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Free Contract Generator

Create a freelance service contract in minutes. Add your scope, payment terms, and optional clauses — download a PDF contract ready to sign. No account, no watermark.

Service provider (you)

Client

Project details

Payment

Contract clauses

IP transfers to client upon full payment. You retain portfolio rights.

Both parties agree not to disclose proprietary information to third parties.

Contract includes
Scope of services
Payment clause
2 revision rounds
IP transfer clause
Governing law
Signature blocks

This is a template, not legal advice. Review with a lawyer for high-value contracts.

What to include in every freelance contract

  1. 1. Scope of services

    Define exactly what you will and won't do. Vague scope is the root cause of most freelance disputes. Be specific about deliverables, formats, and quantities.

  2. 2. Payment amount and terms

    State the total fee, payment schedule, and what triggers each payment. “50% on signing, 50% on delivery” is the most common freelance payment structure.

  3. 3. Revision policy

    Specify how many rounds of revisions are included. Additional revisions should have a defined hourly rate so there's no ambiguity.

  4. 4. IP ownership

    Without an IP transfer clause, you own copyright on the work you create even after the client pays. Include this clause if clients need full ownership of the deliverables.

  5. 5. Timeline and deadline

    Include a start date and projected completion. If the project runs late due to client delays, the contract should protect your timeline.

  6. 6. Governing law

    Specify which country or state's law governs the contract. This matters if you and your client are in different jurisdictions.

Signs you need a contract

  • Any project worth more than one hour of your time
  • A new client you've never worked with before
  • A project with a long timeline or multiple phases
  • Work that involves creating original designs, code, or content
  • Clients who want to keep the project confidential
  • Projects where IP ownership matters (logos, brand assets, software)
  • International clients in a different legal jurisdiction
  • Any project involving a retainer or recurring payments

Frequently asked questions

Is this a legally binding contract?

This template creates a contract document, but whether it's enforceable depends on your jurisdiction and how you sign it. For high-value projects, have a lawyer review it. For everyday freelance work, this template covers the essential terms.

What clauses are included?

The generator includes scope of services, payment terms, revision rounds, IP transfer (optional), confidentiality (optional), and governing law. Signature blocks are included for both parties.

How do I get my client to sign it?

Download the PDF and email it for a wet signature, or use Portlo to send it through a client portal where clients can e-sign digitally — no account needed on their end.

Should I use a contract for every project?

Yes, even small ones. A contract protects both you and your client by setting clear expectations. The most common freelance disputes — scope creep, late payment, IP ownership — are all addressed in this template.

What is an IP transfer clause?

Intellectual property transfer means the client owns the final work after paying you in full. Without this clause, you technically own the copyright even after delivery. Enable this if clients need to own what you create.

Can I customize this contract further?

The generator covers the most common clauses. For contracts that need kill fees, non-competes, or jurisdiction-specific terms, use the notes field or consult a freelance attorney in your region.

Add e-signature and send it to your client

Portlo lets you send contracts for digital signature through a branded client portal. Clients sign in their browser — no account, no app needed. Free plan available.

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