If you want to customize your file after the your Fiverr seller has delivered your order, then you need a source file. What is a source file on Fiverr? They’re the key to complete customization and control of your business’ assets, long after an order has completed.
If you’re new to digital freelance services, you’re probably wrapping your head around a lot of things right now! One of the most important things you can do is understand what you’re buying. On Fiverr, a common term that springs up is “source files”.
But exactly what is a source file on Fiverr, and why are they so important in online freelancing?
More importantly, why should you care, even if you don’t think you need source files for your project right now?
Understanding The Basics: What Is A Source File On Fiverr?
In the simplest terms, a source file is a raw and editable file created by freelancers during a project.
Think of them as the building blocks for your final product, whether it’s a graphic design, a video, an animation, or a piece of software. These files come in various formats depending on the type of work.
Let’s say you commission a Fiverr seller to create an illustration for your business using Adobe Illustrator. Today’s digital artists use different “layers” to build images. This is good, because it makes editing easier.
While every artist approaches their art differently, most will use a new layer for a new element. This makes it easy to edit small parts of the artwork without affecting the rest of the illustration.
Now, the base delivery might be the final image in a PNG format.
This will be a “flat” image. You can’t go into the file and edit each layer. However, if you get the source file, you can. While it isn’t always necessary to get the source files, they are a valuable business asset in many cases.
Having access to these source files means gaining the ability to modify, update, or repurpose the delivered work in the future. It’s like having the master key to your digital asset, allowing you to unlock and tweak every aspect of it. It’s also something you can send to other artists to make changes for you.
Why Source Files Are A Game-Changer For Clients On Fiverr
Source files are like the recipe for your favorite dish. When you order a meal at a restaurant, you love the dish but don’t know the exact ingredients or steps taken to create it. However, if you have the recipe, you have the power to recreate or alter the dish to your taste. Similarly, with source files, clients gain a level of control and flexibility over the final product that is not possible with just the final deliverable.
This control is particularly crucial for businesses that may need to adapt their digital assets for evolving branding strategies or for projects that are iterative in nature. Having the source files can save time and money in the long run, as clients can make minor edits themselves or hand them over to another professional for further development, without starting from scratch.
One good reason for opting for a source file might be getting a Facebook ad design that has a date on it. Having the source file lets you quickly change the date when you need to. You won’t need to contact the original artist and pay them.
Another reason might be flexibility. You may love your brand colors today, but in a few years from now, you may want to change them. Having access to the source files makes this process a lot easier with far fewer headaches, since you can simply send the source file to a graphic designer to edit!
Don’t forget Fiverr sellers often have other working commitments and extra-fast deliveries are typically extra money! Sometimes, it’s just quicker to spend 5 minutes doing it yourself. Sure, it sounds easy to send source files on Fiverr, but don’t forget the time finding the right Fiverr gig, uploading the source file, waiting, going through revisions, and downloading.
Source files give you the freedom to choose whether you edit yourself or hire a professional.
How Offering Source Files Benefits Freelancers On Fiverr
From the perspective of a freelancer, providing source files is a value-added service. It demonstrates transparency in their work process – important in this age of AI – and builds trust with their client. Source files can also justify higher pricing or be used as an upsell opportunity, thereby potentially increasing the freelancer’s earnings.
Most Fiverr sellers offer source files (also known as original files) as a gig extra, although some may offer it as a part of their gig package. All will be happy to offer a custom quote that includes a source file (unless, of course, they simply do not offer source files).
If you are a buyer interested in getting the source file, you need to make sure that the freelancers you work with offer source files. This clarity helps in setting the right expectations and fosters a transparent and trustworthy relationship with the client. There’s nothing worse than completing an order, only to realize that a source file, for whatever reason, is not available!
Common Source Files Used In Fiverr Projects
On Fiverr, the types of source files vary widely based on the service category. For graphic design projects such as logo design, source files might include:
- Adobe Photoshop (PSD)
- Adobe Illustrator (AI)
- Adobe InDesign (INDD)
- Vector files (EPS or SVG files)
For web development, they could be:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Java
- WordPress themes
Video editors might offer:
- Adobe Premiere Pro (PRPROJ)
- After Effects (AEP) project files
- MP4
Voicover artists and musicians might use audio files like:
- WAV
- AIFF
- FLAC
There are many types of source file and different formats out there – this is not intended to be a comprehensive list! If you’re not sure what type of source file you need, you can try asking Google or sending an inbox message to a seller.
