What is a songwriter split sheet?
A split sheet is a one- or two-page record of who wrote a song and what percentage each writer owns. Publishers, performing rights organisations and labels ask for it, and it's far easier to agree on the day of the session than months later when the track is getting played. Without one, writers often register different shares, and royalties sit unpaid until the conflict is sorted out.
This version is set up for three co-writers — a common line-up of artist, topliner and producer. For each writer it records their legal name, what they contributed, their percentage, their performing rights organisation and IPI/CAE number, publisher and email. It notes samples or interpolations that may need a share, confirms the splits add up to 100%, and sets simple ground rules: shares don't depend on contribution, everyone registers the same figures, no one changes the song or grants an exclusive licence alone, and changes need a new sheet signed by all.
- Best for
- Co-writing sessions, writing camps and producer collaborations
- Signed by
- Three co-writers, each initialling every page
- Covers
- The composition (words and music) — not the master recording
- Length
- 2 pages
When to use a songwriter split sheet
- An artist, a topliner and a producer finishing a song in a single session
- A writing camp where each new song gets its own split sheet
- A band's three songwriters recording shares before a release
- Settling splits on a demo before pitching it to a publisher
- Fixing a past song whose writers registered different percentages
What you fill in
28 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: writer 1, writer 2, writer 3.
1 The song
- Song title*
- Alternative or working title
- Date written*
- Where it was written
- Recording artist (if known)
- Samples or interpolations
2 Writer 1
- Legal name*
- Contribution* lyrics and music · lyrics · music · music and production
- Share of the song (%)*
- Performing rights organisation
- IPI / CAE number
- Publisher
3 Writer 2
- Legal name*
- Contribution* lyrics and music · lyrics · music · music and production
- Share of the song (%)*
- Performing rights organisation
- IPI / CAE number
- Publisher
4 Writer 3
- Legal name*
- Contribution* lyrics and music · lyrics · music · music and production
- Share of the song (%)*
- Performing rights organisation
- IPI / CAE number
- Publisher
5 Other
- Governing law
6 Who signs
- Writer 1 signature and date, initials on every page · The first co-writer — usually you.
- Writer 2 signature and date, initials on every page · The second co-writer.
- Writer 3 signature and date, initials on every page · The third co-writer, such as a producer who contributed to the composition.
What the songwriter split sheet covers
- The song
- The writers and their shares
- What the writers agree
Using the songwriter split sheet, step by step
1 Describe the song
Enter the title, any working title and the date it was written. Add where it was written, the recording artist and any samples or interpolations used.
2 Add each writer's share
For all three writers enter their legal name, contribution and percentage. Check the three shares add up to 100% before you send.
3 Add registration details
Fill in each writer's performing rights organisation, IPI/CAE number and publisher, or "self-published". Missing details print as lines that can be completed by hand.
4 Send to the other two writers
Sign as Writer 1 and send it on — your co-writers sign from their phones without a FileIt account. Everyone receives the completed PDF to send to their publisher or PRO.
Tips before you send it
- Fill it in before everyone leaves the session, while memories are fresh and goodwill is high.
- Use legal names, not artist names — that's what collection societies match on.
- Register the song with exactly the shares on the sheet, and send a copy to your publisher.
- If a sample isn't cleared yet, list it anyway; its owners may claim part of the song.
Sign it online in minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. FileIt builds the PDF with every signature, date and initials box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in your vault and emailed to everyone.
Songwriter split sheet: frequently asked questions
Does the split sheet cover the recording?
No. It covers the composition — the words and music. Ownership of the master recording is usually agreed separately, for example in a music producer agreement.
What if there are two writers, or four?
This template has three writer roles, and every role signs. For a different number of writers, start from your own split sheet document and upload it to FileIt eSignature instead.
Do shares have to match how much each person wrote?
No. Writers can agree any split. Many split evenly; others weigh lyrics, melody and production differently. The sheet records what you agreed and says it applies whatever each contribution was.
Can it be signed electronically?
In most countries, including the US (ESIGN Act and UETA), the UK, the EU (eIDAS) and Canada, an electronic signature is generally valid for an agreement like this one. FileIt keeps an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion with the signed PDF as evidence of who signed and when.
Is this template free?
Yes. The template is free to use with the eSignature app in FileIt, and the people you send it to don't need a FileIt account to sign.