Web design contract template

This a web design contract template sample that you can use free of charge. You can copy and paste it into Microsoft Word or Google Docs and edit as you like.

Web Design Contract

This Web Design Contract (the "Contract") is entered into on _________________________ [Date] by and between:

Web Designer / Agency: _________________________ [Designer or Company Name] located at _________________________ [Provider Address] (the "Provider").
Client: _________________________ [Client Name] located at _________________________ [Client Address] (the "Client").

1. Scope of Services

The Provider agrees to design, develop, and deliver a website for the Client in accordance with the specifications outlined below.

1. Service Description

The Provider shall design and develop a website for the Client’s business located at _________________________ [Business Name or Website URL]. The project shall include planning, design, development, testing, and deployment.

2. Services Included

The web design services shall include but are not limited to:

_________________________ [Custom website design and layout creation]
_________________________ [Responsive design for mobile and tablet devices]
_________________________ [Front-end and back-end development]
_________________________ [Content integration and formatting]
_________________________ [Search engine optimization (SEO) setup]
_________________________ [Testing and debugging before launch]
_________________________ [Post-launch maintenance (if agreed upon)]
_________________________ [Other services as agreed upon by both parties]

3. Deliverables and Timeline

The Provider shall deliver the completed website and all associated materials by _________________________ [Delivery Date]. Milestones or progress reviews shall take place on _________________________ [Dates or Intervals].

2. Terms of Contract

This Contract shall commence on _________________________ [Start Date] and continue until the completion of the project or as otherwise terminated under this Contract.
Any changes to project scope, timeline, or deliverables must be agreed upon in writing by both parties.
After the final website handover, any additional work or revisions shall be subject to a separate agreement or hourly rate.

3. Payment Terms

The Client agrees to pay the Provider a total sum of $_________________________ [Amount] for the web design services.
Payment shall be made as follows:
- _________________________ [%] deposit upon signing of this Contract.
- _________________________ [%] upon delivery of initial design concepts.
- _________________________ [%] upon final approval and website launch.
Payments shall be made via _________________________ [Payment Method] within _________________________ [Number] days of invoice.
Late payments may incur a late fee of _________________________ [Late Fee Amount] for each week payment is overdue.

4. Revisions and Approvals

The Client is entitled to _________________________ [Number] rounds of revisions. Additional revisions will incur an extra fee of $_________________________ [Amount] per round. Timely feedback and approvals from the Client are essential to meet the project timeline.

5. Termination

Either party may terminate this Contract by providing written notice _________________________ [Number] days prior to the intended termination date.
Upon termination, the Client shall pay for all work completed up to the termination date, including any partially completed deliverables.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

Upon full payment, the Client shall own all rights to the final website design, content, and deliverables. The Provider retains the right to display the completed work in portfolios, websites, or promotional materials unless otherwise agreed upon.

7. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary or sensitive information disclosed during the course of this Contract, including but not limited to business strategies, login credentials, and customer data.

8. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for failure or delay in performing obligations under this Contract due to circumstances beyond their control, such as natural disasters, internet outages, war, or government restrictions.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of _________________________ [Your State or Country]. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively by the courts of _________________________ [Your State or County].

10. Entire Agreement

This Contract represents the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the date first written above.

Provider
Signature: _________________________ [Signature]
Name and title: _________________________ [Name and Title]
Date: _________________________ [Date]

Client
Signature: _________________________ [Signature]
Name and title: _________________________ [Name]
Date: _________________________ [Date]

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What's a Web Design Contract?

A web design contract is a legal agreement between a client and a web designer or design agency that defines the terms and conditions for the creation of a website or digital project. This contract establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and responsibilities for both parties, ensuring that the project proceeds smoothly and that both sides are protected from misunderstandings or disputes. In this article, we’ll explore the essential elements of a web design contract, its importance, and the key clauses it should include.

1. Definition and Scope

A web design contract defines the scope of services to be provided, outlining what the web designer will deliver to the client. This typically includes details such as the number of web pages, design style, features, integrations, and technologies to be used. The scope should also clarify whether services like hosting, SEO optimization, or content creation are included, helping to avoid scope creep during the project.

2. Parties Involved

The contract identifies the two primary parties:

The Client, who commissions the website and provides necessary content, assets, or approvals.
The Provider (web designer or agency), who is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering the website according to the agreed specifications.

Contact information, company details, and authorized representatives should be clearly listed to formalize the relationship.

3. Terms and Conditions

A web design contract sets out the terms and conditions governing the agreement. This includes payment terms, pricing structure (fixed fee or hourly rate), deposit requirements, revision limits, and delivery timelines. It should also specify ownership rights, intellectual property transfer conditions, and responsibilities for providing content or assets. Clear terms help prevent disputes and ensure transparency.

4. Duration and Milestones

The contract defines the project timeline, including the start date, estimated completion date, and major milestones (such as design approval, development, testing, and final delivery). Milestones may also be linked to payment stages, ensuring progress-based compensation and accountability. Provisions for deadline extensions or delays caused by either party should also be included.

5. Deliverables and Revisions

A crucial section of the contract outlines the exact deliverables — for example, a completed website, design mockups, or source files. It also specifies the number of revision rounds included in the price and the cost of additional changes. This ensures that both parties share a clear understanding of what’s included in the project scope and what would incur extra fees.

6. Intellectual Property and Ownership

Ownership rights are a vital part of any web design contract. Typically, the designer retains ownership of all creative work until full payment is received. Once paid in full, ownership of the final website, design files, and related assets is transferred to the client. The contract may also grant the designer permission to showcase the project in their portfolio unless otherwise agreed.

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality clauses protect sensitive business or personal information shared during the project. This can include proprietary data, login credentials, or marketing strategies. Both parties agree not to disclose or misuse confidential information, ensuring trust and professional integrity throughout the collaboration.

8. Legal Compliance and Liability

Web design contracts should comply with relevant laws, including data protection regulations (like GDPR), accessibility standards, and intellectual property laws. They may also address liability limits — for instance, stating that the designer is not responsible for future website errors caused by third-party updates or client modifications.

Conclusion

A well-drafted web design contract is essential for a smooth, professional collaboration between clients and designers. It provides a clear framework that defines expectations, responsibilities, and protections for both sides. By outlining the project scope, terms, deliverables, and ownership rights, such contracts prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both parties achieve their goals with confidence and clarity. Whether you're a freelance designer, an agency, or a business client, having a solid web design contract in place is key to building a successful and legally sound working relationship.