A handshake deal works until something goes wrong. A short written agreement makes sure both sides understand the same thing: who does what, for how much, by when, and what happens if plans change. This guide explains the most common agreements in plain language and how to create one quickly.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state. For important agreements, ask a qualified lawyer to review your contract before signing.
Which agreement do you need?
| Situation | Agreement |
|---|---|
| You'll share confidential information (an idea, code, client list, business plan) | Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) |
| You're hiring a freelancer, or working as one | Freelance / service agreement |
| You're renting out or renting a home | Residential lease (rental agreement) |
| You're hiring an employee | Employment agreement |
| You're starting a business with someone | Partnership agreement |
| You're lending money to, or borrowing from, a person | Personal loan agreement |
| You're selling a car, equipment or other item | Bill of sale |
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
An NDA protects confidential information you share with someone else.
- Mutual NDA: both sides share and protect information, for example two companies discussing a partnership.
- One-way NDA: only one side shares, for example a startup showing its product to a freelancer.
Key points: what counts as confidential, what doesn't (information that's already public, for example), how the information may be used, and how long the obligation lasts.
Freelance or service agreement
The most useful contract for freelancers and the businesses that hire them. It should cover:
- Scope of work: exactly what will be delivered, and what's not included
- Timeline: start date, deadlines and milestones
- Payment: the fee, when it's paid (upfront deposit, milestones or on completion) and late payment terms
- Revisions: how many rounds are included
- Ownership: who owns the final work, and when ownership transfers (often after full payment)
- Termination: how either side can end the agreement and what's paid in that case
- Independent contractor status: the freelancer isn't an employee
A clear scope and payment schedule prevent most freelance disputes.
Residential lease
A rental agreement between landlord and tenant. It covers the property, rent amount and due date, security deposit, lease length, who pays for utilities and repairs, rules (pets, smoking, subletting) and notice periods. Rental law is very local, so check your city's or state's rules.
Employment, partnership, loan and bill of sale
- Employment agreement: job title, duties, start date, salary, working hours, benefits, notice period and confidentiality.
- Partnership agreement: each partner's contribution, profit and loss sharing, decision-making, and what happens if a partner leaves.
- Personal loan agreement: the amount, interest (if any), repayment schedule and what happens if a payment is missed. Very useful even between friends and family.
- Bill of sale: proof that an item was sold, with buyer, seller, a description of the item, the price and the date. Often needed when selling a vehicle.
Clauses every contract should have
- The parties: full legal names and addresses
- Date the agreement starts (the "effective date")
- What each party will do, clearly and specifically
- Money: amounts, due dates and how payment is made
- Term and termination: how long it lasts and how it can end
- Confidentiality, if relevant
- Governing law: which country's or state's law applies
- Signatures and dates from all parties
How to create a contract for free (step by step)
- Open the Contract Generator.
- Choose the type of agreement.
- Fill in the parties, dates, amounts and key terms. The preview updates as you type, and empty fields are highlighted so nothing is missed.
- Add any extra clauses you need in "Additional terms".
- Download it as Word (.docx) to edit further, or as PDF to sign.
Contracts are generated in English, and everything is created in your browser, so your information isn't uploaded.
Signing your contract
Both parties should sign and date the agreement, and each should keep a copy. Electronic signatures are legally accepted for most contracts in many countries, but some documents (certain property or official documents, for example) may need wet signatures, witnesses, notarization or stamp duty. Check the rules where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Is a contract from a template legally binding? A signed agreement is usually binding when both sides clearly agree to its terms, but requirements differ by country. A template is a strong starting point. Have important agreements reviewed by a lawyer.
Can I edit the contract? Yes. Download the Word file and edit it in Microsoft Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice.
Is it free? Yes, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Create your agreement now. It takes about five minutes.