Free freelance contract templates
Contracts with the clauses that actually matter for your profession — not a generic legal template that covers every scenario except the ones you'll actually face.
Photographer Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- Usage rights — what the client may and may not do with the images
- Cancellation and rescheduling policy with clear refund terms
- Number of edited images included and turnaround time
Web Designer Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- Scope of work with explicit list of deliverables and what is NOT included
- Number of revision rounds included before hourly charges apply
- Intellectual property ownership upon full payment
Graphic Designer Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- License scope — what the client may do with the final artwork
- Number of revision rounds included before additional charges apply
- File formats to be delivered and when
Copywriter Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- Number of revision rounds included and what constitutes a 'revision' vs. a 'rewrite'
- Ownership of content upon full payment
- Kill fee if the client cancels after briefing (typically 50% of project fee)
Consultant Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- Scope of work with clear start and end dates
- Payment terms and late fee policy
- Expense reimbursement policy and approval thresholds
Video Editor Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- Footage ownership and what happens to raw files after delivery
- Number of revision rounds and definition of a revision
- File delivery specs and which formats are included
Social Media Manager Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- Platforms covered and number of posts per week included
- Content approval process and turnaround time
- Ad spend ownership and billing (client pays platforms directly)
Virtual Assistant Contract Template
Key clauses included:
- Scope of tasks included and tasks explicitly excluded
- Working hours and response time expectations
- Confidentiality and data access terms
What every freelance contract needs
Six clauses that separate a real contract from a document that won't hold up.
Scope of work
Defines exactly what's included — and just as importantly, what's not. This is your protection against scope creep.
Payment terms
Deposit amount, milestone schedule, late fees, and what happens if payment stops. Non-negotiable.
Revision policy
How many rounds are included, what constitutes a revision vs. a new project, and your hourly rate for extras.
Intellectual property
What the client owns after paying in full, and what you retain. For creative work, this is critical.
Termination clause
How either party can end the contract, the notice period required, and how outstanding work is billed.
Confidentiality
What information stays private. Important for any client who shares business data, strategy, or financials.
Related guides
Contracts · 9 min
How to write a freelance contract that actually protects you
The clauses, structure, and language that prevent the disputes most freelancers learn about the hard way.
Project management · 8 min
How to prevent scope creep on freelance projects
The clauses, language, and habits that stop projects from drifting — without making you the freelancer who says "no" to everything.
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