Design Contract Template

Design contract template: Deliverables, revisions & usage rights

An 11-section design agreement covering scope, process and timeline, revision rounds, payment, ownership, sign-off and governing law. Download it as a Word file or copy the clauses below. A separate branding version covers strategy, trademark checks and brand guidelines.

Get the editable contract

Download the Word file and replace every [bracket], or copy the clauses below. The .docx opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages and LibreOffice.

Design contract templateDownload .docx (39 KB)Read it on this page
Branding services agreementDownload .docx (39 KB)Open on this page

Not legal advice. Contract law differs by country and state, so have a qualified lawyer where you and your client are based review the final version before you sign it.

Contract template

1. Parties & agreement

Names the designer or studio and the client. If you are an agency hiring a freelance designer, your agency is the Client here.

This Design Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE] by and between:
Designer: [YOUR NAME/STUDIO], located at [ADDRESS] ("Designer")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Client")

2. Project scope

Lists each deliverable with quantities and file formats, and what is not included, such as printing or development.

Designer agrees to provide the following design services:
Project: [PROJECT NAME/DESCRIPTION]
Deliverables:
  - [e.g., Logo design: 3 initial concepts, 1 final design]
  - [e.g., Brand identity package: logo, color palette, typography]
  - [e.g., Website design: homepage, 5 interior pages, mobile layouts]
File Formats: [e.g., AI, EPS, PNG, PDF, Figma]
NOT Included: [e.g., printing, development, copywriting, photography]

3. Design process & timeline

Sets four phases with durations, and makes the timeline depend on the client replying within a set number of business days.

Phase 1 - Discovery: [X] days - Research, brief review, mood boards
Phase 2 - Concepts: [X] days - [X] initial design concepts presented
Phase 3 - Refinement: [X] days - Selected concept refined based on feedback
Phase 4 - Finalization: [X] days - Final files prepared and delivered
Total Timeline: Approximately [X] weeks from project kickoff
Timeline assumes Client provides feedback within [X] business days at each phase

4. Revisions

Sets revision rounds for the concept and refinement phases, defines a round and prices extra rounds.

This project includes:
  - [X] rounds of revisions during concept phase
  - [X] rounds of revisions during refinement phase
A revision round = one consolidated set of changes from Client
Additional revisions: $[AMOUNT] per round or $[RATE]/hour
Major direction changes after concept approval may require additional fees

5. Payment terms

Splits the fee 50/25/25 across signing, concept approval and final delivery, and releases final files only on final payment.

Total Project Fee: $[AMOUNT]
Payment Schedule:
  - 50% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon signing (before work begins)
  - 25% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon concept approval
  - 25% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon final delivery
Final files will be delivered upon receipt of final payment
Late payments incur [X]% monthly fee after [X] day grace period

6. Intellectual property & ownership

Gives the client ownership of the final approved designs on final payment, and keeps unused concepts, source files and portfolio rights with the designer.

Upon final payment, Client receives full ownership of final approved designs
Until final payment, all work remains Designer's property
Designer retains ownership of:
  - All preliminary work, sketches, and unused concepts
  - Source files (unless specifically included in scope)
  - The right to display work in portfolio and marketing
Client provides any necessary brand assets, content, and permissions

7. Approvals & sign-off

Requires written approval at each phase. Changes to approved work can be charged, and final sign-off triggers the final payment.

Client must provide written approval at each project phase
Approval indicates satisfaction with work to that point
Changes to approved work may incur additional fees
Final sign-off confirms project completion and triggers final payment

8. Termination

Either side can end the agreement with notice. The client pays a set percentage of the fee for each phase completed.

Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice
Upon termination, Client pays for all completed work:
  - Concept phase complete: [X]% of total fee
  - Refinement phase complete: [X]% of total fee
  - Final phase complete: 100% of total fee
Designer will provide all completed work upon payment

9. Limitation of liability

Caps the designer's liability at fees paid, excludes lost profits and indirect damages, and makes the client check the designs before final approval.

