Analyze contracts for risks, key terms, and problematic clauses. AI-powered health scoring, clause comparison, and a clause reference library � all 100% local.
About this tool
Paste any contract; we highlight hidden traps and explain them in plain English. Free, private.
What Is the Fine-Print Decoder?
The Fine-Print Decoder is a free tool that scans contract text for common risky clauses that most people overlook. It uses a rule-based pattern matching engine to identify 9 categories of potentially harmful terms and explains each one in plain English with actionable advice.
How to Use the Decoder
Paste the full text of your contract, lease, or terms of service into the text area. Click Scan. The tool identifies risky clauses, assigns a severity level (high/medium/low), calculates an overall risk score, and provides plain-English explanations and advice for each finding.
Frequently asked
Is this a substitute for a lawyer?
No. This tool uses pattern matching to identify common risky clauses. It may miss nuanced legal language or produce false positives. Always consult a qualified attorney for important contracts. This tool is for informational purposes only.
What types of clauses does it detect?
The tool detects 9 types: auto-renewal, early termination fees, forced arbitration, price increases, data sharing, liability waivers, non-circumvention/non-compete, automatic payments, and unilateral changes to terms.
Is my contract text uploaded?
No. All scanning happens 100% in your browser. Your contract text is never sent to any server — which is especially important for sensitive legal documents.
What types of risky contract clauses does it identify?
It flags six high-risk patterns: auto-renewal with difficult cancellation, unlimited liability indemnification, one-sided termination rights, hidden fee escalation, broad non-compete restrictions, and sweeping IP assignment. Each flagged clause receives a risk rating (Low/Medium/High) and a plain-English explanation of what you are actually agreeing to.
Is this a replacement for hiring a lawyer?
No. It is a screening tool that identifies common risk patterns in 30 seconds—work that might cost $200-$500 in a lawyer's initial review. Use it to flag concerning clauses before deciding whether professional review is warranted. For contracts involving significant financial commitment, liability, or IP rights, always consult a licensed attorney.
Does my contract text leave my device?
No. All analysis runs locally in your browser using pattern matching and a local AI model. Your contract—whether an NDA, lease, employment agreement, or SaaS terms—is never uploaded, stored externally, or used for model training. This makes it safe for reviewing confidential agreements under existing NDAs.
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