Free Freelance Contract Templates
Purpose-built contracts for every type of freelance work — web development, design, copywriting, social media, VA services and more. Fill in online and download as DOCX or PDF. No account required.
- 8 templates
- DOCX + PDF
- Live edit — fill before download
- No signup required
- Reviewed June 2026
Choose your template
Each template is written for a specific freelance profession. Pick the closest match — or download multiple.
The all-purpose freelance agreement. Covers scope, milestones, payment schedule, kill fee, IP ownership and revision rounds. Use this when no profession-specific template applies.
Built for web and software development. Includes hosting handover, browser testing scope, staging/production separation, maintenance clause and version control expectations.
Written for graphic and brand designers. Includes a source file clause, revision rounds, file format deliverables, font licensing, and a concept approval stage before final production.
For monthly social media retainers. Covers platform scope, monthly deliverables, ad spend exclusions, login credential security, content approval workflow and reporting requirements.
Built for VA and remote support services. Covers data access and security, task management, package pricing, timezone and availability expectations, and confidentiality of client accounts.
For interior design engagements. Covers design fee, purchasing markup, procurement scope, client approval process, contractor coordination, change orders and project timeline milestones.
When the client needs to own all copyright from creation. Includes a dual US work-for-hire + international IP assignment clause — the client owns the work regardless of jurisdiction.
For consultants and freelancers on a recurring retainer. Covers monthly fee, hours included per period, overage billing rate, auto-renewal, and notice period for cancellation.
What every freelance contract should include
Regardless of profession, a well-drafted freelance contract should cover these ten elements before work begins.
The basics
Legal protection
Frequently asked questions
- A freelance contract should cover: parties' details; scope of work (specific deliverables, not vague descriptions); timeline and milestones; fees and payment terms (deposit, schedule, late payment clause); revision policy; intellectual property ownership; kill fee for project cancellation; confidentiality; independent contractor status; and governing law. All templates above include these ten elements as standard.
- Yes. Every paid freelance project should have a signed written contract before work begins. Verbal agreements are difficult to prove and leave both parties exposed to disputes over scope, payment and IP ownership — the three most common sources of freelancer conflict. A written contract signed before work starts protects the freelancer's right to be paid and the client's right to the agreed deliverables.
- A freelance contract establishes an independent contractor relationship: the freelancer controls how and where they work, provides their own tools, and may work with multiple clients at once. An employment contract creates an employer-employee relationship with payroll tax obligations, benefits and employment law protections. Misclassifying an employee as a contractor exposes hiring companies to significant tax and legal liability. A well-drafted freelance contract includes an independent contractor clause that expressly establishes the nature of the relationship.
- Use the Freelance Contract for any project not covered by a more specific template. Use the Web Developer Contract for web and software builds. Use the Graphic Designer Contract for branding and design. Use the Work for Hire Agreement when the client needs to own all copyright from creation. Use the Retainer Agreement for ongoing monthly engagements.
- Yes. A signed freelance contract is legally binding when it contains offer, acceptance, consideration (the payment) and the intent to create legal relations. Both parties must sign. These templates are written in plain language and are jurisdiction-neutral, making them a solid starting point worldwide. For high-value projects or complex commercial arrangements, having a local attorney review the final contract is advisable.
Bonsai auto-fills your freelance contracts, collects signatures and processes your deposit — before you start work.
More free contract templates
Browse templates for other professions and use cases.