SBL Toolbox · Free PDF generator
Write a clear project brief in 15 minutes.
Answer guided questions about the problem, the people and what you need. Your brief builds as you type, and you can download it as a PDF to share with your team, a funder or a developer.
Preview
Your brief updates as you type.
Untitled project
Start answering the questions to build your brief.
Want help with this project? Send us your brief. We'll tell you honestly whether a prototype is the right next step. Discuss a problem
Your brief is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us unless you choose to share it.
01 · How to use it
From blank page to brief
- Start with the problem. Describe it the way the people affected would. Only the project name and the problem are required.
- Describe the people. Who will use the solution, how many of them there are and what they need to use it.
- List what it must do. Put one item per line for must-haves, nice-to-haves and things that are out of scope.
- Download and share. Check the preview, then download a PDF or copy the brief as text. Your answers stay in your browser so you can come back later.
02 · What makes a good brief
Describe the problem, not the solution
The most useful briefs explain what is going wrong and for whom, rather than specifying screens and features. That lets the people you work with suggest a better or cheaper way to solve it.
- Say how things are done today, even if it is paper or spreadsheets.
- Name every group who will use it.
- Keep must-haves short. Everything else can wait.
- Say what is out of scope.
- Make success measurable if you can.
- Be honest about the budget and deadline.
03 · Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a project brief?
A project brief is a short document that explains what a project is for, who it is for, what it needs to do and the practical limits such as budget and timeline. It helps everyone agree on the goal before work starts, and it is usually the first thing a developer or agency asks for.
How long should a brief be?
One to three pages is enough for most projects. A clear description of the problem and the people affected matters more than detail about features.
Are my answers saved?
If “Keep my answers in this browser” is ticked, your answers are saved on this device only, so you can come back and finish later. They are never sent to us. Untick it on a shared computer, or use “Clear answers” when you are done.
What if I do not know the budget yet?
Choose “Not decided yet”. You can use our free app development cost calculator to get a rough idea first.
Can I send the brief to you?
Yes. Download the PDF and send us your enquiry. We will tell you honestly whether a prototype is the right next step.
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Have a brief? Let’s talk.
Send us your brief and we will tell you honestly whether a prototype is the right next step, what it would test and what it would cost.