, and deploy digital waivers tailored to your business needs. Let's get started!

First, start by logging in to your Patch account at app.patchretention.com

Then from your dashboard, click on the ‘Waivers’ tab and click on it to access the waiver management area.

Now let’s dive into creating a new waiver. From the Waivers Main View page, click on the purple plus button in the bottom right corner.

Start by giving your waiver a name. Ensure this name is easily searchable for future use. Note: The waiver name is for internal use only.

Now you will select from either a ‘Blank Page’ or use an 'existing PDF'.

Create from PDF:

If using an existing PDF click the upload PDF button. Select the waiver file you want to use.

Create from Scratch:

To create your waiver from scratch simply choose one of the blank page size options available.

Once you select how you want to build your waiver you will go through the following steps within our waiver editor. In this example, we will be uploading a PDF file. 

Step 1: Document - Build Your Waiver

The waiver editor will open and either display your PDF or a blank page.

To begin building the waiver you will use the drag-and-drop components on the right-hand side within the waiver editor.

Here's an overview of the components available to you:

Content: Allows you to add text sections, such as instructions or legal verbiage, to your waiver. Drag the content block onto the wavier, and use the expander to adjust the size of the content area. Then use the text input field on the right-hand side to insert text and adjust the styling. 

Today’s Date: Automatically inserts the current date into the waiver, ensuring each submission is timestamped. By default, the SmartText for this datestamp is included in the input field for you. If you prefer to change the format of the date stamp, first delete the existing SmartText. Then click the 'INSERT' menu button, select 'SmartText', and then Timestamp. Use the dropdown within the timestamp dialog to select the formatting of your choice and click 'save and close'. For a full breakdown of this click here.

Image: Enables you to add images, such as logos or relevant visuals, to enhance the appearance of your waiver. Drag the image block onto the waiver, move it to the desired area, and then use the select image button to upload or select an existing file. Use the expander to adjust the size of the image.

Shape: This block allows you to insert a blank space to cover existing content that may not be relevant or to control design and layout. Move your shape over the area you want to cover, use the expander to adjust the size, and then update the color of the shape to match the background of the waiver. 

Simple Input: These are basic text fields for capturing straightforward information like names and contact info. Drag the 'Simple Input' block onto the waiver and then use the dropdown for 'Contact Field' to select the data field you want to use for this section. By default, the placeholder text will be set for you, but you can edit this if you feel necessary. Then determine whether this field is required to complete the waiver.  

Advanced Input: Designed for more complex data collection, such as dropdown selections, multi-select options, or any other custom field created within your account. Use the 'Select a Field' button to open the Field Selection dialog. Click the dropdown to choose the field you want to use then select which format of the field you want to have displayed by selecting one of the options under the 'Input Type' dropdown. 

Contact Photo: This provides an option for users to upload a photograph, which can be particularly useful for identification purposes. By default, the 'Profile Image' field is selected for you. If you have created a separate custom field for this use you can click the pencil icon to edit the selected field for this function. If you are changing the data field, ensure you select the input type as 'upload'. Then if necessary you can use the 'GET SMARTTEXT' button to automatically insert the SmartText data for this field. 

Checkbox: Ideal for yes/no questions, agreements, or to acknowledge understanding and acceptance of terms. Drag the block onto the waiver, then select which data field should store a value for checking this box and whether the checking of the box is required to complete the waiver. 

Signature: A crucial component that captures a digital signature, making the waiver legally binding. You can add as many signature fields onto the waiver as needed. You can also have different signatures within one singular waiver. To accomplish this when adding each additional signature block onto the waiver click the 'All elements with this key can use the same value:' setting to choose a different 'shared key' for each signature. The more signature blocks you add to the waiver the more keys become available in the dropdown. 

These components are designed to ensure that you can tailor your digital waiver to meet the specific needs of your business and your clients, making the process as comprehensive and efficient as possible. Configure the fields and settings for each component to capture the specific information you need, whether it's participant details, consent checkboxes, or legal acknowledgments.

Step 2: Settings - Customize Waiver Content and Completion Options

Top and Bottom Content: In the Settings step, you can add introductory text at the top of your waiver and closing remarks at the bottom. This is ideal for setting the context and providing any final instructions or disclaimers.

Completion Options: Specify what happens after a waiver is completed.

You can choose how often to require a waiver to be signed:

Whether to have the option to re-sign/update the waiver:

If it’s already been signed have all contacts be required to sign this waiver if their last completion was before a certain date (this is great for when you make legal changes or implement a new waiver altogether to ensure everyone is compliant):

Where to send completed waivers internally via email:

Step 3: Success Page - Configure Post-Submission Experience

Success Message: Craft a thank-you or success message that participants will see upon completing the waiver. This message should confirm the successful submission and express appreciation for their time. By default, a thank you message is included. To insert your own custom message use the 'Finish Message' area. 

Redirect Options: If you wish to direct participants to another webpage after submission, such as your website's homepage or a special offer page, you can set up a redirect in this module. Once you insert a redirect URL, a button will appear and the user is required to click the button to be redirected. The button is loaded with default text, to override this text use the input field for 'Redirect Button Text'. You also have the option to skip the redirect or finish message altogether if the user has already completed this wavier. This allows you to send users to a landing page if they are a first-time user. 

Step 4: Advanced - Fine-Tune Data Handling and Security

Set Data Field Values: Use this option to set additional data fields for all contacts who complete this waiver, such as add to group(s), set or clear values, etc. Click the + add button, select the field, and then choose your operation as 'set to' or 'clear' then insert or select a value if using 'set to'. 

Authentication Settings: Authentication is recommended to avoid duplicate contact issues and to provide a more streamlined process for the end user. This setting will have the user verify who they are by first receiving a code to their phone or email before completing the waiver. To use authentication enable this functionality. Then determine if you are using SMS and/or Email for this function.

Step 5: Installation - Share and Distribute Your Waiver

SmartLink Generation: To distribute your waiver via Patch SmartLink, simply copy the provided link and share it in your texts, emails, social media posts, or anywhere that supports hyperlinks. Additionally, utilize the SmartLink to generate QR codes, establish keywords, and embed the link on your website, ensuring easy access for your audience. Ensure you have the 'Render using Documents V2' checked for the waiver to display and work properly. Note: If you do not see this checkbox present click the 'save' icon in the top right corner for this to show up. 

By following these structured steps, you can create a comprehensive digital waiver in Patch that not only collects necessary information and consents but also aligns with your brand and provides a seamless experience for your participants.