Free Scope of Work Template
Define project deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria. Built-in change order process and AI tools clause — the two provisions freelancers most often miss.
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- Free forever
- Reviewed June 2026
- Change order process included
Branding (optional)
1 — Provider
2 — Client
3 — Project
4 — Fees & Payment
5 — Revisions & AI Tools
6 — Governing Law
PDF: choose "Save as PDF" in the dialog that opens.
Scope of Work Agreement
Effective date: enter start date above
1. Project Overview & Parties
Service Provider: enter provider name
Client: enter client name
Project: enter project title (web development)
This Scope of Work Agreement ("Agreement") governs the services described below and operates as a standalone contract or as an exhibit to a master service agreement between the parties.
2. In-Scope Services & Deliverables
The Provider will deliver the following for this web development project. Specify each deliverable with quantity, format, and file type in the downloaded DOCX.
☐ Deliverable 1: [quantity · format · file type]
☐ Deliverable 2: [quantity · format · file type]
☐ Deliverable 3: [quantity · format · file type]
3. Out-of-Scope Exclusions
The following are NOT included and require a written change order (Clause 7):
✗ Hosting, domain purchase, or server configuration
✗ Third-party software licensing fees
✗ Content not explicitly listed in Clause 2
✗ Post-delivery support or maintenance
✗ Translation or localisation
Update this list with project-specific exclusions in the DOCX.
4. Acceptance Criteria
Client has 5 business days to review each deliverable and either accept in writing, request specific revisions in writing, or reject with specific written reasons. Silence = acceptance — no response within 5 business days = deliverable deemed accepted.
2 rounds of revisions included per deliverable. Rounds beyond this require a change order.
5. Project Timeline & Milestones
Start: enter date | Final delivery: enter date
Client delays extend Provider's deadlines day-for-day at no penalty to Provider.
6. Fees, Payment Schedule & Kill Fee
Fee: enter amount above
Deposit: 25% due upon execution before work begins. No IP transfers until all fees paid in full.
Kill fee: If Client cancels after Milestone 1, Client pays all work completed to date plus 25% of the total remaining project balance.
7. Change Order Process
Scope changes follow a 4-step process: ① Client submits change request in writing → ② Provider issues written change order within 3 business days → ③ Client countersigns → ④ Work begins. No obligation to perform out-of-scope work without a signed change order.
8. Intellectual Property & AI Tools
Upon receipt of all fees, Provider assigns to Client all right, title, and interest in the deliverables listed in Clause 2. Provider retains all Background IP; Client receives a royalty-free licence to use Background IP embedded in the deliverables.
9. Client Responsibilities
Client must deliver by start date: (a) all required source materials, brand assets, and credentials; (b) a designated primary contact with approval authority; (c) feedback within 3 business days of each submission. Client delays exceeding 10 business days entitle Provider to invoice for completed work and suspend further performance.
10. General Provisions
Provider is an independent contractor. Amendments in writing only. Electronic signatures valid (ESIGN Act / UETA).
Governing law: select state above.
Service Provider
Signature
Print name: _______________
Title: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
Client
Signature
Print name: _______________
Title: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
Preview — first 4 of 10 clauses shown
Clause 1
Project Overview & Parties
Service Provider: [Provider Name], [Address]
Client: [Client Name / Company], [Address]
Project: [Project Title] (web development)
This Scope of Work Agreement ("Agreement") governs the services described below and operates as a standalone contract or as an exhibit to a master service agreement between the parties.
Clause 2
In-Scope Services & Deliverables
The Provider will deliver the following items. Each deliverable is defined by quantity, file format, and delivery method.
Clause 3
Out-of-Scope Exclusions
The following are expressly excluded and require a written Change Order (Clause 7) and additional fee:
Clause 4
Acceptance Criteria
Client has 5 business days to review each deliverable and respond in writing with acceptance, specific revision requests, or specific written rejection reasons.
Silence = acceptance provision
No written response within 5 business days = deliverable deemed approved. Based on Restatement (Second) of Contracts §69. Revision rounds included: [2 rounds] per deliverable.
+ 6 more clauses: Timeline, Fees & Kill Fee, Change Orders, IP & AI Tools, Client Responsibilities, General Provisions — download the full template ↓
Download this scope of work template
Fill in the form above, then download your ready-to-sign document. No account required.
What's included in this scope of work template
How to use this scope of work template
Fill in project details above
Enter provider and client names, project title, start and end dates, fee amount, deposit percentage, and governing state. The live preview updates as you type.
Download the DOCX template
Click "Download DOCX" to get a filled Word document. Open in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice and complete the deliverables list (Clause 2) and out-of-scope exclusions (Clause 3) for your project.
Customise deliverables and exclusions
List each deliverable with precise quantity, format, and file type — vague descriptions are the leading cause of scope creep disputes. Add project-specific exclusions to Clause 3.
Get both parties to sign before work begins
Send via a signing tool (Bonsai, DocuSign, PandaDoc) or email as a PDF for wet signatures. Keep a fully executed copy. Do not start work until both signatures are on file.
Common addendums to attach:
Scope of work template — frequently asked questions
Bonsai, HelloSign, and PandaDoc let clients sign your SOW online in minutes — no printing required.