Designer's liability limited to total fees paid under this Agreement
Designer not liable for any loss of profits or indirect damages
Client responsible for verifying designs meet their requirements before final approval

10. Governing law & disputes

Names the law that applies and how disputes are handled. Fill in both lines, then have a lawyer qualified in that jurisdiction confirm them before signing.

Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE, COUNTRY]
Dispute Resolution: The parties will first try to resolve any dispute through good-faith discussion within [X] days of written notice
If not resolved: [MEDIATION / ARBITRATION UNDER (NAMED RULES) / THE COURTS OF (CITY, STATE/COUNTRY)]

11. Signatures

Both parties sign and date the agreement before work starts.

Both parties agree to the terms above.
Designer: _________________ Date: _________
Client: _________________ Date: _________

Not legal advice. This template is a drafting starting point, provided for information only. Contract law differs by country and state, so have a qualified lawyer where you and your client are based review the final version before you sign it.

Choose the version for your work

Use only the sections that match your engagement. Each version below contains its own complete working text or checklist.

These are drafting examples. Adapt the terms with legal advice for your jurisdiction and engagement before signing.

Branding services agreement

Use this version when the project includes brand strategy as well as visual identity. It separates strategy (Option A) from identity-only work (Option B), makes the client responsible for trademark registration, defines what the brand guidelines cover, sets revisions per phase and keeps unused concepts with the agency. Download the Word file at the top of the page.

Edit Branding services agreement

1. Parties & Agreement
This Branding Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE]:
Branding Agency: [YOUR NAME/COMPANY] ("Agency")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY] ("Client")
This Agreement governs brand identity and strategy services.

2. Branding Services & Scope
Agency will provide the following branding services:
[OPTION A - Full Brand Strategy]:
  1. Brand Strategy:
    - Brand positioning and differentiation
    - Brand voice and messaging framework
    - Target audience definition
    - Brand personality and values
  2. Visual Identity:
    - Logo design ([X] concepts, [X] revisions)
    - Color palette and color system
    - Typography selection and hierarchy
    - Iconography and graphic elements
  3. Brand Guidelines:
    - Logo usage guidelines
    - Color and typography specifications
    - Application examples
[OPTION B - Visual Identity Only]:
  - Logo design ([X] concepts, [X] revisions)
  - Color palette
  - Typography selection
  - Basic brand guidelines document

3. Brand Strategy Development
Brand Strategy Includes:
  - Competitive analysis and market research
  - Brand positioning statement
  - Brand values and personality definition
  - Target audience personas
  - Brand voice and tone guidelines
  - Key messaging framework
Deliverables:
  - Brand strategy document
  - Brand positioning presentation
  - Messaging framework
Timeline: [X] weeks for strategy development
Client approval required before proceeding to visual identity

4. Visual Identity Creation
Logo Design Process:
  - Phase 1: Research and concept development ([X] weeks)
  - Phase 2: Initial concepts ([X] logo concepts presented)
  - Phase 3: Refinement ([X] rounds of revisions)
  - Phase 4: Finalization and file preparation
Logo Deliverables:
  - Primary logo (full color)
  - Logo variations (horizontal, vertical, icon)
  - Black and white versions
  - File formats: AI, EPS, PNG, SVG, PDF
Color Palette:
  - Primary colors ([X] colors)
  - Secondary colors ([X] colors)
  - Color specifications (CMYK, RGB, HEX, Pantone)
Typography:
  - Primary typeface: [FONT NAME]
  - Secondary typeface: [FONT NAME]
  - Typography hierarchy and usage guidelines

5. Brand Guidelines Documentation
Brand Guidelines Document Includes:
  - Logo usage rules and restrictions
  - Minimum size and spacing requirements
  - Color specifications and usage
  - Typography guidelines and hierarchy
  - Application examples (business cards, letterhead, etc.)
  - Do's and don'ts for brand usage
Brand Guidelines Do NOT Include:
  - Full implementation across all touchpoints
  - Website design or development
  - Marketing materials design (beyond examples)
  - Ongoing brand management
Guidelines document how to use brand; implementation is separate project

