How to Export Final Files for the Client + Formats
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Even though this isn’t the most fun part of the process, getting the final files to the client is a critical part of the design process. It’s important to understand which formats are best for the client’s individual needs and how to export them in the most efficient way possible.

Source: Affinity Spotlight

Choosing the Right Format

The format you choose for the final product will depend on the type of project, the client’s needs, and the software you’re using. Some popular formats include:

  • JPEG – JPEG is a lightweight file that can be used across a wide variety of platforms. It is crucial to know the more you save a JPEG, the more it loses its quality. These are best used for Social Media, Email, Blog and Portfolios.
  • PNG – PNG is a high-quality file that can support transparent backgrounds. So. if you need your logo without a background to print onto something or use for your social media and website, this is the file type you should use. These are best used for Logos, Websites, Social Media and Print Collateral.
  • PDF – PDF is a format that is best used for documents, online forms, printing and sharing documents. This file type is meant to be displayed the same no matter what device it is seen on. This file type can contain text, photos and interactive elements. You do need an PDF reader to view the file.
  • SVG – SVG is a resizable file that does not lose its quality, it is mostly used to showcase vectors. A vector is a digital illustration/shape that is created in a software such as Adobe Illustrator. These are best used for Websites and Print Collateral.

Preparing the Files

Once you’ve chosen the right formats, you’ll need to prepare the files for export. This includes making sure all fonts and images are properly embedded, that the colors are correct, and that any text is properly kerned.

I use a template I made in Illustrator that has the correct amount of artboards I usually need for exporting the the logos. Usually I’d have 6/7 1080×1080 artboards for each logo variation, each would be in each of the brand colors, black, white and grey.

Exporting the Files

When you’re ready to export, you’ll need to adjust the export settings to ensure the highest quality. Depending on the type of file, this includes setting the resolution, color space, compression, and more.

Since I export in Adobe Illustrator most times, I use it’s built in Asset Export feature. After I’ve added everything to the panel, I go through and rename everything. Then I go to the file formats and add every format I want to export the files in. By the time I’m done, I have almost 350+ files minimum.

The final of exporting the files is sorting them into various folders. Below is a quick breakdown of my folder set up.

Remember to also export the files in CMYK and RGB. That way the client would already have the correct files for both digital and print.

Quality Assurance and Verification

Before you send the final files off to the client, it’s essential to make sure they are accurate and up to the standards of the project. This includes double-checking that fonts, images, colors, and text are all correctly formatted and presented, as well as performing any automated tests or checks that may be necessary. It is important to go through the files with a fine-toothed comb to ensure no mistakes have been made.

final files with wetransfer

Sending the Final Files

Once the files have been thoroughly verified and you feel confident that they are ready to be viewed by the client, you’re ready to send them off. Depending on the size of the files, you can choose to send them via email, cloud storage, or an FTP transfer. Whichever you choose, make sure you do a final check to ensure that the files have been sent correctly and the client has received them.

I like to use Wetransfer to send off all final files. However, depending on how large the folder is, I’ll just upload it to my client portal in HoneyBook.

Exporting final files for the client is an important part of the design process. With the right format, preparation, and export settings, you can ensure that your client receives the very best quality product.

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