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Web Design Contract template

A web design contract defines the website a designer or agency will build for a client, including pages and features, content responsibilities, timeline, fees, revisions, launch, and ownership.

Replace everything in [BRACKETS], export to PDF, then send it for signature.

1. Parties

This Web Design Contract (the "Contract") is made on [DATE] between [CLIENT NAME], located at [CLIENT ADDRESS] (the "Client"), and [DESIGNER NAME], located at [DESIGNER ADDRESS] (the "Designer").

2. Project Scope

The Designer will design and develop a website for the Client at [DOMAIN] (the "Website"), including: [NUMBER] pages, namely [PAGE LIST]; the following features: [FEATURES, e.g. contact form, blog, e-commerce with NUMBER products, booking integration]; built on [PLATFORM / CMS]; responsive design for desktop, tablet, and mobile; and [OTHER, e.g. basic on-page SEO setup, analytics installation]. Items not listed, such as copywriting, photography, or custom integrations, are outside scope unless added in writing.

3. Process and Timeline

The project will follow these phases: (1) discovery and sitemap by [DATE]; (2) design mockups by [DATE]; (3) development by [DATE]; (4) testing and client review by [DATE]; (5) launch by [LAUNCH DATE]. The Client will review and respond to each deliverable within [DAYS] business days. Delays in Client feedback or content will move the timeline accordingly.

4. Client Content and Responsibilities

The Client will provide all text, images, logos, product data, and account access needed by [CONTENT DEADLINE] and confirms it has the rights to use them. The Designer is not responsible for errors in content supplied by the Client. The Client is responsible for legal pages, such as privacy policy and terms, unless otherwise agreed.

5. Revisions

The fee includes [NUMBER] rounds of revisions on the design mockups and [NUMBER] rounds on the developed site. Additional revisions, or changes after design approval, will be billed at [HOURLY RATE] after written approval from the Client.

6. Fees and Payment

The total project fee is [AMOUNT AND CURRENCY], payable as follows: [DEPOSIT PERCENT]% on signing; [PERCENT]% on design approval; and [PERCENT]% before launch. Invoices are due within [PAYMENT TERMS] days. The Designer may delay launch or suspend work while any invoice is overdue. Late payments incur interest of [LATE FEE]% per month, to the extent permitted by law.

7. Hosting, Domains, and Third-Party Services

[CHOOSE ONE: The Client will purchase and own the hosting account and domain, and give the Designer access. / The Designer will arrange hosting for FEE per PERIOD under a separate agreement.] Third-party themes, plugins, fonts, and services are subject to their own licenses and fees, which the Client will pay.

8. Testing, Acceptance, and Launch

The Designer will test the Website on current versions of major browsers and devices. The Client will have [DAYS] days after the site is presented for review to report defects; the site is accepted when the Client approves it in writing or launches it, or when that period ends without reported defects.

9. Ownership and Credit

On full payment, the Client owns the final Website design and the content it supplied. The Designer retains ownership of its pre-existing code, frameworks, and tools and grants the Client a perpetual, non-exclusive license to use them as part of the Website. [OPTIONAL: The Designer may include a small credit link in the footer and show the Website in its portfolio.]

10. Warranty and Maintenance

The Designer will fix bugs caused by its own work that are reported within [WARRANTY PERIOD, e.g. thirty (30)] days after launch, at no charge. This does not cover issues caused by Client changes, third-party updates, or hosting. Ongoing maintenance, updates, and support are available [at HOURLY RATE / under a separate maintenance plan].

11. Termination, Liability, and Governing Law

Either party may terminate with [NOTICE PERIOD] written notice; the Client will pay for work completed to that date and the deposit is non-refundable. Each party's total liability is limited to the fees paid under this Contract, excluding indirect or consequential losses. This Contract is governed by the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION] and is the entire agreement between the parties.

12. Signatures

The Parties agree that this Agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. CLIENT: [CLIENT NAME] Signature: ____________________ Name: [SIGNATORY NAME] Title: [SIGNATORY TITLE] Date: [DATE] DESIGNER: [DESIGNER NAME] Signature: ____________________ Name: [SIGNATORY NAME] Title: [SIGNATORY TITLE] Date: [DATE]

When to use this template

  • When designing or building a new website for a client
  • When redesigning an existing site or migrating it to a new platform
  • When the client supplies content and you need clear deadlines for it
  • When you want hosting, maintenance, and ownership questions settled before starting

How to fill it in and get it signed

  1. Enter the client and designer details and the website domain.
  2. List every page and feature, the platform, and what is out of scope.
  3. Set the phase dates, content deadline, client review time, and number of revision rounds.
  4. Fill in the fee and payment schedule, hosting arrangements, warranty period, and governing law.
  5. Upload the contract to eSignSimple and send it to your client for e-signature before you start work.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have a lawyer review contracts with high stakes.

Frequently asked questions

What should be included in a web design contract?

The pages and features, platform, timeline, content responsibilities, revision limits, fees and payment schedule, hosting, ownership of the site, warranty, and termination terms.

Who owns the website after it's built?

Under this template, the client owns the final design once they have paid in full, while the designer keeps rights in reusable code and tools and licenses them to the client.

How do I prevent scope creep on a web design project?

List pages and features precisely, limit revision rounds, and require written approval and a quote before adding anything outside the agreed scope.

Can my client sign the web design contract online?

Yes. Send it with eSignSimple and your client can sign from any device without an account. You get an audit trail showing when it was signed.