NDA template: Fill out and sign a free non-disclosure agreement online

Our NDA template helps you take a structured approach and ensures you don't overlook any important steps. You fill out the template, review the information, and start the signing process seamlessly. This way, you maintain an overview at all times and complete agreements quickly.

Note: This NDA template serves as a general model and does not constitute legal advice. It cannot replace an individual review, as content and effectiveness always depend on the specific use case. We recommend having the agreement reviewed by a lawyer before use.

NDA template – key points at a glance

• An NDA template is a confidentiality agreement designed to protect sensitive information. It is used before sharing sensitive content with other individuals or parties.
• Our NDA template includes all the necessary components of a legally binding agreement. This includes the purpose of the contract, duration, confidential content, and possible consequences in case of a breach.
• An NDA can be fully signed online with Skribble. Both parties sign directly in the browser, including external individuals without their own account.
• Every signature with Skribble is fully documented for traceability. All data is processed in compliance with GDPR and stored exclusively in Switzerland and Germany.

What is an NDA template and what is it used for?

A NDA template (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is a pre-made confidentiality agreement that secures the exchange of confidential information. It is used when two parties want to collaborate and share sensitive content in advance, for example during project discussions, sales negotiations, or when acquiring external expertise. The template specifies which information must remain confidential, who has access, and what happens if the agreement is violated.

In the business world, a well-structured non-disclosure agreement template helps ensure that important points are not overlooked. It saves time, establishes clear responsibilities, and reduces legal uncertainties. 27% of all Skribble users regularly sign non-disclosure agreements, indicating that NDAs are commonly used in recurring situations, such as during employee discussions, investor contacts, or IT projects.

When is an NDA template worthwhile?

• In conversations with potential business partners or investors
• When collaborating with external agencies, developers, or service providers
• Before sharing sensitive content, such as product ideas, market analyses, or concepts
• If information needs to be protected without having to create a new contract each time

What content should be included in a legally binding NDA template?

For an NDA to be legally binding, all important points must be clearly defined. The clearer the agreement is formulated, the lower the risk of misunderstandings and later conflicts. The following sections are required:

• Contracting parties and purpose of the agreement
• Definition of confidential information
• Obligations for confidentiality and permissible use
• Duration of confidentiality and contract term
• Conventional penalty and consequences in case of violation
• Applicable law and jurisdiction

What should be considered regarding contracting parties and the purpose of the agreement?

Clearly identify who is involved and why the agreement is being made. This makes it clear in what context information may be shared.

• Specify both parties completely with their names, roles, and, if applicable, company.
• Briefly describe the occasion, such as a project discussion or business negotiation.
• Clearly define the purpose of the collaboration
• The purpose limits the scope of permitted use of the information.

What is considered relevant in the definition of confidential information?

Not every piece of information from a conversation is automatically protected. An NDA should clearly specify which content is subject to confidentiality.

• Examples such as business plans, customer data, or technical sketches
• Define boundaries, such as publicly available information.
• Regulate independently of format, verbally, in writing, or electronically
• Reference to attachments possible for extensive projects.

What should be considered regarding confidentiality obligations and permissible use?

Clearly define how information can be used and who has access. This protects content even when collaborating with third parties.

• Use exclusively for the agreed purpose
• No disclosure without written consent
• Set up secure storage, for example password-protected folders.
• Commit external service providers to compliance

What should be regulated regarding the duration of confidentiality and the contract term?

An NDA does not have to be indefinite, but it should establish clear timeframes.

• Define contract duration, for example until project completion or for a fixed term.
• Confidentiality often applies even after the contract ends.
• Commonly, it ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the project.
• Unlimited regulation for very sensitive information is possible.

What should be considered regarding penalty clauses and the consequences of a breach?

A breach of confidentiality does not go without consequences. A clearly defined penalty clause enhances the enforceability of the agreement.

• Set an appropriate penalty clause
• No proof of specific damage required
• Compensation for damages can also be claimed.
• Violations should be documented in a traceable manner.

What should be defined regarding the applicable law and the jurisdiction?

These details ensure clear responsibilities in case of disputes and prevent delays.

• Specify applicable law, for example, Swiss law.
• Determine the court at the location of a party
• For international NDAs, consider multilingualism and data protection regulations.
• Adjust the template accordingly for cross-border use.

How to correctly fill out the NDA template

You can fill out the NDA template directly online. To ensure that the agreement is legally binding and fits your project, you should follow the steps below in this order.

1. Enter contract parties: Please provide the full name, address, and, if applicable, the company name of both parties. Carefully check each entry to ensure the NDA can be clearly assigned.
2. Describe the purpose of the agreement: In one or two sentences, explain why the NDA is being concluded. For example: "Planned knowledge transfer as part of a consulting project" or "Product development discussion with a potential contractor."
3. Define confidential information: Clearly describe which contents are protected, such as technical documents, price lists, or internal strategy papers. Avoid vague formulations like "all information," as these can be legally challenged.
4. Usage and sharing rules: Define how the content may be used and who has access. In practice, access is usually limited to directly involved individuals. Specify whether external third parties are allowed to be included or not.
5. Set the duration of the agreement: Enter a start date and determine the duration. Often, the NDA ends upon project completion or after a clearly defined period, such as three years.
6. Enter penalty: Set a penalty that applies in the event of a breach. The amount should be clearly defined to ensure it holds up in court.
7. Jurisdiction and law: Specify which national law applies, for example, Swiss law, and which court is competent in case of disputes. For international NDAs, a clearly defined provision is advisable to avoid future conflicts.

Legal notice regarding the use of an NDA template

An NDA template is a practical guide, but it does not replace legal advice. It provides a clear structure to address all important points, but it must be filled out correctly for each individual case. For extensive projects or very sensitive information, you should also seek legal counsel.

Is an NDA mandatory?

An NDA is a voluntary contract. You decide when and with whom to enter into a non-disclosure agreement. However, it is important that the content and terms are clearly formulated, as this is the only way an NDA is legally effective in case of a dispute.

Can the NDA template be signed digitally?

Yes, an NDA can be legally signed electronically. Depending on the type of information and the legal significance of the agreement, you have three signature standards available: the simple electronic signature (SES), the advanced electronic signature (AES), and the qualified electronic signature (QES). All three signature standards can be used with Skribble without additional software and also with external parties.

Which signature is suitable for an NDA?

In most business cases, the advanced electronic signature (AES) is sufficient. It is legally valid, offers a high level of security, and can be executed quickly.

With Skribble, you can easily choose which signature standard you need. In practice, the signature standards used with Skribble are distributed as follows: approximately 35% Simple electronic signatures (SES), 30% Advanced electronic signatures (AES), and 35% Qualified electronic signatures (QES). The signer is automatically guided through the appropriate process, including identification when a QES is required.

Why is digital signing worthwhile for NDAs?

• All three e-signature standards available in one tool
• DSG-compliant, certified & securely stored
• External partners can also sign without registration.
• Every step is documented tamper-proof.
• No printing, no scanning, no postal delivery

Use Skribble's NDA template securely and sign it directly

With our template, you can create a legally binding NDA in no time. The key points are already clearly structured, from the contract duration to the definition of confidential information. This way, you avoid content gaps, save time, and keep track of all the details.

In everyday work, the template impresses with:

• Clearly structured content – directly fillable
• Simple language – understandable for external parties as well
• Clear rules on confidentiality, penalty clauses, and duration of validity

Thanks to the direct connection to the electronic signature, the NDA template can be signed as a PDF without any intermediate steps. The entire process, from filling out to signing, takes place in a seamless workflow.

NDA template – Frequently asked questions and answers

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