A Freelance Contract protects both you and your clients. Whether you’re a designer, writer, developer, or consultant, a solid contract prevents misunderstandings, scope creep, and non-payment. This template covers everything a freelancer needs.
What Is a Freelance Contract?
A freelance contract is a legally binding agreement between a freelancer (independent professional) and their client. Unlike employment contracts, freelance contracts are project-based and define the specific work to be delivered, how much the freelancer will be paid, and the timeline for completion.
Think of it as your business insurance policy — it protects your income and sets clear expectations for everyone involved.
Key Clauses to Include
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Project Scope and Deliverables — The backbone of your contract. List every deliverable clearly: “3 blog posts of 1,500 words each” is better than “content creation.”
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Timeline and Milestones — Set realistic deadlines for each phase. Include buffer time and define what happens if the client delays feedback.
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Payment Schedule — Define rates, payment method, and when payments are due. Milestone-based payments (e.g., 50% upfront, 50% on delivery) reduce risk.
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Revision Policy — Specify the number of included revisions (2-3 is standard) and the hourly rate for additional revisions. Define what counts as a revision vs. a scope change.
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Kill Fee — If the client cancels mid-project, you deserve compensation. A typical kill fee is 25-50% of the remaining project value.
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IP Transfer — Specify when intellectual property transfers to the client (usually upon final payment). Until then, you retain ownership.
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Confidentiality — Protect the client’s sensitive information while preserving your right to use the work in your portfolio (with permission).
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Liability Limitations — Cap your liability at the total project value. You shouldn’t be liable for losses that exceed what you were paid.
How to Customize This Template
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Be specific about deliverables — “Logo design” is vague. “Primary logo in SVG and PNG, horizontal and stacked versions, plus brand color palette” is enforceable.
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Set your revision policy — This one clause alone saves freelancers from endless revision loops. Be firm but fair.
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Include portfolio rights — Add a clause granting you permission to showcase the work in your portfolio after launch.
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Add rush fee terms — If the client needs faster turnaround, define a rush rate (typically 25-50% premium).
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Get legal review — For high-value projects ($5,000+), have a lawyer review your contract. It’s a small investment for serious protection.
How to Send for E-Signature with WPsigner
- Upload — Drag and drop this contract into your WPsigner dashboard
- Add fields — Place signature, date, and scope acknowledgment fields
- Send — Share a secure signing link with your client via email
- Track — See when the client opens and signs the contract
- Store — Signed contracts are archived with tamper-proof audit trails