Your services agreement has six attachments — three schedules, two exhibits, and a side letter. You send them as separate files. The counterparty signs the main agreement but somehow misses the side letter, and now there's a dispute about scope.
One file solves nine problems. Here's how to build it.
Order matters
Standard order: main agreement first, then schedules in numbered order (Schedule 1, 2, 3...), then exhibits, then side letters last. The signing block of the main agreement should reference each attachment by name and number so the counterparty knows what they're signing. Use merge PDF to combine them in that exact order.
A simple index page
Insert a one-page index at the front. List each section, its starting page, and its title. The reader can see at a glance what's in the pack and jump to it. For pagination, number consecutively across the whole pack rather than restarting at each attachment — it's easier to reference ("see page 47" beats "see Schedule 2, page 12").
Cleaning up the inputs
If your attachments come from Word, convert them to PDF first to lock formatting. If a counterparty has provided an Excel schedule, convert Excel to PDF before including. Don't mix native and converted files in the final pack — every page should be a PDF page rendered the same way.
Signing the pack
Send the merged pack via sign PDF with a signature field on the main agreement's signing page only. Don't require separate signatures on each schedule — the schedules are incorporated by reference in the main agreement. If a side letter genuinely needs its own signing block, include it; otherwise, one signature on the main covers the whole pack.
FAQ
Should each attachment have its own signature?
Generally no — the main agreement incorporates them by reference. Separate signatures on each attachment are unusual and can complicate execution.
How do I handle a counterparty's late addition of an attachment?
Re-merge with the new attachment in its logical position, refresh pagination, send a new signing request. Don't tack additions onto the end after signing.
Should the index be hyperlinked?
Yes if you have the time — it's a courtesy that makes the pack much easier to navigate. Add links after pagination is locked.
Can I include scanned attachments?
Yes, but OCR them so the pack remains searchable. Use image to PDF for multi-page scans.
One file is one decision for the counterparty. Build a clean contract pack with Flint's merge tool and you stop chasing missing side letters.