6. Trademark Considerations
Trademark Search:
  - Agency may conduct preliminary trademark searches
  - Searches are informational only, not legal advice
  - Agency cannot guarantee trademark availability
Trademark Registration:
  - Registration is separate legal process requiring attorney
  - Agency provides design services only, not legal services
  - Client responsible for trademark registration if desired
Client acknowledges that chosen names/marks may conflict with existing trademarks
Agency not liable if chosen brand elements cannot be trademarked

7. Payment Terms
Total Project Fee: $[AMOUNT]
Payment Schedule:
  - 50% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon signing (before work begins)
  - 25% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon brand strategy approval
  - 15% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon logo concept approval
  - 10% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon final delivery
Payment Terms: Net [X] days from invoice
Late Payment: [X]% monthly fee after [X] day grace period
Final files delivered upon receipt of final payment

8. Intellectual Property & Usage Rights
Upon final payment, Client receives ownership of final brand assets
Until final payment, all work remains Agency's property
Agency retains rights to:
  - Display work in portfolio and case studies
  - Use work for Agency marketing and awards
  - All preliminary work, concepts, and unused designs
Client receives:
  - Full commercial usage rights to final brand assets
  - Right to trademark brand elements (subject to availability)
  - Right to modify brand assets (though Agency recommends maintaining consistency)
Portfolio restrictions: [NONE / CONFIDENTIAL PROJECTS ONLY]

9. Revisions & Approval Process
Revision Allowances:
  - Brand strategy: [X] rounds of revisions
  - Logo concepts: [X] rounds of revisions per selected concept
  - Brand guidelines: [X] rounds of revisions
Revision Process:
  1. Agency presents work
  2. Client provides consolidated feedback within [X] business days
  3. Agency implements revisions
  4. Client approves or requests additional revisions
Additional revisions: $[AMOUNT] per round or $[RATE]/hour
Written approval required at each phase before proceeding

10. Brand Extension & Evolution
Brand Extension Guidelines:
  - Principles for applying brand to new products/services
  - Guidelines for brand evolution over time
  - Consistency requirements across touchpoints
Future Brand Work:
  - Extensions to new products/services: Separate project
  - Brand refreshes or updates: Separate project
  - Ongoing brand management: Available as retainer service
Agency provides framework for brand extension; implementation is separate scope

11. Brand Performance Disclaimer
Agency creates brand identity and strategy
Brand success depends on many factors:
  - Client execution and marketing efforts
  - Product or service quality
  - Market conditions and competition
  - Customer experience and service
Agency cannot guarantee:
  - Specific business results from branding
  - Market acceptance of brand
  - Competitive advantages
Agency provides professional branding services; results depend on client execution

12. Termination
Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice
Upon termination:
  - Client pays for all completed work:
    - Strategy phase complete: [X]% of total fee
    - Logo concepts complete: [X]% of total fee
    - Final delivery complete: 100% of total fee
  - Agency delivers all completed work
  - Unused concepts remain Agency's property
Early termination fee: [X]% of remaining contract value (if applicable)

13. Limitation of Liability
Agency's liability limited to total fees paid under this Agreement
Agency not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
Agency not liable for lost revenue or business results
Brand success depends on many factors outside Agency's control

14. Governing Law & Disputes
Governing Law: This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE, COUNTRY]
Dispute Resolution: The parties will first try to resolve any dispute through good-faith discussion within [X] days of written notice
If not resolved: [MEDIATION / ARBITRATION UNDER (NAMED RULES) / THE COURTS OF (CITY, STATE/COUNTRY)]

15. Signatures
Both parties agree to the terms above.
Agency: _________________ Date: _________
Client: _________________ Date: _________

Edits stay in this page until you leave. Download a copy before closing.

