Project briefs outline high-level information about a project, including objectives, deliverables and timelines. They communicate critical points to internal and external stakeholders without overwhelming people with details.

The best way to quickly identify necessary elements is to use a project brief template. Headers include everything your brief should cover so you won’t forget to record valuable information.

What’s a Project Brief?

This straightforward document outlines essential information about a project without diving into minute details. Generally, managers create this guide during the project kickoff to summarize the who, what, when and why. 

Because the brief clarifies expectations from the outset, it helps keep the team on track throughout the entire project lifecycle. Everyone involved, from executives to team members, can use this outline to understand where the deliverables stand and what to do next. Even if goals or timelines change, this guide is a single source of truth people can reference.

What’s a Project Brief Template?

A project brief template outlines key sections — such as resources, deliverables and timelines — so you can explain the essentials without missing important information.

Project plan templates like ours ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, and they don’t take that long to fill out. Simply respond to each header, and in no time, you’ll have a clear document that describes your goals.

The Importance of a Project Brief

Well-crafted project briefs clearly communicate objectives and expectations from the start. This transparency prevents issues like scope creep and stakeholder confusion. 

Defining responsibilities and milestones also gives your team direction and purpose. When teams clearly understand the project, they can complete it with confidence.

What Does a Brief Look Like? Key Elements

While every project brief is unique, the following components are standard:

• A project background is an overview of your project’s purpose and activities. This should quickly describe why the project exists and what you hope to accomplish.
• Objectives briefly describe the project’s primary goals.
• Scope provides a quick summary of what the project will (and won’t) include.
• Deliverables include your project’s expected outcomes, such as products or campaign results.
• Success criteria details the metrics you’ll use to measure the project’s success.
• Resources and budget is an overview of a project’s expected expenses and available resources. 
• A timeline summarizes critical dates, including the starting and due dates.

How To Write a Project Brief: 9 StepsWhen you’re ready to start filling out your template, use this example of a project brief to walk through the process:

1. Summarize: Write a short description of your project, including its purpose and potential value.
2. List important contributors: Provide stakeholders’ names and job titles. We also recommend adding a method of contact, like email addresses.
3. Establish goals: List the top 2–5 project objectives.
4. Explain the scope: Briefly summarize your team’s capabilities and expectations. Additionally, give a brief overview of the project’s limits.
5. Discuss deliverables: Add a basic list of tasks and deliverables. 
6. Define success criteria: Determine specific benchmarks to compare your completed project against. Be realistic and choose measurable, achievable goals.
7. Explain your budget: List your project’s expenses and required resources.
8. Create a project timeline: Build a timeline by logging important project milestones, such as starting and delivery dates.
9. Add additional resources: Include helpful links, videos or process documentation for extra clarity.