Source files are essentially the files a designer uses to create their designs with before exporting them as a jpg/png. These files are required to be provided to the customer to allow them to print scalable versions of the design or edit them as they see fit. Designers can provide these files when the customer selects them as the 1st/2nd/3rd place winner of the project.
Source files are often in vector format, as this will allow the customer to reproduce the design into print without losing any quality. Some of the source files that designers would need to provide:1. For vector formats like logos, business cards, stationery etc.
- AI file (the source file from Adobe Illustrator)
- EPS file (vector format allowing fully scaled printing) as the source files.
- CDR file (Coral Draw file provided if required)
2. For brochures, web page design, flyer design etc.
- PSD (PhotoShop source file)
- INDD (Indesign source file - used typically for brochures/flyers/poster design)
- Archive file (a ZIP or RAR archive file that contains source files for the uploaded design)