Guide
How to Sign a Design Contract Online
Design contracts define creative scope, revisions, and ownership of design work.
Steps
- 1
Draft design contract with scope and revision policy
- 2
Send to client for signature
- 3
Client reviews and signs
- 4
Both parties receive signed contract
- 5
Clear agreement on deliverables and IP ownership
Try it with curl
curl -X POST https://signb.ee/api/send \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"content": "# Your Document\n\nContent here...",
"senderName": "Your Name",
"senderEmail": "you@email.com",
"recipientName": "Recipient",
"recipientEmail": "recipient@email.com"
}'Legal validity
Electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (US), eIDAS Regulation (EU), and Electronic Communications Act (UK). Every Signbee document includes a SHA-256 tamper-proof certificate.
More details
Design contracts are essential for protecting creative work. Without one, clients may demand unlimited revisions, refuse to pay for completed work, or use designs beyond the agreed scope.
What to include in a design contract: - Project scope: what's being designed (logo, website, brand identity, packaging) - Deliverables: file formats, resolutions, variations (horizontal/vertical logo versions) - Revision policy: number of rounds included (typically 2-3), cost of additional rounds - Timeline: milestones for concepts, revisions, and final delivery - Payment schedule: deposit (50%), milestone payment, final balance - IP ownership: when does ownership transfer? (typically upon full payment) - Usage rights: where can the client use the designs? - Kill fee: what happens if the project is cancelled mid-way - Source files: are original editable files (AI, PSD, Figma) included?
Common dispute scenarios a contract prevents: - 'Can you just make one more change?' — revision policy limits this - 'We own the designs' — IP clause defines when ownership transfers - 'The design doesn't match our vision' — approval milestones document sign-off - 'We want the Figma files' — source file clause is explicit
For designers: template your standard contract in markdown and customise the scope section for each client. Send for signature before starting any work.
Frequently asked questions
Should designers include revision limits in contracts?
Absolutely. Without limits, clients may request unlimited revisions. Standard practice is 2-3 rounds included in the price, with additional rounds billed hourly.
When does IP ownership transfer to the design client?
Typically upon full payment, unless the contract specifies otherwise. Never transfer IP before receiving complete payment — the contract should state this explicitly.
Related resources
Try Signbee — free, no credit card.