Freelance Contract Template

A freelance contract protects the two things freelancers lose most often: time to scope creep, and money to late or missing payments. This template ties the work to your proposal, limits revisions, takes a deposit, sets late fees, and makes ownership pass only on payment.

  • 1. Services
  • 2. Revisions and Changes
  • 3. Fees and Deposit
  • 4. Late Payment
  • 5. Client Materials
  • 6. Ownership
  • 7. Portfolio
  • 8. Confidentiality
  • 9. Independent Contractor
  • 10. Cancellation
  • 11. Limitation of Liability
  • 12. General
  • Signatures from both parties
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it for any project with a new client, alongside the proposal or quote that describes the work.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section or add your own. Once you send it, your client signs online from any device. Edit this template online

This Freelance Services Agreement is made on [Contract Date] between [Company Name] ("Freelancer") and [Client Name] ("Client").

1. Services

Freelancer will provide the services described in the proposal or quote Client has accepted (the "Proposal"). The Proposal sets the scope, deliverables, timeline, and fees. If the Proposal and this agreement conflict, the Proposal governs the scope, and this agreement governs everything else.

2. Revisions and Changes

Two rounds of revisions are included. A round is one set of consolidated feedback. Further rounds are billed at $95 per hour, with Client's approval first. Work outside the Proposal is quoted before it starts and done only with Client's written approval.

3. Fees and Deposit

  • A deposit of 50% of the project fee is due on signing. Work starts once it's paid.
  • The balance is due on delivery of the final work.
  • Hourly work is invoiced every two weeks.

4. Late Payment

Invoices are due within 15 days. Overdue amounts carry a late fee of 1.5% per month, or the highest rate the law allows if that is lower. Freelancer may pause work while any invoice is more than 15 days overdue, and deadlines move by the length of the pause.

5. Client Materials

Client will provide content, access, and feedback on time, and confirms it has the right to use any materials it supplies. Delays in materials or feedback move deadlines by the same amount.

6. Ownership

On full payment, Client owns the final deliverables. Until then, they remain Freelancer's. Freelancer keeps ownership of drafts and concepts not used, and of its own tools, templates, and know-how, and grants Client a permanent license to use any of them included in the final deliverables. Fonts, stock media, and other third-party materials are licensed under their own terms.

7. Portfolio

Freelancer may show the finished work in its portfolio once it's public, unless Client asks otherwise in writing.

8. Confidentiality

Each party will keep the other's confidential information private, and use it only for this project, during the project and for two years after it ends.

9. Independent Contractor

Freelancer is an independent contractor, not an employee. Freelancer sets its own hours and methods, provides its own equipment, is responsible for its own taxes and insurance, and may work for other clients.

10. Cancellation

Client may cancel the project with written notice. Client will pay for work done to that date, and no less than 25% of the project fee. The deposit counts toward this amount. Freelancer may end the project if Client doesn't pay an invoice within 30 days of its due date, or otherwise materially breaches this agreement.

11. Limitation of Liability

Freelancer's total liability under this agreement is limited to the fees Client has paid. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential losses, including lost profits.

12. General

This agreement is governed by the laws of [state or country]. It and the Proposal are the entire agreement between the parties, and may only be changed in writing. If any part is found unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.

By signing below, both parties agree to these terms.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your contract is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about contracts and e-signatures in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

What should a freelance contract include?

The scope, how many revisions are included, fees and when they're due, what happens if payment is late, who owns the work and when, and how either side can end the project.

Should freelancers take a deposit?

Most do, commonly 25% to 50% upfront. A deposit confirms the client is committed, covers the time you reserve for them, and reduces the risk of not being paid at all.

Is this freelance contract template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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