Freelance Contract Template — Get Paid. Protect Your Work.

Key clauses included

Every Freelance Contract includes all the provisions that matter.

• Scope of work — exactly what deliverables are included (and excluded)
• Payment terms — rates, invoicing schedule, late payment penalties
• Intellectual property ownership — who owns what upon completion
• Revision policy — how many rounds are included and what additional revisions cost
• Timeline and milestones — delivery dates and acceptance criteria
• Termination clause — how either party can end the project
• Independent contractor status — clarity that this is not an employment relationship

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a freelancer and an employee legally?

An independent contractor controls how they work, uses their own tools, and works for multiple clients. An employee is directed by the employer and receives benefits and protections. Misclassifying an employee as a contractor creates significant tax and legal liability. Our contracts include proper contractor language, but the actual working relationship must also reflect contractor status.

Who owns the work I create as a freelancer?

By default in most jurisdictions, the creator (you) owns the copyright unless you explicitly assign it. A freelance contract should clearly state whether IP transfers to the client upon payment, whether you retain rights for portfolio use, and whether any licensing arrangements apply. Don't leave this ambiguous — disputes over IP ownership are among the most common and costly.

How do I protect myself from non-payment?

The most effective approach: require a deposit upfront (typically 25–50% of the project total), tie remaining payments to deliverable milestones, and include a clause stating you retain copyright until full payment is received. Our contracts include these protections by default.

Should I use a Statement of Work (SOW) or a contract?

For most freelance projects, a single contract that includes project scope, payment terms, and legal provisions is sufficient and simpler. An SOW is typically a separate document used alongside a master services agreement for ongoing or complex engagements. contract.diy generates a combined document appropriate to your situation.

What happens if the client wants changes outside the original scope?

Scope creep is the leading cause of freelancer disputes. A good contract defines exactly what's in scope, requires a written change order for anything outside it, and specifies that out-of-scope work will be billed at your standard rate. Our contracts include clear change order provisions.