You've finished the design. The files are packaged, exported, and ready. Now you need to get them to your client without them arriving corrupted, compressed, or with half the layers missing because someone re-saved a JPEG.
Design file delivery has its own quirks — file formats your client may not recognise, sizes that vary wildly, and the need to keep originals and exports separate. This guide covers how to handle design file delivery professionally in India.
Design File Types and Their Typical Sizes
Before picking a delivery method, it helps to know what you're actually sending:
| File Type | Typical Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Figma export (PNG/JPG) | 1–50 MB | Per artboard; multiple exports can add up |
| Figma export (PDF) | 5–100 MB | Presentation or multi-page doc |
| Adobe Illustrator (.ai) | 10–200 MB | Depends on embedded assets |
| Adobe Photoshop (.psd) | 50–500 MB | Larger with many layers or smart objects |
| Adobe XD (.xd) | 20–200 MB | Varies by complexity |
| InDesign package (.indd + links) | 200 MB–2 GB | When linked images are included |
| Brand identity package (all formats) | 100 MB–1 GB | SVG, AI, PNG, PDF variations |
| UI kit or design system | 50–500 MB | Depends on scope |
A single project delivery often includes multiple of these — different formats for different use cases (print, web, social media). The total package can easily reach 500 MB–2 GB.
Why Common Methods Fall Short for Design Delivery
Email — 25 MB limit rules out nearly all professional design deliveries. Even a single Photoshop file usually exceeds this.
WhatsApp — Works for quick previews, but compresses images automatically. If your client opens a design screenshot you sent on WhatsApp, they're seeing a degraded version. Never send final design files through WhatsApp.
Google Drive — Works for large files, but requires your client to have a Google account and navigate Drive's sharing interface. Common friction point: your client clicks the link and sees "Request access" instead of a download button. File organisation also becomes a mess over multiple projects.
WeTransfer free — 2 GB cap. Enough for most individual design deliveries, but not for large brand packages or InDesign projects with linked assets.
How to Deliver Design Files Professionally
The cleanest workflow for professional design delivery:
Step 1 — Organise files before uploading
Create a clear folder structure:
ProjectName_Finals/
01_Logo/
logo.svg
logo.ai
logo_white.png
logo_black.png
02_Brand_Colors/
brand_colors.pdf
brand_colors.ase
03_Typography/
...
04_Social_Templates/
...
Then ZIP the entire folder. One ZIP = one upload = one download for your client.
Step 2 — Upload to QikDrive
Go to qikdrive.com/, upload the ZIP file (or multiple individual files for smaller deliveries). Name the transfer clearly: "ProjectName — Brand Identity Finals".
Step 3 — Set controls
- Expiry: 14 days is a good default — enough time for your client to download, short enough to ensure old links don't float around forever
- Password: For pre-launch work, add a password and share it separately
- Download limit: Optional — useful if you're delivering licensed assets
Step 4 — Share and document
Send your client the qkd.gg link with a brief summary of what's in the package. Note the expiry date. Keep a record in your project notes.
Delivering Source Files vs Export Files: Two Separate Transfers
A common mistake in design delivery: bundling source files (editable .ai, .psd) with export files (print-ready PDFs, web PNGs) in the same package. Keep them separate.
Export files — What the client uses immediately. Print files, web assets, social media templates. Send these first with a clear, simple structure.
Source files — Editable originals. Some clients want these; some don't. Often sent separately, sometimes under a separate agreement or at a later stage.
Two transfers keeps the delivery cleaner and reduces confusion about which files to use for which purpose.
Receiving Design Inputs from Clients
Design projects often start with the client sending you their existing assets — old logos, brand guidelines, product photos, reference designs. Getting these from clients is often harder than delivering the final work.
The problem: clients try to send these through WhatsApp (compression ruins photos), email (size limits exclude larger files), or Google Drive (access friction).
The solution: a file request link. You send your client a request link — they open it and upload their files directly to you, without needing an account. No access request emails. No compressed WhatsApp photos. Originals only.
Specific Scenarios
Delivering a brand identity package A full brand identity (logo variations, color palette, typography, business card templates) typically runs 200 MB–1 GB. QikDrive's free plan (5 GB) covers this. Password-protect it — brand identities should not be publicly accessible before the client approves and announces.
Delivering UI/UX designs Figma exports for a web app might include 50–200 artboards at multiple resolutions. Export all assets, organise by screen/component, ZIP and upload. The free plan handles most UI deliveries.
Delivering print-ready files InDesign packages with all linked images can reach 2–5 GB. The Flash plan (₹79 one-time, 50 GB) covers this easily.
Delivering a social media template pack Canva exports or custom template files are typically small (under 500 MB). Free plan.
Delivering a website design handoff (for developers) Style guides, assets, specs, and exports for a developer handoff. Include a Zeplin/Figma link for specs, and deliver the asset exports via QikDrive. Usually under 1 GB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to send design files to a client in India?
Upload to QikDrive, set a 14-day expiry, and share the link. The client downloads directly — no Google account or app needed. The free plan handles up to 5 GB, which covers most design deliveries.
How do I send a PSD file to a client?
Upload the PSD to QikDrive and share the link. PSD files range from 50–500 MB — the free plan (5 GB) handles most individual files. If your delivery includes many PSD files, ZIP them first.
How do I share Figma exports with a client in India?
Export your frames from Figma (PNG, PDF, or SVG), organise them in a folder, ZIP if there are many files, and upload to QikDrive. Share the link — no Figma account required on the client's end.
Should I send source files or exports to my client?
Send exports first for immediate use. Discuss source file delivery separately — it's often subject to a separate agreement or additional payment. Keep the two transfers separate.
How do I receive brand assets from a client before starting a project?
Use QikDrive's file request feature (Pro or Business plan). Send your client a request link — they upload their existing logos, photos, and brand files directly to you without needing an account. See pricing.
How long should I keep design delivery links active?
14 days is a standard window — enough for the client to download, short enough to ensure old links don't remain accessible indefinitely. Communicate the expiry date to your client when you share the link.
Last updated: May 2026