“Initial here” means read this first
When a contract puts an initials box next to a specific clause, it's flagging something important — often a fee, a waiver or a limit on your rights. Your initials confirm you noticed it. Here's what these boxes usually mark and how to fill them in.
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- 1Find every boxScroll through the whole document — boxes hide mid-page.
- 2Read the clauseMake sure you understand what you're accepting.
- 3Initial and signAdd your initials to each box, then sign at the end.
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Clauses that often need initials
Fees and penalties
Late fees, cancellation fees, deposits that aren't refunded.
Waivers and limits
Giving up a right, such as going to court, or limiting liability.
Special agreements
Automatic renewal, no pets, no subletting, or other specific rules.
Filling initials boxes
Read the clause next to each box before initialing it.
1
Find every box
Scroll through the whole document — boxes hide mid-page.
2
Read the clause
Make sure you understand what you're accepting.
3
Initial and sign
Add your initials to each box, then sign at the end.
What your initials confirm
Initials next to a clause are evidence that it was pointed out to you and you accepted it. That makes it harder to argue later that you didn't see it — which is why it's worth reading those clauses slowly.
If you don't agree with a flagged clause
Don't initial it and hope for the best. Ask the other party about it before signing; if you agree on a change, have it written into the document and initial the change.
Doing it on a PDF
Create your initials once here, click them into each box, and resize them to fit. Check the whole document page by page so no box is missed.
Initials box questions
- What if a box is left empty?
- The other party may send the document back. Fill every box before signing.
- Do both parties initial?
- Often yes — many contracts have two boxes, one for each side.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. If a flagged clause worries you, ask a lawyer before signing.
- What does it cost?
- Free to try. Downloading your signed PDF costs €2.99 a month or €24.99 a year, and you can cancel anytime.