I really need HELP!

[Enigmario]

Hello all,

I'm a starting graphic designer. I was wondering if someone can help
me with a question. When I am done with a clients job, and they ask
for the file to be editable for future use ; what file type should I save it as?
(for example: if they don't have photoshop or similar program)

Thanks again for any help!

enigmario

[Exodus]

(for example: if they don't have photoshop or similar program)

Than what are they going to be editing it with? We need more info.

[Craig B]

what format is the file in to start with, what do they have and how much editing are they wanting to do?

[(gra-ph!c-D'sig-nah)]

OK...I will be the first to say it....if they don't have the software you designed the logo in...then they will be able to do little or no revisions of it....but I am a bit unclear of what you mean by editable.

[Thorn_9]

Give it to them in the lowest version of the program you creaeted it in. For example, if you made an illustrator doc, save it as illustrator version 9, unless filters/plug-ins used won't allow.

More often than not, they will not be doing any editing, they will send it to another designer who will change it, and to ensure usability, you save as earlier version of the program. Not everyone can afford, or needs to upgrade to the latest version of software when it is released.

But be kind to future users...label and organize your layers. Save links, list fonts used and include an outlined text version, and a PDF for the owner to view/ use.

Good luck!

[Crimson]

Did they pay you for an editable file? Tell them that you will be available for future edits and you have a steady client. Unless they paid for the editable files then changing it should still entitle you to be paid for your work. . .

I had a client once that took my editable files and had it printed for himself. I picked a PMS color blindly cause we never sat down and picked an actual swatch. He didn't get the green he wanted and blamed me. Really it was his for being so tight wadish that he wanted me out of the equation. . . Maybe try to explain nicely how you are the professional and he should rely on your expertise for future works.

[(gra-ph!c-D'sig-nah)]

Expand your services....I like that answer better than mine!

[Buda]

Did they pay you for an editable file? Tell them that you will be available for future edits and you have a steady client. Unless they paid for the editable files then changing it should still entitle you to be paid for your work. . .

I had a client once that took my editable files and had it printed for himself. I picked a PMS color blindly cause we never sat down and picked an actual swatch. He didn't get the green he wanted and blamed me. Really it was his for being so tight wadish that he wanted me out of the equation. . . Maybe try to explain nicely how you are the professional and he should rely on your expertise for future works.

That sucks!

Yes use illustrator if you can, but if you've used Photoshop, I guess you give them your raw photoshop file.

[SharkFinStudios]

and they ask for the file to be editable for future use ; what file type should I save it as?
(for example: if they don't have photoshop or similar program)


Have they paid you for the work yet? If not I would NOT give them the working file until they do so. I have known people to get burned very quickly in cases like this. Do you have a contract about the work you are supposed to provide?

[Vikia]

Here is a past discussion (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2926&highlight=owns+files) at GDF on the topic of giving client editable files.

Basically, you own the files, your client is paying for a one time usage of your work. Re-use of files is subject to a higher charge. Customarily 3 to 4 times the 1 time usage rate.

[Enigmario]

I want to thank EVERY1 for their reply's. I have a little more knowledge
now towards my rights and the clients rights. I originally was doing the job
in Photoshop CS2, and it involved alot of layers. The client is paying me, but we specified that the payment would ONLY be for Jpeg & PDF format files.

I didn't know a designer could charge up to 3 or 4 times for ORIGINAL layered material. As of now, I will continue the process plan of providing Jpeg & PDF files; and offer my future services for revisions or updates.

It is a relief to know that a contract might save plenty headaches.
Good luck to all, thanks again.

Mario

[(gra-ph!c-D'sig-nah)]

i will drink to that!