Before you can print a contract, Contract Writer needs to be activated with your license code.
Finding your code
Go to your Activation Codes page and sign in if prompted. Your code will look like this:
Your codes were also sent in your order confirmation email, so you can search your inbox for "Craftsman" if you're having trouble signing in.
Entering your code
Select the entire code, including the dashes, and copy it. (Click and drag across the whole code, then press Ctrl+C.)
Open Construction Contract Writer.
Go to Help → Activate Software.
If the code doesn't fill in automatically, paste it into the box with Ctrl+V.
Click Activate, then Update Now.
⚠️ Setting up on a new computer? Enter your codes in order.
If you've renewed your data updates at some point, you have more than one code — your original license code and one or more renewal codes. On a fresh install, the order matters:
Enter your original license code first. This is the code from your first Contract Writer purchase. It establishes your license and your state.
Then enter your renewal code(s), oldest to newest.
The renewal code extends an existing license — it can't create one. If you enter it first, Contract Writer will reject it. If that's already happened, no harm done: just go back and enter the original code, then try the renewal again.
If your code isn't accepted
Check for extra spaces. Copying from an email sometimes picks up a space at the end. Delete anything after the last character.
Include the dashes. The code won't work without them.
Confirm you're on the right computer. Each license activates one machine. If you're moving to a new computer, give us a call and we'll release the old activation.
Make sure you're online. Activation needs an internet connection.
Printing is blocked or the wrong state comes up
Contract Writer is state-specific, because contract law differs by state. The construction site address on your contract has to match the state your license covers. If you need to write contracts in another state, you can purchase an additional state license.
Need a hand?
Call 1-800-829-8123 (Noon–5 PM PT, Mon–Fri) or start a chat from any page on our site.