Free Freelance Contract

Free freelance contract with simplified, plain-English terms. Download a one-page freelance agreement covering scope, payment, revisions, IP rights, and confidentiality. Perfect for any freelance discipline.

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The Problem With Most Freelance Contracts

Standard legal contracts are written by lawyers for lawyers. They're dense, intimidating, and often cause clients to hesitate or request changes that delay the project start. This freelance contract uses plain English that both you and your client can read and understand in 5 minutes โ€” without a law degree.

What This Contract Covers

  • Project scope โ€” Exactly what deliverables you'll produce
  • Timeline โ€” Start date, milestone dates, and final delivery
  • Payment terms โ€” Deposit amount (50% recommended), payment schedule, late fees
  • Revision policy โ€” How many rounds are included, what additional rounds cost
  • Kill fee โ€” What you keep if the client cancels after work has started
  • IP and ownership โ€” Client owns the work upon final payment
  • Confidentiality โ€” Both parties agree not to share sensitive information
  • Portfolio rights โ€” Your right to display the work in your portfolio

Why Plain English Works

Clients sign plain-English contracts faster because they understand what they're agreeing to. Less back-and-forth with their lawyer. Less friction at the start of a project. The core protections are the same as a formal legal contract โ€” the language is just clearer.

How to Use This Contract

  1. Download the Word or PDF version
  2. Fill in the project-specific details (scope, timeline, payment)
  3. Send to client via DocuSign, HelloSign, or print for in-person signing
  4. Keep a signed copy in your project folder
  5. Begin work only after receiving the signed contract and deposit

Recommended Payment Structure

Project SizePayment Schedule
Under $1,000100% upfront or 50% deposit + 50% on delivery
$1,000โ€“$5,00050% deposit + 50% on delivery
$5,000โ€“$20,00033% deposit + 33% at midpoint + 33% on delivery
Over $20,000Monthly milestones tied to deliverable completion

Who This Contract Works For

Designers, developers, writers, photographers, videographers, marketers, consultants, and any professional who takes on project-based client work. Works for both recurring client relationships and one-time projects.

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