What Files Will I Get at the End of a Design Contest?

What Files Will I Get at the End of a Design Contest?

Once you select a winning design, the Designer will deliver a complete set of production-ready files through the platform. The exact files depend on the type of design you commissioned, but here’s what to expect.

I. STANDARD FILE DELIVERY

Every winning design includes source files (the editable originals) and export files (the ready-to-use versions). You should receive both.

For digital use (website, social media, email):

• PNG — high-resolution, transparent background where applicable.

• JPG — compressed version for web use and email.

• SVG — scalable vector format, ideal for logos and icons that need to work at any size.

For print use (business cards, packaging, signage):

• PDF — print-ready, with crops and bleeds where applicable.

• AI (Adobe Illustrator) — the editable vector source file.

• EPS — universal vector format, compatible with most design software.

Colour modes:

• Digital files should be in RGB colour mode.

• Print files should be in CMYK colour mode.

• If you need Pantone (spot colour) versions — for example, for branded merchandise or signage — request this in your brief.

Editable source files:

• AI (Adobe Illustrator), PSD (Adobe Photoshop), INDD (Adobe InDesign), or Figma files depending on the software the Designer used.

• These are yours to keep. You (or any future Designer) can edit them without starting from scratch.

II. FILES BY DESIGN CATEGORY

Logo design:

• Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) — essential. Your logo must scale from a favicon to a billboard.

• PNG with transparent background — for placing on websites, documents, and presentations.

• Colour variations — full colour, single colour (black), single colour (white/reversed). Request these in your brief if the Designer doesn’t offer them by default.

• Optional: a simple brand style sheet showing the logo with correct spacing, minimum sizes, and colour codes (hex, RGB, CMYK).

Website or app design:

• Design mockups as PSD, Figma, Sketch, or XD files.

• Exported screens as PNG or JPG at the correct resolution.

• If responsive design was part of the brief: desktop, tablet, and mobile versions.

• Assets (icons, buttons, images) exported individually if needed for development.

Business card or stationery:

• Print-ready PDF with 3mm bleed and crop marks.

• Editable source file (AI or PSD).

• Both front and back designs.

Packaging or label design:

• Print-ready PDF or AI file with die-cut lines, bleeds, and correct dimensions.

• 3D mockup rendering (if included in the brief).

• Separated layers for different print colours if applicable.

Illustration or artwork:

• High-resolution PNG or TIFF (300 dpi minimum for print).

• Vector source file (AI or EPS) if the illustration was created as a vector.

• Layered PSD if created in Photoshop.

Social media or banner design:

• Files sized to each platform’s specifications (e.g., 1080×1080 for Instagram, 1200×628 for Facebook link posts, 1500×500 for Twitter/X header).

• PNG or JPG exports.

• Editable source file for future updates.

III. WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE YOU ACCEPT

Before confirming the final delivery, check that you have received:

• All file formats specified in your brief.

• Both RGB and CMYK versions if you need the design for digital and print.

• Editable source files — not just flat exports.

• Correct dimensions and resolution (72 dpi for screen, 300 dpi for print).

• Fonts — either embedded in the files, outlined/converted to curves, or provided separately with licence information.

• Transparent backgrounds where applicable (logos, icons).

If anything is missing, message the Designer through the platform before closing the contest. Once the contest is finalised and payment is released, requesting additional files may require a separate arrangement.

IV. WHAT ABOUT FONTS AND STOCK IMAGES?

Fonts:
If the Designer used a commercial font in your design, they should provide the font name and where to purchase a licence. The Designer’s licence covers their own use — it does not transfer to you. You will need your own licence to edit the source files or use the font elsewhere. Free fonts (Google Fonts, open-source fonts) do not require a separate licence.

Stock images:
If the design includes stock photography or illustrations, the Designer must declare this and provide licence details. Some stock licences have restrictions on print runs, merchandise, or resale. Check the licence covers your intended use before going to production.

V. HOW LONG ARE FILES STORED?

Your design files are stored in your account on the platform and available for download at any time while your account is active. We recommend downloading all files to your own storage as soon as the contest is complete. We are not a backup service, and if your account is closed, your files may be deleted.