Free Freelance Contract Template

What this contract covers

Scope of services — what you’ll deliver, with a change-request process so extra work is agreed and paid for.
Fees — fixed price with optional deposit, hourly with monthly invoicing, or a monthly retainer; payment terms; late interest; expenses.
Term and termination — when it ends, notice periods, and payment for work completed if it ends early.
Intellectual property — ownership on full payment or a licence, plus your right to show the work in your portfolio.
Independent contractor status, confidentiality, warranty and liability cap, and standard general terms.

Writing a scope that prevents disputes

Most freelance disagreements come from an unclear scope. Describe:

Deliverables — exactly what you’ll hand over and in which formats (for example: “five-page WordPress website, source files and login details”).
Revisions — how many rounds are included (“two rounds of revisions”).
Exclusions — what’s not included (“copywriting, stock photos and hosting are not included”).
Client responsibilities — content, feedback deadlines and access you need.

Anything outside the description becomes a change request, which the contract says must be agreed in writing — an email is fine — before you start.

Getting paid on time

Set clear payment terms (14 days is common), invoice promptly, and include your payment details on every invoice. Tie the transfer of ownership to full payment so the client has a reason to pay. If a client goes quiet, the termination clause lets you stop work with notice and still be paid for what you’ve done.

After you generate it

Read the preview, including the plain-English notes.
Send it to the client as a PDF and sign it with our free Sign PDF tool.
Keep the email thread where you sent and received the signed copy.

Fixed price, hourly or retainer?

Fixed price suits well-defined projects and rewards working efficiently, but protect yourself with a tight scope and a deposit. Hourly suits open-ended work where requirements will change; share time logs with each invoice. Retainers suit ongoing support and give you predictable income — define what’s included each month and whether unused hours roll over.

Not legal advice

This template is designed for small freelance and consulting projects. For larger contracts, work involving sensitive data, software licensing or employees, ask a lawyer to review it.

Frequently asked questions

Do freelancers really need a contract?

Yes. A short written agreement prevents the most common freelance problems: scope creep, late payment and disputes over who owns the work. It also makes it far easier to recover unpaid invoices.

Should I ask for a deposit?

For fixed-price projects, a 25–50% deposit is common and protects you if the client disappears. The template makes the deposit non-refundable once work begins.

Who owns the work under this contract?

You choose. The default transfers ownership to the client once they've paid in full, which motivates payment. Alternatively, you can keep ownership and give the client a licence to use the work.

Can I charge interest on late invoices?

Yes, if the contract says so. This template uses 1.5% per month or the maximum allowed by law, whichever is lower.

Does calling someone a contractor make them one?

No. Tax authorities look at the actual relationship: who controls how the work is done, who provides tools, and whether the worker serves other clients. The contract helps, but the facts matter most.

What's a liability cap?

It limits how much the provider could owe if something goes wrong — here, to the fees paid. Without a cap, a small project could expose you to a large claim.

Free Freelance / Service Contract Generator