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Freelance design contract template

A contract that holds the scope: what you’re making, what the client has to supply and by when, how many rounds of changes are included, when you’re paid, and who owns what at the end.

It’s a starting point written for UK freelancers, not legal advice. Read it through, change anything that doesn’t match how you work, and get advice if the job is unusual or high-value.

Send it to sign, free →
What it covers

Each part, in a sentence.

Scope of work

The deliverables, and when the project starts.

Client materials

Copy, logos, images and access, by a date, with the right to use them.

Revisions

How many rounds are included, and the rate for more.

Fees and payment

A deposit before work starts and the balance on delivery.

Ownership

The client owns the final approved work once it’s paid for; you keep drafts and unused concepts.

Changes, cancellation and liability

Changes quoted before they’re done, cancellation charges and a liability cap.

The template

Fill in the highlighted parts.

The same wording as the “Design & creative” template in Freelance Ops. Anything in [square brackets] is for you to fill in or delete.

Scope of work

The Provider will produce the deliverables described in the products and services above. The project starts once the deposit is paid and the Client has supplied the materials below.

Client materials

The Client will supply copy, logos, images and access details by [date], and confirms they have the right to use them. Delays in supplying materials may move the delivery date.

Revisions

The fee includes [two] rounds of revisions. Further revisions, or changes to the agreed brief, are charged at [£rate] per hour.

Fees and payment

A deposit of [50]% is due before work starts. The balance is due on delivery of the final files, which are handed over once paid.

Ownership

On full payment, the Client owns the final approved deliverables. The Provider keeps ownership of drafts, unused concepts and their own tools and methods, and may show the finished work in their portfolio.

Changes and cancellation

Either party can ask for changes to the Services in writing. Changes that add time or cost will be quoted before any extra work is done.

If the Client cancels, the deposit is non-refundable and any work already done is charged. If the Client cancels within [30] days of the agreed date, the full fee is payable.

If the Provider has to cancel, they will refund all payments made for work not yet delivered, and will try to recommend a suitable replacement.

Liability

The Provider’s total liability under this agreement is limited to the fees paid. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential loss, or for delays caused by events outside their reasonable control. Nothing in this agreement limits liability that cannot be limited by law.

General

  • This agreement, with the products and services above, is the whole agreement between the parties.
  • Any changes must be agreed in writing, including by email.
  • This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Or skip the copy and paste

Use it in Freelance Ops, free.

1

Pick this template

Start a contract from “Design & creative”, with your client and prices filled in.

2

Fill in the brackets

Edit any clause, then save it as your own template to reuse.

3

Send to sign

Your client signs from a link, no account. One click turns it into an invoice.

Questions

Good to know.

When does the client own the work?

Under this template, once they’ve paid in full: they own the final approved deliverables, and you keep drafts, unused concepts and your own tools and methods. Change it if you license work instead of handing over ownership.

Can I charge interest if a business pays late?

Usually, yes. For business clients, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act lets you claim interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, plus a fixed £40, £70 or £100 depending on the size of the debt, unless your contract sets something different.

Is a contract signed online legally binding?

Generally, yes. In England and Wales a contract doesn’t need a pen-and-ink signature: what matters is that both sides agreed to the terms, and an electronic signature can show that. When a client signs in Freelance Ops, the signed contract is kept with the date it was signed. For anything high-value or unusual, take advice from a solicitor.

Can I change the template?

Yes. Everything in [square brackets] is there for you to fill in or delete, and you can rewrite any clause. In Freelance Ops you can save your version as your own template and reuse it for every client.

Your next contract, signed online.

Free for your first 5 clients and 10 invoices a month. No card needed.