Help Center / Proposals and contracts /
Creating a proposal
A new proposal starts in the block editor, where every element of the document can be arranged visually: text blocks for descriptions and context, image blocks for visuals, video embeds, service tables with line items, signature blocks, and layout elements like spacers and dividers. The editor layout is exactly what the client sees when they open the proposal link.
How to create a proposal
- Open Proposals.
- Click "Create proposal". A new proposal opens in the block editor.
- Set the proposal title. The title appears at the top of the proposal and in the client's email notification when the proposal is sent.
- Set the client. Pick a contact or company from your contacts. The client's name populates the proposal header and determines who receives the proposal link.
- Build the document layout. Add blocks from the block picker:
- Text blocks for descriptions, scope of work, timelines, terms, and any other written content. Text supports rich formatting including headings, lists, bold, and links.
- Service tables for pricing. Each table includes line items with descriptions, quantities, rates, tax, and calculated totals.
- Image blocks for visuals, mockups, or branding elements.
- Video embeds for walkthrough videos or presentations.
- Signature blocks for e-signatures from the client.
- Spacers and dividers for layout control.
Blocks can be reordered by dragging, duplicated, or deleted. Each block has settings for alignment, width, and padding.
- Add a cover page (optional). A cover page adds a branded first page to the proposal with a title, subtitle, and background image.
- Add a table of contents (optional). The table of contents auto-generates from headings in text blocks, so the proposal opens with navigable sections.
- Link to a project (optional). Connecting the proposal to a project keeps it visible on the project's proposals tab.
- Set an expiration date (optional). After the expiration date passes, the proposal status changes to Overdue.
Proposals start in Draft status. Drafts aren't visible to clients. Once the proposal is ready, it can be sent from the proposal page, which generates a unique link for the client.
How to create a proposal from a template
- Open the proposals page and click "Create proposal".
- Select a template from the template dropdown. The template pre-fills the proposal with blocks, text content, service table structure, and layout settings.
- Adjust the content as needed. Edit text, update pricing, change the client, and modify any block.
- Save. The proposal is ready to be reviewed and sent.
How to create a proposal from a project
- Open a project and go to the Proposals tab.
- Click "Create proposal". A new proposal opens with the project and client pre-filled.
- Build the document and add pricing as described above.
Multiple pricing options
When a proposal includes more than one service table, clients can compare packages side by side and select the option that fits their budget. Each service table acts as an independent pricing block, so a proposal might present a "Basic", "Standard", and "Premium" option, each with different line items and totals. Offering multiple pricing options inside a single proposal lets clients choose without going back and forth over revisions.
What happens when a proposal gets approved
When a client approves and signs, Plutio can automatically:
- Create a project from the proposal
- Generate an invoice from the pricing table
- Invite the client to the workspace
- Sign a linked contract automatically (if a contract is connected to the proposal)
These post-approval actions are configured in the proposal settings before sending.
Proposal statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Draft | Not sent yet. Invisible to clients. |
| Pending | Sent to the client, waiting for approval. |
| Accepted | Client has approved and signed. |
| Overdue | Expiration date has passed without acceptance. |
| Declined | Client has declined the proposal. |
| Cancelled | Proposal has been cancelled. |
Block types available in proposals
| Block | What it does |
|---|---|
| Intro | Header area with proposal title, client details, and issue date |
| Content | Rich text for scope, terms, descriptions, and freeform content. Supports headings, lists, and links. |
| Items | Line items with description, quantity, rate, tax, discount, and totals. Can also be set up as packages or add-ons. |
| Fees | Subtotal, tax, discount, and total summary |
| Signature | E-signature block for client approval |
| Image | Upload or link an image |
| Video | Embed a video from YouTube, Vimeo, or Loom |
| HTML | Embed custom HTML |
| Canvas | Free-form layout for multi-column content and cover sections |
