How to publish a new contract template publicly on GitLaw

To publish a contract template publicly on GitLaw, create a public repository with + New Repository in the top menu bar, then add your document under its Files tab: upload a .docx and convert it to a GitLaw document, or write one from scratch with Create Document. Every document in a public repository is published publicly and free for users.

Before you start: a GitLaw account with your profile completed.

How do I publish a template publicly on GitLaw?

1. Sign up to GitLaw: go to git.law and click Sign Up. By signing up you are agreeing to GitLaw's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
2. Create your profile: add your name and a bio or details about your law firm. These details are displayed to users of GitLaw when they wish to learn more about who shared the document. Some users may wish to contact you for paid support of their legal projects; if you wish to receive such contact, add your contact details.
3. Create a new repository: click + New Repository in the top menu bar. Give your repository a name and description; choose a name that is self-explanatory and easy to find, as the repository is visible in the URL where your documents are shared. Choose Public: every document you share in this folder is published publicly on GitLaw. If you prefer, start in private mode and make the repository public later, or copy documents from a private repository into a public one.
4. Create your document: under the Files tab, either upload your .docx file or click + Create document to start a new document in GitLaw's editor.

Publishing an uploaded .docx file

1. Inside your repository, under the Files tab, click Upload Documents.
2. Directly above the file, click Edit and choose Convert to GitLaw Document.

Your file is now a GitLaw document which you can edit in the GitLaw editor and add template fields to.

Writing the document in the editor

Click Create Document and write directly into the online editor:

• Add metadata on the metadata tab, including which jurisdiction the document is designed for.
• Under the Outline section, the headers you select in text formatting create document navigation automatically.
• Under template, add template fields which make the document faster for users to fill out.

Licensing of public documents

Any document you add to GitLaw publicly is entirely free for users to use. Unless you state otherwise in the repository, all work is licensed to users under CC BY-ND 4.0.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start privately and publish later?

Yes. Start the repository in private mode and make it public later, or copy documents from a private repository into a public one.

What licence applies to templates I publish?

Unless you state otherwise in the repository, all public work is licensed to users under CC BY-ND 4.0, and is entirely free for users.

Related articles

• Browse and organise templates with collections and categories
• How to add a new file to GitLaw

Reviewed by the GitLaw team. Last updated 29 July 2026.