Free Web Designer Contract Template [Docs / DOCX]

Need something in writing before you build a website? Our ready-to-use template is here for you.

Beginning a new website job is fun, but having proper documents matters too. When you write down what you and your customer agree to, everyone knows what will happen next. This helps both the person making the website and those who will own it on good terms.

This guide shows you all the essential parts to include. You'll learn what to put in your agreement, get advice that works, and see common errors to avoid. You can follow our simple steps even if you've never done this.

What is a Web Designer Contract?

It outlines the scope of the website project, timeline, payment terms, ownership rights, responsibilities, and expectations in writing. This document serves as the foundation for a professional working relationship, helping to prevent misunderstandings and ensuring everyone understands their obligations throughout the project.

Contract Benefits for Web Designers

• It spells out what work will be done, what will be delivered, when it will be finished, and how payment will be handled. This helps the client and designer know exactly what they agree to.
• Clearly stating what's included in the project prevents clients from adding extra work without additional payment or agreement. 

For example, saying that adding an e-commerce section after project commencement would require a contract amendment and additional fees, as it wasn't part of the original scope.

• If problems happen, like a client not paying or a designer missing deadlines, the contract gives both sides legal backup.
• The contract states who will own the website design and other materials after the project is done and paid for.
• It details when payments are due and how they should be made, which helps avoid payment problems.
• It can limit how often the client can request changes, preventing endless editing cycles.
• The contract can specify what the client needs to provide (like content or feedback), keeping the project on track.
• Having a contract shows professionalism and helps attract serious clients while avoiding those unwilling to follow clear guidelines.

Risks of Working Without a Contract

• Without a contract, there is no written record of what work should be done, when it's due, or how payment is handled. This often leads to confusion about what's included in the project.
• When terms aren't agreed to in writing, disagreements about money, project size, deadlines, or changes happen more often, with no clear way to settle them.
• Without a contract, it's hard to make someone pay you or to protect your creative work, leaving both the designer and client at risk. 

For example, a designer might complete an entire website only to have the client refuse final payment and still use the work, or a client might pay in full but never receive access to their website files.

• Without clear boundaries, clients might ask for extra work without paying more, leading to designer frustration and unpaid work.
• Without spelling out ownership rights, there can be disagreements about who owns the website design after it's finished.
• Starting work without a contract makes the business relationship seem casual and unreliable, creating trust issues and less accountability.

Creating Your Web Designer Contract

A good contract protects you and your client while clearly defining how you'll work together. 

Components of Your Contract

• Parties involved. List the client's and designer's full names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails. This shows who must follow the contract terms.
• Scope of work. Describe your services, such as how many pages, features, and extras like SEO or content writing. Also mention what's NOT included to prevent misunderstandings.
• Timeline and deadlines. Set clear start and end dates for the project, plus deadlines for each step, including when the client needs to provide feedback.
• Payment structure. Specify the total cost, when payments are due (like deposits or milestone payments), acceptable payment methods, and consequences for late payments.
• Revision process. State how many changes are included and how the client should provide feedback and approval. 

For example, "Package includes two rounds of revisions after initial design presentation. Additional revision rounds billed at $85/hour." The client must submit all revision requests in writing using the provided feedback form within five business days of receiving deliverables.

• Who owns what? Explain who will own the website design and code after payment, and whether the designer can use the work in their portfolio.
• Keeping information private. Include rules about not sharing sensitive business information learned during the project.
• Guarantees and protections. Define any warranties on your work and limit your responsibility for problems beyond your control (like hacking).
• After-project support. If you'll provide maintenance or updates after launch, explain what's included and any extra costs.
• Legal matters. State which location's laws apply to the contract and how you'll handle disagreements.
• Other important items:

• Permission to access client accounts, like hosting, if needed.
• Rules about hiring subcontractors.
• Who handles domain registration and renewal?
• How either party can end the contract.

Tips and Best Practices 

• Be precise about what you want from the client. List the specific services, number of pages, features, and what's not included. Also note what the client must provide, like content or logos.
• Include project deadlines and, importantly, how long the client has to give feedback before you consider something approved. 
• State how many changes are included and how clients should request them. Set limits to avoid endless edits and explain how extra changes will be handled and charged. 
• Clearly state the total cost, when payments are due, accepted payment methods, and what happens if payments are late. 
• After payment, specify who will own the website design, code, and assets. Note any rights you keep, like using the work in your portfolio. 

For example, clarifying, "Upon receipt of final payment, the client receives ownership rights to all custom design elements and content created specifically for this project. The designer retains rights to the underlying frameworks, plugins, and techniques. A designer may include a project in the portfolio and promotional materials unless the client requests confidentiality in writing."

• Add confidentiality clauses to protect sensitive information and specify which laws apply and how disputes will be resolved. 
• Consider using project management tools to help enforce your contract terms. 

For example, Flowout uses ManyRequests to track time spent on projects, document client requests, manage revision rounds, and clearly show clients their subscription usage or remaining hours from purchased packages. These systems help prevent scope creep and create accountability on both sides of the agreement.

Contract Mistakes to Avoid

• Unclear website ownership. Not specifying who owns the website, design, and content after completion can cause serious disputes. Designers might claim ownership or limit client access without clear terms, especially during payment disagreements.
• Vague payment structure. Contracts that only show a total price without breaking down payment milestones or linking payments to specific deliverables create confusion and payment risks. A detailed payment schedule tied to completed work keeps everyone accountable.
• Poorly defined scope. Vague descriptions of what's included (like many pages or specific features) often lead to disagreements or surprise charges. Be specific about all deliverables and clearly state what's not included.
• Ignoring content rights. Not addressing where photos, text, and other content will come from and who has the right to use them can cause legal problems later. Your contract should clearly state content sources and confirm usage rights.
• Missing revision policy. Projects can face endless changes and delays without limits on the number of revisions or a straightforward revision process. Specify how many rounds of edits are included. Indicate the number of revision cycles included and how additional changes will be handled.

• There is no conflict resolution plan. Omitting procedures for handling disputes or failing to guarantee client website access during disagreements can lead to project standstills. Include terms for resolving conflicts and maintaining site access.  

For example, omitting dispute procedures rather than including "In the event of a disagreement, both parties agree to mediation before pursuing legal action, and the client will maintain access to their website during any dispute resolution process" could result in locked accounts and costly legal battles. 

• Overlooking domain ownership. Not addressing who owns the domain name or intellectual property can result in clients losing control of their website or domain after the project ends.
• Forgetting about maintenance. Ignoring post-launch maintenance or support terms leaves clients without help after the site goes live. Specify whether ongoing support is included and any costs involved.
• Working without a contract. Hiring a designer without a formal contract increases the risks of miscommunication, a lack of accountability, and a potential loss of website rights.
• Unclear budget expectations. Not discussing budget limits or project expectations upfront often leads to cost overruns and unhappy clients. Your contract should reflect realistic deliverables that match the available budget.

How to use our FREE Web Designer Contract Template

• Download the free template.
• Customize it with your brand identity (Add your company name, insert your logo, include your contact details, etc.)
• Fill in the purple highlights with your and your client's specific information.
• Review all terms carefully before sending.
• Save a copy as your master template for future projects.

Conclusion

Thanks for checking out our web designer contract template. 

Starting as a web designer is thrilling; good contracts help you succeed immediately. This template handles the business part, so you can focus on creating. While contracts are important, keeping up with projects and clients can be hard. 

ManyRequests, for instance, can help. It works like your assistant, keeping all your projects, contracts, and feedback organized in one place. Try it for 14 days free to see how it makes running your design business easier.