Free Freelance Frontend Developer Contract Template for Canada

A freelance frontend developer contract focuses on the client-facing layer of web applications — the user interfaces, interactive elements, and visual experiences that users see and interact with directly. Frontend development requires precise alignment between design mockups and coded output, making the contract's scope definition especially critical. This free contract template addresses frontend-specific concerns: pixel-perfect design implementation, responsive design specifications, browser and device compatibility, accessibility compliance, performance benchmarks (Core Web Vitals), and the handoff process between designers and frontend developers. Whether you're implementing a design system, building a single-page application, or converting designs to responsive HTML/CSS, this template ensures both developers and clients have clear expectations for the engagement.

Frontend development sits at the intersection of design and engineering, creating unique opportunities for misunderstanding. Designers expect pixel-perfect implementation of their mockups, while developers know that certain design elements behave differently across browsers, screen sizes, and devices. Without a contract, disputes arise over: what "responsive" means (which breakpoints? which devices?), acceptable deviations from the design mockup, browser compatibility requirements (does it need to work in IE11?), performance targets (page load speed, interaction responsiveness), and accessibility compliance levels (WCAG A, AA, or AAA). A contract resolves these ambiguities upfront by specifying the exact browser matrix, responsive breakpoints, performance benchmarks, and acceptable design-to-code tolerance, preventing costly back-and-forth after development is underway.

Frontend contracts require technical precision. Include a browser compatibility matrix listing every browser and version that must be supported, with a "graceful degradation" policy for older browsers. Add responsive design specifications: exact breakpoints (e.g., 320px, 768px, 1024px, 1440px), behavior at each breakpoint, and whether touch interactions are required. Include performance benchmarks: Core Web Vitals targets (LCP under 2.5s, FID under 100ms, CLS under 0.1), bundle size limits, and lighthouse score minimums. Add an accessibility clause specifying the WCAG compliance level (2.1 AA is standard) and testing methodology. Define the design-to-code fidelity standard — exact pixel matching or reasonable approximation within defined tolerances. Include a design asset clause specifying what the developer needs from the designer: Figma access, exported assets, design tokens, typography files, and icon sets.

Frontend scope of work should map directly to the design deliverables. List every page or component to be developed, specifying: component name and description, responsive behavior at each breakpoint, interactive states (hover, focus, active, disabled, loading, error), animation and transition specifications, and data binding requirements. Define the technology stack: framework (React, Vue, Next.js, Svelte), styling approach (CSS modules, Tailwind, styled-components), state management solution, and build toolchain. Specify component architecture: reusable component library development, page-level compositions, and routing structure. Include integration requirements: REST or GraphQL API consumption, authentication flow UI, form validation patterns, and error state handling. Define testing scope: unit tests for components, integration tests for user flows, visual regression testing, and cross-browser testing. State what's excluded: backend development, API creation, design work, content creation, and hosting setup.

Frontend projects align well with milestone-based payments tied to visible deliverables: 25% upon signing (project setup and component architecture planning), 25% upon core component library completion, 25% upon page implementation and API integration, 25% upon testing completion, cross-browser verification, and launch. For component library projects, structure milestones by component groups (navigation, forms, content display, interactive elements). Hourly engagements should include detailed time tracking by component or feature. Include a rate for design change requests — if the design is modified after development begins, additional implementation costs apply. Address tool costs: Figma license (if the developer needs their own), testing services (BrowserStack, Percy), and CI/CD tools. Late payment terms: net-15 with 2% monthly interest.

Frontend code IP follows standard software development patterns. Custom component code, page implementations, and style systems transfer to the client upon full payment. The developer retains rights to: generic utility functions and helper code, reusable component patterns not specific to the client's design, development tooling configurations and build scripts, and the right to showcase the work in their portfolio. Address CSS frameworks and design token systems — if the developer creates a custom design token system, it typically transfers to the client since it's specific to their brand. Open-source dependencies are governed by their licenses; include a disclosure clause. Specify that the code repository, including all commit history, belongs to the client.

Frontend project termination should deliver usable code regardless of completion stage. Upon termination: deliver all completed components and pages in a functioning state, provide component documentation (props, usage examples, storybook if applicable), deliver style guide and design token documentation, ensure the build system produces a working output, and provide setup instructions for the development environment. The client pays for completed milestones plus pro-rated current milestone. Kill fee: 25% of remaining contract value. The developer provides a 14-day transition period and is available for 5 hours of questions from the replacement developer. Partially completed components should be clearly documented as "in progress" with notes on remaining work.

Frontend developers access design systems, brand assets, and sometimes user-facing features before public launch. The confidentiality clause should cover: design mockups and brand assets, unreleased UI features and redesigns, user flow and interaction patterns, analytics data shared for development context, and internal design system documentation. Specify that the developer will not share screenshots, recordings, or demonstrations of the work before the client's official launch. For component libraries, clarify whether the developer can reference the component architecture (without visual design) in technical discussions or open-source contributions.

Canadian frontend developers should address accessibility and privacy in their contracts. WCAG 2.1 AA compliance is recommended as a baseline and may be legally required under the Accessible Canada Act and provincial legislation (AODA in Ontario mandates WCAG 2.0 Level AA). If the website serves Quebec audiences, ensure the frontend supports French language content, including proper typography, text expansion/contraction, and right-to-left considerations for certain content types. For frontend code that handles user data (forms, cookies, tracking), address PIPEDA compliance: cookie consent implementation, privacy policy integration, and data collection disclosure. If implementing analytics or tracking, ensure CASL compliance for commercial message opt-ins. GST/HST applies to development services; specify tax handling in the contract.