Sample Freelance Contract Template – Free Download

Hiring or working as a freelancer? Whether you’re designing a logo, drafting a legal memo, or building a website, having a clear contract in place protects everyone involved. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a sample freelance contract template that covers the essential legal terms you need to get started.

You’ll also find a free download at the end—a customizable, lawyer-approved document you can use right away.

Why You Need a Freelance Contract

Freelance contracts help you avoid misunderstandings about:

• What services are expected
• When and how payments will be made
• Who owns the work
• What happens if the project is delayed or canceled

Without a written agreement, disputes can escalate quickly and lead to lost time, money, and clients.

What to Include in a Freelance Contract

A solid freelance agreement typically includes the following sections:

1. Scope of Work

Clearly outline what services the freelancer will provide. This can include:

• Deliverables (e.g., 10 blog posts, 3 design drafts)
• Milestones and deadlines
• Revisions policy (e.g., two rounds of edits included)

2. Fees and Payment Terms

Define:

• The total price (fixed or hourly)
• Payment schedule (e.g., 50% upfront, 50% on delivery)
• Accepted payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
• Late payment penalties if any

3. Confidentiality and IP Rights

Make sure the contract covers:

• Ownership of work (who owns the final product)
• Use of confidential information
• Rights to reuse or showcase the work in portfolios

4. Revisions and Change Requests

State how additional changes will be handled:

• Will they be charged hourly?
• Is there a limit to free changes?

5. Termination Clause

Cover how either party can end the agreement:

• With notice (e.g., 7 days)
• With or without refund, depending on work completed

6. Dispute Resolution

Avoid costly legal battles by agreeing upfront on how disputes will be resolved:

• Friendly negotiation first
• Then mediation or small claims court

7. Limitation of Liability

Protects both parties from excessive liability:

• Cap liability to the amount paid under the agreement
• No responsibility for indirect or consequential damages

When and How to Use This Contract

Use this contract when:

• You’re about to start a project as a freelancer
• You’re hiring a freelancer to help with a task or deliverable
• You want a basic legal document that is easy to understand and customize

Pro tip: Review the terms together with your client before signing. Clarify any unclear points to prevent confusion later.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a solo freelancer or a business working with independent contractors, a simple freelance contract can save you from a lot of stress. It sets expectations early and protects both sides if things go wrong.

Download the free template, make it your own, and use it as the foundation for all your freelance projects.