NDA · Word · mutual or one-way
Free NDA template in Word — fill it in online
Short answer. Choose one-way or mutual, identify the parties and purpose, set the term, and download a clean Word agreement without signing up. One-way NDA: one disclosing party and one receiving party (selected mode).
- Review the agreement before the term endstype the date
Check your own case.
Choose a date before the confidentiality term ends.
Start typing right in the document — no sign-up. It stays in this browser; save it to your free Layers account to keep it, open it on your phone and share it.
NDA template · one-way or mutual
Choose the NDA type and set its term
Pick whether one or both parties disclose, add the start date and term, then open the Word agreement with confidential-information definitions, exclusions and return-of-materials terms.
- Identify the parties, the business purpose and exactly who may receive confidential information.
- Review exclusions, compelled disclosure, residual knowledge, governing law and remedies for your deal.
- Have a qualified lawyer in the relevant state review the agreement before anyone signs it.
The template distinguishes one-way and mutual disclosure, defines confidential information and common exclusions, and includes return or destruction of materials. It also preserves protected whistleblower disclosures under 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). This is a drafting aid, not legal advice; enforceability and required terms vary by state and facts. Ask a qualified lawyer to review it before signature.
Lida, Layers template assistant
Tell me the NDA type, effective date and term: I will calculate the end date.
Open or download the complete Word agreement below.
Deadlines
The rules, with the source
| What | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One-way NDA | one disclosing party and one receiving party | selected mode |
| Mutual NDA | each party can disclose and receive | selected mode |
| Term end | effective date plus the selected number of months | calendar |
Trade-secret protection and enforceability depend on the facts and state law. The template preserves protected disclosures under 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b).
Step by step
What to do, in order
1
Choose the mode
Use one-way if only one party discloses, or mutual if both do.
2
Define the exchange
Name the parties, business purpose, confidential information, exclusions and permitted recipients.
3
Review before signing
Check term, return or destruction, governing law and remedies with a qualified lawyer.
Questions
Is the NDA template really free?
Yes. You can fill it in and download Word and Excel files without paying.
Do I need to sign up?
No. Filling and downloading work without an account; a free account only saves a copy to Layers.
What is the difference between mutual and one-way?
A one-way NDA protects information from one disclosing party. A mutual NDA applies the same duties when either party discloses.
Does the NDA protect every secret forever?
No. The definition, exclusions, term, handling of trade secrets and state law matter. Avoid an overbroad promise that does not fit the deal.
Should a lawyer review this NDA?
Yes when the information or deal is important. This is a general drafting aid and not legal advice for your state or facts.
Official sources
Other documents
Keep the papers in one place
Letters, receipts and notices in one folder you can share with family or a lawyer. The templates and the editor are free; Layers is free for up to 20 people.
General drafting aid, not legal advice. Have a qualified lawyer review it before signature.