Free project brief template
A brief that reads like a document, because that is what happens to it next.
- 9 questions
- Multi-step
- Free, unlimited responses
Opens in your dashboard with the whole form in front of you. Nothing is created until you say so. Keep it, restyle it, or pick a different one.
Updated October 7, 2026
- Who's asking
Step 1 of 3
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Ships in Notion · 26 to choose from
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What this project brief asks, and why
Most project briefs end up pasted into a document and discussed in a meeting, so this template is laid out like one. After contact details, it asks for the problem first, then what a finished project looks like and who it's for. Each of those has a full text box, so clients can explain properly. The last step asks for a deadline, a budget range (including 'Not decided yet') and links or background to read before the first call. Send it before a discovery call, so the call starts from what the client wrote. Clients can save the brief and finish it later.
- Questions
- 9, 4 required
- Format
- Multi-step
- Theme
- Notion, or any of 26
- Cost
- Free, no response cap
The 9 questions it asks
In order, with their field types and why each one is there. Pick one to see its screen above. Edit, reorder or delete any of them once it's yours.
Who is commissioning the work.
For questions about the brief and the proposal.
Optional company or team.
The problem, not the solution. This answer is the heart of the brief.
What done looks like, which becomes the project's acceptance criteria.
Who the work is for.
Optional date it has to land by.
A range, including 'Not decided yet', so nobody has to invent a number.
Links, documents or background to read first.
Built for these jobs, and easy to bend to yours
- Agency and studio client intake
- Freelance project scoping
- Internal project requests
- RFP and pitch qualification
Ways to adapt it
Internal project request
Replace budget with the requesting department and an approver's name.
Design brief
Add brand guidelines uploads and examples of work they like.
RFP qualification
Add procurement deadlines and the decision process.
How to get good answers from a project brief
- 1
Ask for the problem, not the solution
Clients often arrive with a solution in mind. Asking for the problem first leaves room for a better answer.
- 2
Define done
'What does done look like?' prevents most scope arguments, because it is written down before work starts.
- 3
Accept an undecided budget
Many clients do not know their budget yet. Offering a range with 'Not decided' gets more honest answers.
- 4
Use it before the first call
Send the brief before a discovery call so the call can start from what was written.
After you publish
Where the responses go next
Save each brief as a document
On Pro, send each brief to Notion, where it becomes a project page.
Notify the team
On Pro, post new briefs to a Slack channel for the people who scope work.
See budget ranges
The answer breakdown shows the budget mix across inquiries, a check on your pricing.
Project Brief: common questions
Still deciding?
Seven steps from an empty account to a published form.
What should a project brief include?
The problem, what success looks like, the audience, a deadline, a budget range and any background reading.
Can clients attach files?
Add a file upload question for documents. The template asks for links in the context question by default.
Can I send briefs to Notion?
Yes, on Pro. The Notion integration adds each brief to a database.
Can clients save and finish later?
Yes. It is a three-step form with a 'Save & continue later' button, useful for a brief that takes some thought.
Can I change the currency?
Yes. The budget ranges are ordinary options, so set them in your currency and price bands.
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