What is a web design contract?
A web design contract is a written agreement between a web designer or developer and a client that sets out what will be built, what it costs, when it will launch and who owns the finished website. It protects both sides: the client knows exactly what they are paying for, and the designer has clear limits on revisions and a written payment schedule to point to if things drift.
When to use one
Use a web design contract for any website project, from a five-page brochure site to a custom build with booking or e-commerce features. It is especially useful when the client is supplying content, when the project runs over several weeks, or when payments are split into milestones. For small fixes or hourly support, a simpler quote or retainer may be enough.
Key clauses explained
- Scope of work – list the pages and features. Anything not listed is extra, which is the single best defence against scope creep.
- Client content – most website delays are caused by missing text and images. The template moves the launch date when content is late and lets the designer pause a stalled project.
- Revisions – a set number of rounds per stage, with feedback sent as one consolidated list. Extra rounds are billed at your hourly rate.
- Payment milestones – a deposit on signing, a payment on design approval and the balance before launch keeps cash flowing and limits the risk for both parties.
- Hosting and domain – clients should normally own their domain name. The contract says who buys, owns and pays for each account.
- Ownership – rights in the final design transfer to the client on full payment, while the designer keeps its reusable code and tools and licenses them for the site.
Common payment structures
| Structure | Works well for |
|---|---|
| 50% upfront, 50% before launch | Small sites delivered in a few weeks |
| 40 / 30 / 30 milestones | Most custom projects with a design approval stage |
| Thirds | Longer builds where the client wants payments spread out |
| 100% upfront | Very small jobs, template setups and new clients with no history |
How to use this template
- Enter both parties' legal names and addresses.
- List the pages and features in plain words – be specific about forms, integrations and anything the client expects to "just work".
- Set the total fee, payment milestones, number of revisions and your hourly rate for extra work.
- Choose who handles hosting and the domain, and pick a target launch date.
- Switch on optional clauses such as post-launch bug fixes, portfolio rights or a maintenance plan, or use Add custom terms with AI for anything unusual.
- Download the PDF, sign it, and send the deposit invoice.
Tips and common mistakes
- Vague scope. "A modern website" is not a scope. If you need help writing one, try the AI scope of work generator.
- Launching before final payment. Once a site is live, there is less incentive to pay. Make the last payment due before launch.
- Registering the domain in your own name. It creates disputes later. Register it in the client's name, or transfer it promptly.
- Not pricing your time properly. Use the hourly rate calculator before quoting, then send a quote with the contract.
When the milestones arrive, bill them with the web design invoice template, and if a client goes quiet, the payment reminder email generator helps you follow up politely. Protect early discussions with an NDA if the client shares confidential plans.
This template is general information, not legal advice. Rules on contracts, intellectual property and consumer protection vary by country and state; ask a lawyer for large or complex projects.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the website after a web design project?
Under this template, the client owns the final design and the custom code once all invoices are paid. The designer keeps its reusable tools, frameworks and templates and gives the client a permanent licence to use them as part of the site. Third-party themes, plugins and fonts stay under their own licences.
How many revisions should a web design contract include?
Two rounds at the design stage and two at the development stage is common, but any number works as long as it is written down. Asking for feedback in one consolidated list per round keeps revisions manageable.
What deposit should a web designer ask for?
Many designers ask for 30% to 50% upfront before starting. The deposit covers early design work and shows the client is committed. This template lets you choose a 50/50, 40/30/30, thirds or full-upfront schedule.
What happens if the client never sends the content?
The contract moves the launch date by the length of any delay and lets the designer pause the project after 30 days without a response, with the next milestone payment becoming due. That keeps a stalled project from blocking your schedule indefinitely.
Should the client or the designer own the domain name?
In most cases the client should own the domain and hosting accounts in its own name, so it can move the website later. The designer can still set them up and manage them with the client's permission.
