Guide

Split sheet for artists

As a recording artist, your name is on the song. Make sure your ownership is documented too. Here’s how split sheets protect artists in collaborations.

Why artists need split sheets

If you wrote or co-wrote the song, you have ownership in the composition. A split sheet documents your percentage so you receive the right share of royalties. Without one, you’re relying on memory and trust — neither of which holds up legally.

Artist + producer

This is the most common scenario. If the producer contributed to the composition (chords, melody, arrangement), they deserve a share. Use the producer split calculator to estimate a fair percentage. If the producer was work-for-hire, use a work-for-hire agreement instead.

Ready to create your split sheet?

Create split sheet

Artist + co-writers

When multiple songwriters contribute, create a split sheet listing everyone. Use the music split calculator to determine fair percentages based on contribution.

Before you release

No song should be released without a signed split sheet. Distributors don’t enforce this, but PROs and publishers will ask for ownership documentation. Get it done before you upload to DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby.

Document your ownership

Create a split sheet before your next release.

CAZEN is free for now.

Continue your workflow

Use these tools to put what you learned into practice.