Freelance Web Design contract template
A web design agreement protects both your time and the client's investment, and matters even for small sites since undefined scope, unclear file/code ownership, and open-ended revisions are the most common sources of freelance web design disputes.
Scope of work and deliverables
List exactly what's included — page count, specific features (contact forms, e-commerce, blog, custom animations), platform/CMS, and number of design concepts — and price anything beyond that (extra pages, new features requested mid-project) as a separate line item.
Content and asset responsibility
State who provides final copy, photos, and branding assets, and by when — missing content is one of the most common causes of project delays, so make clear whether waiting on the client pauses the timeline without penalty to you.
Payment schedule and kill fee
Require a deposit before work begins (typically 30-50%), tie remaining payments to milestones (design approval, pre-launch), and include a kill fee if the client cancels mid-project so design and build time already spent is compensated.
Revision limits and scope creep
Cap the number of included design-concept and revision rounds and define what counts as a revision versus a new direction request, so late-stage 'let's try something completely different' doesn't become unpaid extra work.
Ownership of final files and code
Specify that the client receives full ownership of the finished site and design files upon final payment, and separately note any third-party licenses (stock photos, premium fonts, plugin/theme licenses) that don't transfer and may need the client's own account or renewal.
Post-launch support and maintenance
Define what's included after launch (e.g. 30 days of bug fixes) versus what requires a separate maintenance retainer or hourly billing, including hosting management, content updates, and security/plugin updates — undefined post-launch expectations are a common source of unpaid ongoing work.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consider having a local attorney review your final agreement.