Fillable PDF
Free fillable NDA template (PDF)
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We built this non-disclosure agreement template for the moment before a conversation gets specific: pitching an idea to a partner, sharing source code with a contractor, or showing a supplier your pricing. It is a one-way NDA, meaning one party shares and the other agrees to keep it confidential, written in plain language rather than legal boilerplate.
The standard clauses come prefilled, and you can edit every word in our Fill PDF form tool. This template is a general example written in plain language, not legal advice. Laws differ between countries and states, so check local rules or ask a lawyer before you rely on it for anything important.
How to fill it in
- Download the fillable PDF or open it in our Fill PDF form tool.
- Enter the effective date, the term, and both parties' full names and addresses.
- Describe the purpose precisely.
- Read the standard clauses and edit them to fit your situation, then fill in the governing law.
- Both parties sign with Sign PDF; flatten the PDF so the text is fixed.
- Add a password with Protect PDF and send each party a copy.
The fields that matter most
The purpose field limits what the receiving party may do with your information, so make it specific: "evaluating a possible joint venture for product X" protects you far better than "business discussions". The term field sets how long the confidentiality obligations last; two to five years is common for business information, while trade secrets may need protection for as long as they stay secret.
Use full legal names. If a company is a party, write its registered name and have someone authorised to sign for it do so.
What the standard clauses cover
Our default text follows the structure most short NDAs share:
- What counts as confidential information.
- What the receiving party must and must not do with it.
- The usual exceptions, such as information that is already public.
- Disclosure required by law, and returning or deleting information at the end.
- No licence or obligation to do business is created by the NDA.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not share anything sensitive before both signatures are in place. Avoid a purpose so broad that it means nothing, and do not label everything confidential: an NDA is easier to enforce when it covers real secrets. If both sides will share information, consider adapting the template into a mutual NDA by naming both parties as disclosing and receiving.
Signing, sending and storing
After filling it in, both parties can sign with Sign PDF. Flatten PDF locks the form fields so the text cannot be edited afterwards, and Protect PDF adds a password before you email it. Keep the signed NDA for at least as long as the confidentiality term, plus a margin. Signed-in users can keep it in My files, which are stored encrypted.
Frequently asked questions
Is this NDA legally enforceable?
We cannot promise that. Enforceability depends on local law, the wording and the facts. This is a general example, not legal advice, so check local rules or ask a lawyer for anything important.
Is it a one-way or mutual NDA?
It is written as one-way. To make it mutual, edit the clauses so each party is both a disclosing and a receiving party for its own information.
Can we sign it online?
Yes. Each party can add a signature with our Sign PDF tool. Whether an electronic signature is enough for your situation depends on local law.
What should I put in governing law?
Usually the country or state where the disclosing party is based, for example "the laws of England and Wales".
How long should the term be?
Two to five years is common for ordinary business information. Choose a period that matches how long the information stays valuable.
Our templates are general examples, not legal or tax advice; check the rules that apply where you live and work.