Before you sign: what to check with a lawyer

This template has not been reviewed for any particular country or state. Take these points to a lawyer qualified where you and your client are based.

The governing law and disputes section is a fill-in clause. Choose the law and the forum, then have a lawyer qualified in that jurisdiction confirm the wording.
Clause 6 transfers ownership of final designs on payment. Some countries require assignments in writing and limit how moral rights can be waived, so check the wording locally.
Fonts, stock photos and icons stay under their own licences. List which licences the client must buy so they can use the files after handover.
Branding version, clause 6: trademark searches by the agency are informational only. Tell the client to use a trademark attorney before they file or launch a name.

Drafting tips

Be specific about deliverables. "Logo design" is vague; "3 logo concepts with 2 revision rounds" is clear.
List the file formats you will deliver in clause 2, and say whether source files are included.
Get written approval at the end of each phase (clause 7) before starting the next.
Release final files only after the final payment (clause 5).
If the project includes brand strategy, positioning or a new name, use the branding version on this page instead.
Name the fonts and stock assets in the design and who buys their licences.

What this contract covers

Phases with approval gates

Clause 3 runs discovery, concepts, refinement and finalization in order, and clause 7 requires written approval before each next phase. A major direction change after concept approval can be charged (clause 4).

Unused concepts stay yours

Clause 6 keeps preliminary work, sketches and unused concepts with the designer after the client pays for the final designs.

Source files listed separately

Clause 6 keeps source files (for example AI or Figma files) with the designer unless the scope in clause 2 includes them, so you can price them as an add-on.

Revision rounds per phase

Clause 4 sets separate allowances for the concept and refinement phases, defines a round as one consolidated set of changes and prices extra rounds.

Portfolio rights

Clause 6 lets the designer show the work in a portfolio and marketing. Edit that line if the client needs confidentiality.

Client-supplied assets

Clause 6 makes the client responsible for supplying brand assets, content and permissions, and clause 9 makes the client check the designs meet its requirements before final approval.

Frequently asked questions

Should I include source files in the deliverables?

It depends. Many designers charge extra for source files (AI, PSD, Figma) as they represent your working methods. If included, price accordingly. If not, specify that clearly.

How many revision rounds should I include?

Two or three rounds is a common starting point. Include enough to allow for reasonable refinement, but set clear limits to prevent endless iterations.

What if the client wants to use my design for purposes not covered?

Under clause 6 the client owns the final approved designs once it has paid, so it can use them anywhere. If you would rather license specific uses (common for illustration), replace that line with a licence that lists the permitted uses, and price other uses separately.

When should I use the branding version instead?

Use it when the project includes brand strategy as well as visual identity. It separates strategy from identity work, makes the client responsible for trademark registration, defines what the brand guidelines do and do not include, and sets revisions for strategy, logo concepts and guidelines separately.

Should I charge for unused concepts?

Your base fee covers the process of exploring concepts. Unused concepts remain your property. You can resell or repurpose them unless the contract says otherwise.

How design agencies run reviews and approvals in AgencyPro

Briefs, versioned proofs, pinned feedback and approvals in a client portal under your brand.

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Design contract template: Deliverables, revisions & usage rights

Get the editable contract

Contract template

1. Parties & agreement

2. Project scope

3. Design process & timeline

4. Revisions

5. Payment terms

6. Intellectual property & ownership

7. Approvals & sign-off

8. Termination

9. Limitation of liability

10. Governing law & disputes

11. Signatures

Choose the version for your work

Before you sign: what to check with a lawyer

Drafting tips

What this contract covers

Phases with approval gates

Unused concepts stay yours

Source files listed separately

Revision rounds per phase

Portfolio rights

Client-supplied assets

Frequently asked questions

Should I include source files in the deliverables?

How many revision rounds should I include?

What if the client wants to use my design for purposes not covered?

When should I use the branding version instead?

Should I charge for unused concepts?

How design agencies run reviews and approvals in AgencyPro

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Freelance contract template

Photography contract template

Scope of work template

NDA template

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