Why "just email it" is not a contract
A scope discussion over email is a starting point, not an agreement. When the client says "I thought that was included," or "I'm not paying the deposit because we didn't technically sign anything," you need something that was agreed before the work started and that a court could read. A written contract does not need to be a wall of legalese — it needs to be clear, specific and signed.
The templates here are the core clauses every freelance agreement needs, written in plain English so both you and the client can actually read and understand them. ProposalPro stores all 13 as an editable library — toggle the ones you need, customise the language for your project, and get a signed PDF.
The 13 core freelance contract clauses
1. Scope of work
The most important clause. Name every deliverable explicitly: format, quantity, breakpoints, file types, rounds of work included. Then add an out-of-scope list — printing, stock licenses, migrations, extra meetings. Every common assumption is a future dispute waiting to happen.
2. Payment terms
State the fee or rate, invoicing schedule, due date (Net 15 / Net 30), accepted payment method, and what happens to unpaid work. Connect milestone payments to specific, objectively verifiable deliverables rather than vague "phases."
3. Deposit
A deposit (typically 25–50% upfront) compensates you for reserving time for a project that may not start. Specify whether it is refundable and when work begins. Without one, a client can cancel after you've turned down other work.
4. Late payment
State the late fee — a flat amount, a percentage per month (e.g. 1.5%), or an annual interest rate. Also state any grace period and the consequence of prolonged non-payment (work paused, files withheld until cleared). Use the late fee calculator to apply this exactly.
5. Revisions and change requests
Define how many revision rounds are included, what counts as a revision (vs. a scope change), and how quickly the client must provide consolidated feedback. Create a written change-request process so any out-of-scope work is priced before it begins.
6. Intellectual property and ownership
The default in many countries is that the creator retains copyright until full payment is received. Specify exactly what transfers at the end: the final deliverables only, or also source files. State that you keep all pre-existing tools, templates, methods and unused concepts. If third-party assets (fonts, stock, open-source code) are involved, confirm they remain under their own licenses.
7. Confidentiality
Define what counts as confidential (client data, business plans, trade secrets), how you will safeguard it, and sensible exclusions (publicly available info, independently developed material). Match the level of protection to the actual sensitivity of the work.
8. Independent contractor status
Confirms you are a self-employed contractor, not an employee. You control how the services are performed, subject to agreed outcomes. This matters for tax, benefits and liability on both sides.
9. Cancellation and kill fee
A kill fee compensates you when a booked project is cancelled before completion. Set the formula clearly — a flat amount, a percentage, or payment for work completed plus a cancellation charge. The notice method (written, email) and the final payment due date should also be stated.
10. Limitation of liability
Caps your financial exposure. A common approach limits your total liability to the fees paid for the specific project. Avoid accepting open-ended liability clauses that could expose you to losses far exceeding what you charged.
11. Governing law and disputes
State which country or state's law governs the agreement. For most freelancers, this is where you are based. Also state the preferred dispute resolution method — informal negotiation first, then mediation, then a specific court — appropriate to the project value.
12. Portfolio and testimonial rights
Can you display the finished work in your portfolio? When? State this explicitly — clients sometimes assume confidentiality extends to your portfolio unless you agree otherwise.
13. Acceptance and signature
Both parties sign with their names, roles and dates. Electronic or typed signatures can be legally valid in many places, but local rules vary. Keep a signed copy for your records.
Use these clauses in a real contract
ProposalPro has all 13 as an editable library. Toggle the ones you need, customise the language, get a typed signature and save as PDF. Free, offline, no account.
Open the free contract maker →Common freelance contract mistakes
- Vague scope — "a website" is not a scope. A scope is page count, breakpoints, included integrations, file formats and who provides copy and images.
- No out-of-scope list — what is NOT included is as important as what is.
- No deposit clause — you've effectively given the client a free option to cancel after you've turned other work down.
- Revision count without a definition — "3 rounds" means nothing if a "round" can include a complete rebrand.
- Vague IP transfer — without a clear transfer clause, ownership disputes are common.
- No kill fee — clients can cancel at 90% complete and you receive nothing for the completed work.
- Agreeing verbally — an email saying "sounds good" is not a contract.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a freelance contract include?
- At minimum: parties, scope of work, out-of-scope list, payment terms, deposit, late fee, revisions, IP ownership, kill fee, independent-contractor status, limitation of liability, governing law, and a signature block.
- Do I need a separate contract for every project?
- Yes, ideally. Reuse a template customised for each client and project — it only takes a few minutes and protects every engagement.
- Are these contract templates legally binding?
- A signed agreement based on clear clauses can be legally binding. Enforceability depends on local law and how it is signed. For high-value or complex work, have a lawyer review.
- Is this free?
- Yes. The free ProposalPro makes one complete contract with all 13 clauses, typed signatures and Save-as-PDF — no account, nothing uploaded.
- Can the client sign online?
- Yes. ProposalPro includes a typed-signature block for both parties. Save as PDF and send it, or have the client sign directly in the tool.
Related free tools
This page provides general information and clause descriptions for educational purposes. It is not legal advice. Contract enforceability depends on local law, how an agreement is signed and the specific facts of each situation. For high-value or legally complex work, consult a qualified legal professional.