Just remember files like PNG or JPG are not source files!
No matter what type of source file you use, each of these file types allows the client to get into the nitty-gritty of the project, whether that’s to change the text, modify graphics, alter layouts, or tweak coding.
NOTE: Most writers will give you the .DOCX (Microsoft Word) file, which is an original source file, rather than a PDF or other type of final file. It’s also not necessary to get a source file with every project – a product mockup may not be what you originally envisioned, which means you won’t want the source file. If you’re testing different sellers, you may also not need source files.
Strategies For Discussing And Agreeing On Source File Exchange On Fiverr
While most Fiverr sellers are upfront about the availability and pricing of their source files, some may not be. This may mean that they are not available, or that you need to negotiate and come to an agreement. If you’re a buyer, it’s important to send sellers an inbox message before ordering to check and negotiate.
Effective communication is key when negotiating source files. Be upfront about your request for source files and why you need them. Freelancers should also be transparent about their terms and costs. Ultimately, the aim is to give everyone what they want, so some compromises may be required.
By contacting the seller before ordering, this simple dialogue ensures that both parties are on the same page and helps in building a successful working relationship.
Fiverr Gig Policies On Source File Delivery And Rights
Navigating Fiverr’s Guidelines on Source File Delivery and Copyright
When it comes to source files, delivery, and copyright, Fiverr has specific guidelines in its Terms of Service:
- If a seller offers source files and a buyer purchases them as a part of a gig, the delivery must include the source file
- Unless a seller states otherwise, buyers are granted all intellectual property rights, including copyright and moral rights, on delivery and payment
- If an order is cancelled and the seller not paid for any reason, the source file cannot be used
Some buyers may not mention rights on their gig; it’s still best practice to ask first to get written confirmation and avoid ugly disputes later on. Make sure that your delivery comes with all the permissions, rights, and licenses that you need to fully use your source file as you want.
Sometimes, your source file(s) will be delivered in a project folder. Other times, they might be delivered using a service like Dropbox, usually when the file is too big for Fiverr’s file upload and download limits.
Wrap-Up: You Don’t Always Need the Source Files, But They’re Useful!
Source files on Fiverr are more than just digital files; they represent control, flexibility, and future possibilities for clients, while offering your freelancer an opportunity to enhance their service offering and build client trust.
It’s important as a buyer that you carefully check what your seller offers and negotiate any specific terms before ordering. A source file can be a big legal headache if not handled the right way. It’s also worth considering if you even need a source file, since they are not always appropriate.
So long as you take the steps to understand what a source file on Fiverr is, check in with your sellers before ordering and pay for the rights that you need, you should have a pleasant buying experience. Since there are so many sellers on Fiverr, you may be having problems finding the right one – in which case, you might like to try Brief and Match.
Fiverr Source Files FAQ
What Do I Do If A Fiverr Seller Refuses To Provide Source Files?
If the seller offers source files and you have paid for them as a part of the service, remind them of this. If they continue to refuse, you should open a ticket with Fiverr’s Customer Support team. If you haven’t paid for the source files, then you will need to come to an agreement.
Can I Edit Source Files Without Professional Software?
If you have a software that supports the file type, you can edit your source file without professional software. For example, if you have a PSD file, you can edit it in GIMP, which is free. Since every source file is different and there are many programs out there, it’s best to check before buying.
Are Source Files Included In The Basic Gig Price On Fiverr?
Sellers choose how to set up their gig packages, so it really depends on the individual seller. Some will include source files, but many don’t, instead offering source files as gig extras or in their premium package. If a source file is a gig extra, you can add it onto a basic gig for an additional fee.
How Will I Know If Source File Is Safe?
You should run it through a virus checker if you are worried about the safety of your file or something doesn’t look right. If you’re sending your own source files to a seller, check their reviews carefully – you want to make sure this is someone you trust.
What Rights Do I Have Over The Source Files I Receive?
Your source file rights depend on the agreement you have with your Fiverr seller. Check their gig for any terms and conditions, licensing agreements, or copyright information. If there is none, send the seller a message requesting how they deal with source file rights.
Can I Share The Source Files I Receive With Others?
Your ability to share the source files you receive depends on the licensing and usage rights granted by the seller. Some sellers may allow you to share the source files with others, while others may restrict their usage to personal or non-commercial purposes. It’s best to check the seller’s gig for this information or message them about it.
