How to deliver logo files to clients (without losing money)

You just wrapped up a logo project. The client signed off on the final concept. Now you need to actually deliver the files. Sounds simple, but this is where a lot of designers trip up.

Send the wrong formats and you'll get emails for months asking for "the version that works on my website." Send everything before getting paid and, well, you know how that ends.

Here's how to handle logo file delivery the right way.

What file formats to include

Every logo delivery should include a core set of formats. Your client probably doesn't know the difference between SVG and EPS, but their printer, web developer, and marketing person will.

The essentials

• SVG. Vector format that works everywhere on the web. Scales to any size without losing quality. This is the one their developer will ask for.
• PNG (transparent background). For presentations, social media, documents. Include both a full-color version and a white version for dark backgrounds.
• PDF. Universal and print-ready. Anyone can open it, and it preserves vector quality.
• AI or EPS. For print shops and anyone who needs to edit the logo later. If the client is paying for source files, this is what they're really paying for.
• JPG. White background version for quick use in Word docs, email signatures, etc.

Nice to have

• Favicon (ICO or 32x32 PNG). Takes two minutes and clients love it.
• Social media sizes. Profile picture crops for Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook.
• Brand color document. A simple PDF or text file listing hex codes, RGB, and CMYK values.

How to organize the delivery

Don't just dump 20 files into one folder and call it done. A messy delivery makes you look unprofessional and guarantees follow-up questions.

Here's a simple folder structure that works:

ClientName-Logo/
├── For-Web/
│   ├── logo-full-color.svg
│   ├── logo-full-color.png
│   ├── logo-white.png
│   └── favicon.ico
├── For-Print/
│   ├── logo-full-color.pdf
│   ├── logo-full-color.eps
│   └── logo-cmyk.ai
├── Social-Media/
│   ├── profile-square.png
│   └── cover-banner.png
└── Brand-Colors.pdf

Label things clearly. "logo-v3-final-FINAL2.png" is not a delivery. "logo-full-color.png" is.

How to make sure you get paid

This is the part most logo delivery guides skip, and it's the most important part.

The moment you send clean, usable logo files, the client has what they need. Your leverage disappears. If they haven't paid yet, you're now just hoping they do.

The fix is simple: don't send the files until payment clears.

Option 1: Watermarked previews with gated download

Show the client watermarked versions of the logo so they can confirm everything looks right. Lock the clean files behind payment. Once they pay, files unlock instantly.

This is what FileCheckout is built for. Upload your logo package, set the price, share the link. The client sees previews, pays through Stripe, and gets immediate access to download everything.

Option 2: 50/50 split

Take 50% upfront before starting the project. Collect the remaining 50% before delivering final files. This works, but you still need discipline to hold the files until that second payment comes through.

Option 3: Send an invoice and wait

Technically an option. In practice, this is how designers end up writing "freelancer invoice not paid" into Google at 11pm.

Should you charge extra for source files?

This depends on how you structure your pricing. Some designers include all formats in the project price. Others charge a base price for web-ready files and an additional fee for editable source files (AI, PSD, etc.).

Both approaches are valid. The key is to be upfront about it. If the source files cost extra, say so in the proposal. Don't surprise the client after the work is done.

A common approach: include everything for mid-to-large projects, and charge separately for source files on smaller logo-only jobs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Only sending JPGs. The client will come back asking for "the one without the white background" within a week.
• Not including a transparent PNG. This is the single most-used format. Always include it.
• Skipping the color reference. "What's the exact blue we use?" is an email you never want to answer twice.
• Sending files before getting paid. Just don't.
• Using your cloud link instead of a proper delivery. A Google Drive folder is fine for collaboration. It's not a professional deliverable.

Frequently asked questions

What file formats should I deliver for a logo?

At minimum: SVG, PNG (transparent), PDF, and JPG. If the client is paying for source files, include AI or EPS as well. For web projects, throw in a favicon. The goal is to cover web, print, and social media use cases so the client doesn't have to come back asking for conversions.

How do I deliver logo files without getting ghosted on payment?

Lock the files behind payment. Use a tool like FileCheckout to share watermarked previews while keeping the clean files gated. The client can see and approve everything, but only downloads the originals after paying. No more chasing invoices.

Should I charge extra for editable source files?

It depends on your pricing model. Many designers include all formats in their standard logo package. Others price source files (AI, PSD) separately because they give the client full editing control. Either way, be clear about what's included before the project starts.

How should I organize logo files for delivery?

Create separate folders for web, print, and social media formats. Use clear, descriptive file names. Include a brand colors reference document. Zip everything into one clean package. A well-organized delivery saves you from months of "can you send me the other version?" emails.

Is it unprofessional to require payment before sending logo files?

Not at all. It's standard practice. You wouldn't expect a printer to ship 500 business cards before getting paid. Digital deliverables work the same way. Professional clients understand this completely.