Guide to Design File Formats and Deliverables (2024)

What are source files?

Source files are the files you, the designer, have used to create your designs. The more well-known files include Adobe’s Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign. These files should be provided to clients so they can print scalable versions of the design or edit them as they see fit.

What happens on DesignCrowd?

It's not compulsory to upload source files with your initial submissions, however it is encouraged, particularly if you are undergoing account verification so our team can assess the quality of your work. The client will not have access to those files unless you are selected as the winning design.

Designers should provide these files after being awarded a place payment (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc). Note that you are only required to upload the files once you have been selected as the winner of a project. If your design is selected, you agree to handover ownership of your designs to the client and the source files enable access to all the design elements you've created. Just zip it up and follow the steps to upload the files.

Source files are often vector-based, as this will allow the client to reproduce the design into print as well as re-size the design without losing any quality.

Grab our cheat sheet for graphic designers

Get the low-down on file formats and deliverables! We know that you know what file formats your design work should be delivered in but just in case you're new to the design industry or just ordered design on DesignCrowd and don't know your CSS from your EPS, we've got you covered.

Your client may ask for other files other than the files we've suggested, so always be surethe client is happy with the handover of files.

Don't forget to download our free poster - our indepth guide to design source files for branding, print and digital design projects at the end of our article.

Files formats and deliverables for branding, digital and print design projects

Not sure how to package business card, bookcover or logo design projects? Please refer to this table for a detailed list of the standard files you need to provide for each design category. Take note that there are somefiles that should always be shared in PDF format, while some should be in editable image files.

Download the free poster for your workspace

Enjoy our handy reference guide to managing design source files.

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Written by Jo Sabin on Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She's led the company's public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years' experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd's objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.

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Comments

What about Sketch users?

Web design - Figma file?
Logo - SVG?

Hi! I see that there is already a question about Figma files above. As it is a leading tool for web and app design, is it possible to provide a .fig file as a source file?

See Also

8 Essentials for Every Graphic Design Proposal You Send (+ Example)

Hi! Can I submit Logo Design In JPG format?

Sir, I am trying to submit final project but When I upload source file, its giving error? Help please!

I can't submit. error.

I can't submit .
error is coming

logo design?

Sir, I am trying to submit. When I upload source file, its giving error? Help please!

Sir I am trying to submit. When I upload source file, it's giving error? Help please

Svg for a logo, is it available?

?? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ????? ???????? ???? ?????? ????????

Was my account verified even though I sent several designs and it was not verified? Thank you

I can't submit my design

What is the size of the preview file that I have to send to the client?

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