Gather Design Assets for a Clean Client Handoff on Mac
Stage logos, approved exports, and documentation from scattered folders on a Drag Shelf, then make a verified delivery folder or ZIP.
Original conceptual illustration for this workflow; not an app screenshot.
The short answerCreate a Drag Shelf for the client, collect only approved deliverables from each project folder, expand the pile to review filenames, and Save to Folder for a durable handoff. If the recipient wants one archive, create a ZIP and send the archive alone after checking it; Historr adds the ZIP beside the original shelf items, so dragging the whole pile would send both.
What makes a design handoff messy?
A rushed handoff can include drafts, duplicate exports, or a font file that should not be redistributed. A tidy delivery is part of the design work, not just a final drag gesture.
The shelf makes the assembly visible, but the designer still decides which format, rights, and version belong in the package.
What does the shelf actually collect?
Historr references existing disk files in place and copies them when dragged out. A shelf name or color organizes the temporary collection; it does not rename files or add Finder tags.
Save to Folder copies items and avoids overwriting an existing same-name file by choosing a unique name. Compress to ZIP adds an archive to the shelf while originals remain; the archive is not automatically encrypted.
How do you stage and deliver approved assets?
Define the package
Write down what the client is licensed to receive: approved logos, image exports, guide, and editable source files if agreed. Check font and stock-asset redistribution terms.
Collect the approved files
Open a shelf with Option-Shift-D. Drag each approved item from Finder into it, naming the shelf for the project. Avoid adding working drafts just to sort them later.
Audit the pile
Expand the shelf and compare the visible list with your delivery checklist. Use Quick Look for a sample and inspect file names, extensions, and versions in Finder where needed.
Create and verify the handoff
Save to Folder for a durable directory. If ZIP is requested, compress the intended items, then deliver only the ZIP entry. Open the saved package once to confirm its contents.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sharing an unlicensed font or stock file.
- Dragging both the ZIP and its source items from the shelf.
- Using a temporary shelf as the project's permanent archive.
Which package should the client receive?
- Include a concise usage guide if the deliverable agreement calls for one.
- Prefer unambiguous filenames with version and format.
- Test the final archive from the saved destination, not only from the shelf.
Compare your options
| Option | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Working project folder | Production files and drafts | Contains material the client may not need |
| Drag Shelf | Assembling an approved set | Temporary until saved |
| Saved folder or ZIP | Client delivery | Needs final inspection and rights review |
Working project folder
Best forProduction files and drafts
LimitsContains material the client may not need
Drag Shelf
Best forAssembling an approved set
LimitsTemporary until saved
Saved folder or ZIP
Best forClient delivery
LimitsNeeds final inspection and rights review
Put it into practice with Historr
Historr's shelf helps stage items from scattered Finder locations without relocating your originals. Save to Folder makes durable copies, and ZIP can package a selected collection.
The app does not inspect licensing, approve versions, or encrypt archives. Those decisions remain with the designer and the client agreement.
- Collect files & folders
- Images, links & text
- Multiple shelves
- Quick Look
- Save to Folder
- Compress to ZIP
- Resize Images
- Extract Text
Give your next drag a place to land.
Drag Shelf is included in Historr 0.1.5 and later.
Questions, answered.
Does a shelf rename the Finder files?
No. Shelf naming labels the temporary collection only.
Does Save to Folder overwrite an existing name?
It chooses a unique name rather than overwriting an existing same-name destination file.
Does ZIP replace the files on the shelf?
No. The archive is added beside the source items, so select the ZIP alone for delivery if that is the intended package.
Is the ZIP encrypted?
No. Do not assume password protection or encryption from the Compress to ZIP action.
Take it from here
A strong handoff is an approved, rights-checked set with a verified destination. Use the shelf to make assembly easier, then keep the actual deliverable in a folder or archive the client can inspect.
For supported actions, shortcuts, and settings, see the Drag Shelf documentation.
