A clearer creative handover

Make the final files easy to identify

A handover begins with knowing which files are ready to use. A clear folder structure, descriptive filenames and an agreed final version reduce the need to guess. Keep working experiments separate from approved material, and include a short index that explains the purpose of each file. This working-practice note belongs to Signal Bureau, a fictional studio; it describes an approach rather than a completed client delivery.

Explain the decisions that travel with the work

Files alone do not explain why a design works. A short guide can record the intended hierarchy, the spacing that needs to remain consistent and the situations where an alternative is appropriate. Use a few relevant examples rather than a long list of abstract rules. Identify any font, image or other third-party license that the recipient must hold; transferring a design file does not automatically transfer those rights.

Agree what happens after handover

Before closing the project, agree who will maintain the work and where questions should go. Distinguish corrections from new requests, and record any support period in the actual agreement. A short walkthrough can reveal an unclear instruction before it becomes a recurring problem. The aim is a usable starting point for the next person, with responsibilities made visible rather than hidden in the folder structure.