Free template · Word, PDF
Freelance contract template
A plain-English freelance contract that covers what clients and freelancers most often end up arguing about: the scope, the payment schedule, revisions, who owns the work, and how either side can end it. Download it for Word or PDF and fill in the brackets.
Use it for design, writing, development, marketing and most other project-based freelance work. Replace everything in [brackets], delete anything that doesn't apply, and have both parties sign before work starts.
What this contract covers
- Services
- Timeline
- Fees and payment
- Revisions and changes
- Ownership of the work
- Independent contractor
- Confidentiality
- Ending the agreement
This template is a starting point written in plain English, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and country, so have a lawyer review it for large or unusual deals.
The full template
1. Parties
This agreement is between [Client legal name], of [address] ("Client"), and [Contractor name], of [address] ("Contractor"). It starts on [date].
2. Services
Contractor will provide the following services: [describe the work, deliverables and formats].
Anything not listed here is outside this agreement and will be quoted separately before any work begins.
3. Timeline
Contractor will deliver [deliverables] by [date]. Client will provide [content, access, feedback] by [date]. Delays caused by late client input move the delivery date by the same amount of time.
4. Fees and payment
Client will pay Contractor a total fee of [amount and currency] for the work described above.
Payment schedule: [for example, 50% on signing and 50% on delivery]. Contractor will send an invoice for each payment, and each invoice is due [14] days after its date.
Late payments accrue interest at [1.5]% per month, or the maximum rate allowed by law if lower, from the due date until paid.
Pre-approved expenses, such as [travel, props or materials], will be reimbursed at cost within [14] days of receiving receipts.
5. Revisions and changes
The fee includes [2] rounds of revisions. Additional revisions, or changes to the agreed scope, are billed at [hourly rate] or quoted in writing before the work is done.
6. Ownership of the work
Once Client has paid in full, Contractor assigns Client all rights in the final deliverables. Contractor keeps ownership of pre-existing materials, tools and know-how, and grants Client a licence to use any of them included in the deliverables.
Contractor may show the work in their portfolio unless Client asks otherwise in writing.
7. Independent contractor
Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee, partner or agent. Contractor controls how and when the work is done, provides their own equipment, and is responsible for their own taxes, insurance and benefits.
8. Confidentiality
Each party will keep the other's non-public business information confidential and use it only for this agreement. This does not cover information that is already public, independently developed, or that must be disclosed by law.
9. Ending the agreement
Either party may end this agreement with [14] days' written notice. Client will pay for all work completed up to the end date, plus [a kill fee of X% of the remaining fee]. If either party seriously breaches this agreement and doesn't fix it within [10] days of notice, the other may end it immediately.
10. General
This agreement is governed by the laws of [state/country]. Any change to it must be in writing and signed by both parties.
This is the entire agreement between the parties about this work and replaces any earlier discussions. If any part is found unenforceable, the rest still applies.
11. Signatures
Client: [Name], [Title, if a company] — Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Contractor: [Name] — Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
When the work is done
Invoice it the same way the contract describes it. The freelance invoice template matches this contract's payment terms line for line, and the free invoice generator turns it into a PDF or a share link in a minute. Need to agree a price first? Send a quote with the quote & estimate generator.
Frequently asked questions
What should a freelance contract include?
At minimum: who the parties are, the services and deliverables, the timeline, the fee and payment schedule, how many revisions are included, who owns the work, how either side can end the agreement, and signatures from both parties.
Is this freelance contract template free?
Yes. The Word and PDF versions are free to download with no signup. Edit the bracketed sections to match your project.
Do I need a contract for small freelance jobs?
A short written agreement helps even on small jobs, because it sets the scope and payment terms before work starts. An email both sides reply to agreeing the key terms is better than nothing.
When should ownership of the work transfer?
A common approach is that the client owns the final deliverables once they have paid in full, while the freelancer keeps their pre-existing tools and materials. This template uses that approach.
Is this template legal advice?
No. It's a starting point written in plain English. Laws differ by state and country, so have a lawyer review contracts for large or unusual projects.