Design handoff: what it means and what you hand over
Handoff is the moment the work stops being yours to change and becomes someone else's to use. What each receiver needs (client, printer, developer, next designer), a note that answers their questions before they ask, and how Studio builds the package.
Beginner2 min readUpdated 27 September 2026Studio · Deliver, Brand guideline exports
By receiver
| Receiver | Needs | From Voidcanvas |
|---|---|---|
| Client | Every format, named, at the right size; a note | Studio Deliver: PNG, JPG, WebP per format, named client_job_format_version, with a delivery note |
| Printer | Print PDF with bleed and crop marks; the trim size; colour mode | Studio print PDF: 3 mm bleed, crop marks, TrimBox and BleedBox, a slug line saying RGB |
| Developer | Colours, type and spacing as values; logos as SVG; image sizes | Guideline builder: CSS, Tailwind or JSON tokens, the HTML handoff with SVG logo |
| Next designer | Editable file, font names and files, the rules | .void file, the delivery note's font list, the guideline and .ase swatches |
The handoff note
- What is in the package, as a file list with sizes.
- Which version was approved, and when.
- Fonts used, and where to get them (and whether the licence transfers).
- Colour mode, and what the printer should do with it.
- Anything not included and why (source files, if not in the contract).
- Who to ask, for how long.
Studio's delivery package includes this note as a small web page: every file with its size, every format with its pixel size and mm for print, the approved versions, the fonts used and print notes. With a brand on the job, it can include a brand sheet too.
Do I have to hand over editable files?
Only if the contract says so. Many designers charge for source files or include them only in higher packages. Say which in the quote.
What is the difference between handoff and delivery?
Delivery is sending the files. Handoff is making sure the receiver can use them: the right formats, the note, the fonts and the rules.