Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/photo-file-handoff-for-designers/

# Hand Off Photo Files to a Designer with Clear Roles

Package source, approved exports, captions and usage notes so a designer knows which files to use.

Photography workflows2 min readUpdated 16 October 2026

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Quick answer

## The short version

A designer needs to know which photo is the source, which version is approved and what changes remain allowed. Create a simple delivery structure with stable identifiers and an inventory. Avoid mixing rejected drafts with approved images in one folder labeled final.

## Define the job before editing

A designer needs to know which photo is the source, which version is approved and what changes remain allowed. Create a simple delivery structure with stable identifiers and an inventory. Avoid mixing rejected drafts with approved images in one folder labeled final.

## State the file’s intended role

Identify masters, editable projects, approved crops and small reference previews. Include captions in a separate document keyed to the same IDs. Note any restrictions, unverified colors or AI interpretations. Use a contact sheet to make the visual selection easy to check without opening every large file.

## Make the decision from evidence

Ask for the designer’s actual format and layout requirements before producing a large derivative batch. A print-ready requirement may involve dimensions, bleed or color handling that a generic image export does not satisfy. Keep the master set separate so new specifications can be met later.

## A worked planning example

Example: The handoff contains 01-approved-images, 02-reference-sheet and 03-captions. Each approved file has a stable image ID, while the reference sheet identifies an excluded draft that should not appear in the layout.

## A practical checklist

1. Agree on output requirements.
2. Separate approved files from references.
3. Supply IDs and captions.
4. Record restrictions and unresolved concerns.

## Keep a traceable result

Keep the source file, the working copy and the delivery copy as separate items. Record the input and the changes you actually made so another person can understand the result later. These workflow examples are planning examples, not documented customer outcomes or proof of a successful restoration.

## FAQs

Should every working draft be in the delivery folder?

Only include drafts when they have a clear reference purpose, and label them so they cannot be mistaken for approved assets.

Should I replace my original with the edited copy?

Keep the source unchanged and save a separate working or sharing copy. An export, edit or AI interpretation can omit information that remains useful in the source.

## Sources

Preservation and technical guidance reviewed for this article.

- MDN Web Docs: [Pixel manipulation with Canvas](<https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Canvas_API/Tutorial/Pixel_manipulation_with_canvas>)

## Related

- [Open the related free tool](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/photo-contact-sheet/>)
- [Keep Handmade Product Colors Consistent in Photos](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/handmade-product-color-reference/>)
- [Prepare Menu Photos for Readable Digital Pages](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/restaurant-menu-photo-preparation/>)
- [Browse photo guides](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/>)
- [Free image tools](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/>)

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