What's the difference between a mutual and one-way NDA?

A mutual (bilateral) NDA protects information shared by both parties — common between collaborating businesses. A one-way (unilateral) NDA only protects information disclosed by one side — common when hiring contractors, employees, or pitching to investors who won't share sensitive data back.

How long should an NDA last?

Most NDAs run for 2 to 5 years, though trade secrets can be protected indefinitely. Set the duration based on how long the information will remain commercially valuable. Overly long terms (e.g., 'forever') are sometimes unenforceable in court.

Are NDAs enforceable?

Yes, NDAs are generally enforceable contracts when they are reasonable in scope, duration, and geography, and protect legitimate confidential information. Enforcement varies by state. Use the AI clause assistant to balance protection with enforceability.

Do I need a lawyer to use this NDA builder?

No. The NDA builder produces a complete, signature-ready document for standard business situations. For high-stakes deals, regulated industries, or unusual jurisdictions, have an attorney review the final document before signing.

NDA Builder

Non-Disclosure Agreement Generator

Create a professional NDA in minutes. Six NDA types, guided steps, plain-English explanations, and AI-assisted clauses — built for individuals, freelancers, startups, and businesses.

Choose your NDA type What is an NDA?

Six NDA variants AI clause assistant PDF & DOCX export Auto-saved drafts

Step 1 — Choose your NDA type

Pick the variant that matches your situation. Each one has a tailored set of protective clauses.

Mutual NDA

Both parties share confidential information.

Best for: Two companies exploring a partnership or joint project.

Start this NDA

One-Way NDA

Only one party discloses information.

Best for: Sharing a pitch, product, or trade secret with a single recipient.

Start this NDA

Employee NDA

Confidentiality + IP assignment for hires.

Best for: Onboarding employees with access to sensitive systems.

Start this NDA

Contractor NDA

Confidentiality + work-product assignment.

Best for: Engaging freelancers, agencies, or 1099 contractors.

Start this NDA

Business Partnership NDA

Mutual confidentiality with non-circumvention.

Best for: Evaluating joint ventures, M&A, or co-marketing deals.

Start this NDA

Startup Investor NDA

Confidentiality for fundraising conversations.

Best for: Sharing decks, financials, or roadmaps with prospective investors.

Start this NDA

How the NDA Builder works

Choose NDA type

Mutual, one-way, employee, contractor, partnership, or investor.

Party information

Names, entity types, addresses, and contact emails.

Confidential scope

What's confidential, exclusions, and the purpose.

Terms & conditions

Duration, jurisdiction, dispute resolution, materials handling.

Review & generate

Preview every section, then export PDF or DOCX.

NDA essentials

What is an NDA?

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legally binding contract that protects confidential information shared between parties. NDAs cover business plans, financials, source code, customer lists, and trade secrets.

Mutual vs One-Way NDA

Use a mutual NDA when both parties will share confidential information — common for partnerships and joint ventures. Use a one-way NDA when only one side discloses, such as showing a pitch to an investor.

When businesses should use NDAs

Before pitching investors, hiring contractors with sensitive access, evaluating partnerships, sharing prototypes, or onboarding employees who'll see proprietary systems.

Common NDA mistakes

Over-broad confidential definitions that make the NDA unenforceable, missing standard exclusions, no time limit, and unclear governing law are the most frequent issues we see.

How long should confidentiality last?

Two to five years is typical for ordinary business conversations. Trade secrets can be protected indefinitely as long as they remain non-public.

Do you need a lawyer?

For standard NDAs, a well-drafted template is sufficient. Bring in counsel for high-stakes transactions, regulated industries, or cross-border arrangements.

Ready to build your NDA?

Pick an NDA type and finish in under 5 minutes.

Start your NDA

Frequently asked questions

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract that legally binds parties to keep specified information confidential. You typically need one before sharing trade secrets, business plans, financial data, client lists, or product designs with employees, contractors, partners, or potential investors.

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