Delivering and Archiving a Reopenable Project
A practical workflow for checking a final export and preserving its sources and decisions.
Identify the deliverable
Record project name, version, date, dimensions and language. Associate each file with its intended destination, such as a horizontal screening copy or a separate vertical edit. Avoid ambiguous repeated “final” labels. Keep a short record of approved changes so a test export is not mistaken for the publishing copy.
Inspect the actual exported file
Open the export from its delivery location and review the start, end, transitions, titles and audio. Verify dimensions, duration and intended audio tracks. Compare sensitive moments such as a composite or Arabic title with the project. A completed export does not establish that the correct sequence, range or mix was selected.
Collect linked sources
Preserve project files, used media, permitted fonts, graphics and subtitle sources. Record required plug-ins and relevant versions. Keep licenses, source links and a note identifying material that cannot be redistributed. A useful archive explains what is needed to reconstruct the delivered result.
Test restoration from an independent copy
Copy the archive to an independent location and open it without relying on original working paths where practical and safe. Check media relinking, fonts and effects. Two copies in one folder do not demonstrate recoverability. Record missing assets or manual steps and resolve them before treating the archive as complete.
A compact handover example
A handover can contain the approved viewing export, project file, source folder, copy and a note describing language, dimensions, changes and rights. Include a reference image or timecode for restoration checks. When revisions follow, create a dated version rather than overwriting the previously approved deliverable.