How to Send Design Files to Clients (Without WeTransfer Pro)

Designers ship some of the largest files in any creative workflow. A layered PSD with 200 smart objects. A Figma export bundle. A C4D scene with textures. The "I'll just attach it" instinct dies the moment you see the file size.

The default solution is WeTransfer. The Pro version, often, because the free tier caps at 2 GB. That's $12 a month for what should be a sub-$1 transaction.

What design handoffs actually look like

Most of this is well above 2 GB. The Zippd free registered tier handles up to 20 GB per file. More on large uploads.

Why design files deserve real privacy

Unreleased design work is sensitive in ways that don't always feel obvious:

• Brand confidentiality. Pre-launch logos, packaging, campaign concepts.
• Client privacy. Photos of real people, identifiable products, pre-public information.
• IP value. Original work that hasn't been registered or published is harder to protect once it leaks.
• NDA compliance. Many client contracts have data-handling clauses you may be violating by using a service that reads your files.

"It's just a mockup" isn't a reason to skip the privacy step. Zippd's E2EE protects this stuff by default.

Practical designer workflow

The standard client send

1. Export your deliverable (final PSD, Figma archive, PDF, whatever).
2. Drop it on the Zippd homepage.
3. Set max downloads to a number you're comfortable with — usually 3–5 for a small team.
4. Copy the share URL and paste into your client email or project tool.
5. Client downloads. Link expires after the configured window.

Compared to WeTransfer Pro: free, plus the client can't accidentally re-share to a wider audience because the link self-destructs.

The revision cycle

Each revision gets a new Zippd link. Old ones expire on their own. No "I'm not sure which is the latest" because the URL is always the latest you sent.

Multi-asset deliveries

For a big deliverable (logo pack with EPS / SVG / PNG / source files), zip them first. Drop the zip on Zippd. Send one link instead of seven.

Compared to design-specific platforms

Where WeTransfer Pro still wins for designers: branded share pages with your logo. If that matters to your client experience, you may want WeTransfer Pro for the public-facing send and Zippd for internal-to-client confidential work.

Honestly, you can use both. They cost different amounts and protect different things.

Tips for designer-specific use

• For huge raw assets, zip first. Even though Zippd auto-skips gzip on already-compressed formats, a single zip is easier to send than 50 individual files.
• For Figma/Sketch handoffs, share both the file and a PDF. The PDF is universal; the source file is for whoever has the matching tool.
• For unreleased brand work, set max-downloads tight. 1 download for a leak-sensitive concept. Forces a clean record of who actually opened it.
• For revisions, name the file with a version. Even though Zippd doesn't see filenames (they're encrypted), your recipient does on download.

Things to avoid

• Don't paste design files in Slack DMs. Slack's compression destroys quality and the message lives forever.
• Don't email full RAW packs. Even if the recipient's inbox allows it, you're putting them in a long-term plaintext archive.
• Don't share Dropbox folder links for one-off deliveries. They imply ongoing access. Use a Transfer-style link (Zippd, WeTransfer, etc.).

FAQ

Does the client need an account?

No. Anyone with the share URL can download. No friction.

Can I add my logo to the share page?

Not yet — branded share pages are a roadmap item. Currently it's the Zippd-branded page. For neutral handoff, it's fine. For client-facing portfolio impressions, WeTransfer Pro still wins on this specific axis.

How long can a client take to download?

30 days on registered free. Long enough for any reasonable review cycle.

Can I see if the client downloaded?

Yes — the dashboard shows download counts per file. You can't see who specifically downloaded (we don't track viewers by identity) but you'll see if anyone has.

Try it on your next handoff

Create a free account and your next 20 GB delivery is free. Same workflow your clients already know.