Who owns the design files?

As written, the client owns the final approved deliverables once paid in full. Drafts, unused concepts and source files stay with the freelancer unless they are listed as deliverables.

How do I take a deposit?

The payment section sets a deposit due on signing; fill in the percentage. Send the agreement for signature and invoice the deposit once it comes back signed.

Can I use this for writing, photography or development work?

Yes, with edits. Change the project description and deliverables, and adjust the revisions and usage-rights sections to fit the work.

Free template

Freelance design agreement template

A freelance design agreement keeps a creative project on track: what you will deliver, how many rounds of revisions are included, when you get paid and what the client owns once they have paid. Edit it in the browser and send it for signature from the same page; the free plan includes 5 sends a month and never asks for a card.

Start free with this template

When to use it

Starting a logo, brand identity, website or illustration project with a new client.
Taking a deposit before work begins.
Setting limits on revisions and scope before the first round of feedback.

What's in it

1.Project
2.Revisions
3.Fees and payment
4.Client responsibilities
5.Ownership and usage rights
6.Portfolio
7.Cancellation
8.General

Plus signature, name and date fields for client and freelancer.

The full template

The text you start from, exactly as it opens in the editor. Bracketed blanks are yours to fill in; highlighted fields are filled by each signer.

Freelance Design Services Agreement

This Agreement is made as of Date signed — Client between [Client name] (the “Client”) and [Freelancer name or studio] (the “Freelancer”).

1. Project

The Freelancer will design and deliver: [describe the project, e.g. a logo and brand guide, a five-page website design] (the “Project”).

Deliverables and file formats: [list deliverables and formats].

Target completion date: [date].

2. Revisions

The fee includes [two (2)] rounds of revisions per deliverable. Additional revisions or changes to the agreed scope are billed at [$[amount] per hour] after the Client approves an estimate.

3. Fees and payment

Total project fee: $[amount].
Deposit: [50]% due on signing, non-refundable once work begins.
Balance: due on delivery of final files.
Invoices not paid within [fifteen (15)] days may pause work until paid.

4. Client responsibilities

The Client will provide content, brand assets and feedback promptly, and confirms it has the right to use any materials it supplies. Delays in feedback may move the completion date.

5. Ownership and usage rights

On full payment, the Client owns the final approved deliverables. Drafts, unused concepts and the Freelancer's source files remain the Freelancer's property unless listed as deliverables. Third-party fonts, stock images or licensed assets are subject to their own licenses.

6. Portfolio

The Freelancer may display the final work in a portfolio and on social media after public release, unless the Client asks otherwise in writing.

7. Cancellation

Either party may cancel the Project with written notice. The Client will pay for work completed to the cancellation date, and the deposit is retained. Ownership transfers only for work that has been paid for.

8. General

The Freelancer is an independent contractor. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential damages, and the Freelancer's total liability is limited to the fees paid. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [State].

Signatures

Client

Signature: Signature — Client

Name: Full name — Client

Date: Date signed — Client

Freelancer

Signature: Signature — Freelancer

Name: Full name — Freelancer

Date: Date signed — Freelancer

This template is a general-purpose starting point written in plain English for use in the United States. It is not legal advice and has not been reviewed for your situation; for anything high-stakes, have a lawyer review the final version.

How to send it for signature

Step 1
Start from the template
It opens as a document in the editor with both parties' signature, name and date fields already placed. Fill in the bracketed blanks and change any clause.
Step 2
Add who signs
Put an email address on each party, set the signing order if it matters, add an access code if you want one, and add a viewer for anyone who only needs to read it.
Step 3
Send it and track it
Each signer gets a link and signs in the browser, no account needed. You see who has opened and signed, and everyone gets the completed PDF with a certificate of completion.