Freelance delivery · Practical guide

Source files

A preview can be sufficient for review while source files, production access or high-resolution exports remain protected.

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Why this matters

A practical approach to source files.

A preview can be sufficient for review while source files, production access or high-resolution exports remain protected.

What to write before the work moves

Decide what is shown for review and what is handed over only at the final stage.

The boundary to keep visible

Do not promise a technical or legal protection that the chosen delivery method cannot provide.

Operational example

Source files: avoid a last-day surprise

Before creating final files, state whether source files are included, in what format and under which handoff conditions. A PDF or exported delivery does not mean the same thing as an editable source folder; the client should know before final approval.

Add source files to the deliverables list when they are included.
State the format, transfer method and any access requirements.
Connect the handoff to the agreed approval and conditions.

Written by the Dealokr teamReviewed 17 July 2026

Dealokr product view: source files: avoid a last-day surprise — Dealokr interface example: one project record helps keep important steps visible.

Practical playbook

Make source files a shared project decision.

Use this sequence before the situation becomes a long thread of messages. It is designed for a freelance project where both sides need the same understanding of what happens next.

1
Start with the project facts
A preview can be sufficient for review while source files, production access or high-resolution exports remain protected.
2
Write the decision in plain language
Decide what is shown for review and what is handed over only at the final stage.
3
Keep the right limit in view
Do not promise a technical or legal protection that the chosen delivery method cannot provide.

Common question

Does this guide replace professional advice?

No. Dealokr helps protect the commercial steps of a freelance deal through clear terms, a protected payment journey via the configured provider, protected delivery and approval. Legal, tax and accounting obligations remain those of the parties.

What should I keep in the project record?

Keep the relevant terms, the version or event in question, the client response and the next agreed action together so the timeline can be understood later.

Protect the next deal

Protect the payment journey and final handoff in one deal.

Dealokr helps reduce the risk of starting work without a protected payment journey or handing over final files too early. Stripe Connect handles payments where configured; Dealokr connects the payment state to protected delivery and validation without holding client funds or replacing professional advice.

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