What should a freelance contract include?
A good freelance or service agreement does not need to be long. It needs to answer the questions that cause disputes later:
- Scope – exactly what you will deliver, and what is not included
- Timeline – start date, delivery date and what happens if the client is late with feedback
- Fees and payment terms – the price, deposit, milestones, due dates and late fees
- Revisions – how many rounds are included and how extra changes are charged
- Intellectual property – when ownership transfers (usually on full payment) and your portfolio rights
- Confidentiality, termination, liability and governing law
How the AI contract generator works
- Fill in the parties, what you will deliver, the fee, payment terms and dates.
- A free template agreement is written from your details as you type – no AI needed.
- For a contract tailored to your project, add any special points (for example "client provides all photos" or "monthly retainer, 20 hours") and click Write contract with AI.
- Read it carefully, edit anything in the text box, then copy it, download it or print it to PDF for both sides to sign.
Five clauses freelancers forget
- A deposit. 30–50% up front filters out clients who are not serious and funds the first weeks of work.
- A kill fee. Payment for work done if the client cancels.
- Late payment terms. A late fee you can actually enforce must be in the agreement – work it out with the late fee calculator.
- Feedback deadlines. Otherwise a client who takes three weeks to reply can still hold you to the original delivery date.
- Change requests in writing. Email is enough – it stops scope creep.
From contract to getting paid
Turn the scope into a priced proposal with the AI scope of work generator or the quote generator. Once the contract is signed, invoice the deposit with the invoice generator, and if a client stops paying, the AI payment demand letter generator writes the formal letter.
The contracts on this page are general templates, not legal advice. For high-value work, work in regulated fields or anything unusual, have a lawyer in your country review your agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AI-written contract legally valid?
A contract is valid because both parties agree to clear terms and sign it, not because of who typed it. Read the AI draft carefully, make sure it matches what you agreed, and get legal advice for large or complex projects.
Is the contract generator free?
Yes. The template version is always free and works without AI. The AI version uses our free daily AI allowance; if it runs out, the template still works.
Can I use it for retainers or hourly work?
Yes. Describe the arrangement in the fee and payment fields – for example '$80 per hour, billed monthly' or '$2,000 monthly retainer for up to 25 hours' – and the AI writes the payment clause to match.
Do both parties need to sign?
Yes. Print it or save it as a PDF and have both sides sign, or send it through an e-signature service. Many freelancers also accept a clear email reply saying 'I agree to the attached terms'.
