> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.midcontract.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.midcontract.com/contract-setup-and-execution/from-setup-to-payout-how-midcontract-contracts-work.md).

# From Setup to Payout: How Midcontract Contracts Work

Midcontract is designed to make contracts and payments seamless — for freelancers, agencies, and clients alike.

This section walks you through everything from setting up an account to getting paid via smart contract escrow.

***

### **👤 Account Setup & Role Selection**

Start by creating an account via **Google login** or **email + password**.

Then, select your primary role:

* 👨‍💻 **Freelancer**
* 🏢 **Agency Rep**
* 🧑‍💼 **Client**

Your role determines which interface and permissions you’ll see across the platform.

[🧭 Learn who Midcontract is for →](https://docs.midcontract.com/use-cases-and-real-world-scenarios/who-its-for-freelancers-clients-agencies-and-teams)

***

### **📝 Creating a Contract**

Either party can initiate a contract. You’ll define:

* Contract name
* Email of the other party
* Payment type
* Scope of work & terms
* Contract format (fixed, hourly, milestone, etc.)

Once created, the other party is invited to review and accept.

***

### **🔗 Connecting Your Wallet**

To interact with smart contracts, both parties need to connect a wallet — it’s quick, secure, and takes just a few clicks.

[🔐 Wallet connection guide →](https://docs.midcontract.com/wallet-connection-secure-access-to-smart-contracts)

#### **Options:**

* **🔐 Create an embedded wallet**

  No apps, no browser extensions, no seed phrases. You can create a secure wallet using just your email — and manage it directly from your account dashboard.
* **🔗 Connect an existing wallet**

  Prefer MetaMask, WalletConnect, or another EVM-compatible wallet? No problem — simply connect and you’re good to go.

***

### **💳 Funding the Contract**

The client deposits funds into escrow.

Funds are locked in a smart contract and only released when the freelancer’s work is approved.

***

### **📤 Submitting Work & Getting Paid**

Freelancers and agencies submit completed work directly through the contract interface.

Once the client reviews and approves, funds are released from escrow and instantly available to claim.

* 💸 Smart contract unlocks funds immediately
* 🏦 Payouts are made in stablecoins, with optional fiat conversion via our partner service
* 🔁 Clients can request revisions before approving the final submission

[📦 Submitting and reviewing work →](https://docs.midcontract.com/submitting-work-deliverables-revisions-and-client-review)

[💰 How payouts are claimed →](https://docs.midcontract.com/getting-paid-payment-release-and-fund-withdrawal)

***

### **✅ Closing the Contract**

* **Fixed-Price Contracts**: Automatically close after the final deliverable is approved and payment is claimed.
* **Milestone-Based Contracts**: Close once the last milestone is approved and released.
* **Hourly Contracts**: Can be closed manually by either party once all work is logged and paid.

Both parties receive a notification once the contract is marked as completed.

All status updates are securely logged in the contract’s on-chain history.