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 sure
the 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 some files that should always be shared in PDF format, while some should be in editable image files. For those files, you can easily make changes using an online PDF editor.
