How to use this split sheet generator

1. Fill in the song details — title, artist, session date, and ISRC if you already have one.
2. Add every contributor — every person who wrote, composed, or produced any part of the song needs to be listed.
3. Assign master percentages — these split royalties from the sound recording (streams, downloads, sync). Total must equal 100%.
4. Assign publishing percentages — these split royalties from the underlying composition (mechanical + performance). Total must equal 100%, separately from master.
5. Print and sign — the generator produces a clean, print-ready document with signature lines for every collaborator.

Master vs. publishing splits — what's the difference?

Most independent artists confuse these two. They're not the same and they don't have to match.

• Master royalties come from the recording itself. Whoever owns the recording (you, your label, or a producer with master points) earns these from streaming, downloads, and sync placements.
• Publishing royalties come from the composition — the underlying song. Whoever wrote the music and lyrics owns the publishing. PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) collect performance royalties; mechanical royalties come from streams, downloads, and physical sales.

Example: A producer creates a beat and the artist writes lyrics over it. The producer might take 50% master + 50% publishing (because they wrote the music). Or 50% master + 0% publishing if the beat was a paid work-for-hire. Always discuss splits BEFORE the session, never after.

Frequently asked questions

What is a split sheet?

A signed document that records how songwriting and master recording royalties are divided between everyone who contributed to a song. It's the foundation document used by your distributor, publishing administrator, and PRO to pay out the right people the right amounts.

Is a split sheet legally binding?

A signed split sheet is strong evidence of the agreed splits. PROs and publishing administrators rely on them for royalty distribution. For maximum protection, have every collaborator sign and date it the same day as the session. For high-value works, follow up with a formal songwriter agreement drafted by an entertainment attorney.

Do producers always get publishing royalties?

Only if they contributed to the composition (writing the beat, melody, or lyrics). Producers who only engineered or mixed typically get 1–5% master "points" but no publishing share. Beatmakers who wrote the underlying composition usually get both master points and a co-writer publishing share — typically 50/50 with the topline writer.

Can master and publishing splits be different?

Yes — and they usually should be. Each column must sum to exactly 100% on its own. A featured vocalist might get 0% publishing but 10% master. A topline writer might get 50% publishing but 0% master. Our generator validates each total independently in real time.

What if we can't agree on splits?

Common defaults: equal split among all writers (most fair when contributions are similar), or 50% melody / 50% lyrics. Producers typically take 1–5% master points. Discuss splits BEFORE the session whenever possible — disputes after release often end relationships and royalty income.