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Templates · Project planning

Free Project Brief Template (Google Sheets, Excel, PDF)

A project brief template gives everyone a one-page project overview: the background, goals, audience, deliverables, timeline, budget and team. It is lighter than a charter and ideal for kicking off work quickly.

Written byProject management editorial team
  • Published
  • Google Sheets · Excel · PDF
project brief template

Free download · no sign-up

Get the project brief template

Pick your level and format: Google Sheets, Excel or a print-ready PDF. Spreadsheets include dropdowns, formulas and sample rows you can overwrite.

Beginner

Essential columns only, one tab. Quick to fill in.

1 tab · 3 columns

GSheetsXExcelPPDF
AdvancedMost popular

The full template with every tab, dropdowns and formulas.

1 tab · 3 columns

GSheetsXExcelPPDF
Expert

Adds instructions and revision history.

1 data tab + instructions and revision history

GSheetsXExcelPPDF

Project Brief Template preview

Project brief
SectionPromptYour answer
Project titleSpring product launch
BackgroundWhat prompted the project?New feature set ready for release in Q2.
GoalWhat does success look like?500 trial sign-ups in the first month.
AudienceWho is it for?Existing customers and operations managers.
DeliverablesWhat will be produced?Landing page, email series, webinar, sales deck.
Key messagesWhat must people understand?

Sample rows are examples: replace them with your own.

What's included

  • 12 prompts covering goal, audience, deliverables, timeline, budget, team and approvals
  • Project brief: Section, Prompt, Your answer

How to use the project brief template

  1. Fill in the background and goal first; everything else follows from them.
  2. Describe the audience and key messages in plain language.
  3. List deliverables, dates and budget.
  4. Name the team and the person who approves the work.
  5. Share the brief at kick-off and keep it linked from your project plan.

Tips for getting the most from it

  • Keep it to one page.
  • Use measurable success metrics.
  • Write for someone new to the project.
  • Update it if goals change.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What is a project brief template?

A project brief template is a one-page outline that summarises a project's goal, audience, deliverables, timeline, budget and team.

What is the difference between a project brief template and a project charter template?

A project brief is a short overview for alignment; a project charter formally authorises the project and the project manager.

Is this project brief template free?

Yes. The project brief template is free in Google Sheets, Excel and PDF.

What should a project brief template include?

Background, goal, audience, deliverables, key messages, timeline, budget, team, constraints, success metrics and approvals.

Can I use the project brief template as a project overview template?

Yes. The project brief template works as a project overview for stakeholders and new team members.

How long should a project brief template be?

One page is ideal; link to other documents for detail.

Who writes the project brief template?

The project manager or requester writes the project brief, and the sponsor or client approves it.

When should I use a project brief template?

Use a project brief at the start of small and medium projects, or before a kick-off meeting.

Can I use the project brief template for creative projects?

Yes, though a creative brief template adds sections for tone, mandatories and creative direction.

Can I download the project brief template as a PDF?

Yes. Use the PDF button for a print-ready project brief template.

What is the difference between the beginner, advanced and expert project brief template?

The beginner project brief template keeps only the essential columns on one tab; the advanced version is the full template with every tab, dropdown and formula; the expert version adds instructions and revision history.