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Exporting & Preparing the Master Build for Design Handoff

Building Masters | Phase 5

Last Updated: May 5, 2026

 

FINAL EXPORT & HANDOFF

Overview

In this final lesson, you will learn the closing steps of the Master Build process: how to export and prepare completed master files so they stay clean, well-organized, and fully ready for a smooth, error-free handoff to the design team.

STEP-by-STep guide

1. Save the completed master as the new version 0:00

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  • The master build is complete, and the file is now being prepared for design.

  • Use Save As and place the file in the correct version folder.

  • If you are starting from a 0.0 folder, create a v1 folder first.

  • Rename the file/version to the new master version (example: 5.0).

  • Remove beta naming if present so the file reflects the final master version.

2. Reset version metadata and prepare for duplication 0:57

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  • Change the version ID back to the clean version number (example: 5.0).

  • Note that multiple size versions will need to be duplicated later.

  • Do the setup work first before duplicating, since there are multiple versions to update.

  • Confirm the style and pattern structure before moving on.

3. Update naming and hide non-essential branding 2:08

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  • Change the name fields back to the correct production naming format.

  • Update the last name / number fields as needed.

  • Hide branding elements that should not appear in the final design handoff.

  • If a layer says change color, do not lock it yet.

  • Only lock layers that are no longer meant to be edited.

4. Clean up registration, placement, and label layers 3:03

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  • Hide or disable registration layers where appropriate.

  • Create or update the locker tag registration if needed.

  • Review placement layers such as:

    • side panel

    • back

    • sleeve left / sleeve right

    • design box

    • front

  • Hide or lock any placement or label layers that are no longer needed for the next stage.

5. Adjust color layers and verify visible components 6:00

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  • Update the bottom binding and other color-controlled elements.

  • Check that the correct colors are assigned to:

    • bottom binding

    • signature

    • color stripe

    • base color

  • Open layer groups to verify what is inside before locking.

  • If a layer still needs color changes, leave it editable.

  • Close and lock only the layers that are finalized.

6. Verify collar, stripe, and switch details 8:06

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  • Inspect the collar setup carefully, since it may appear reversed or layered incorrectly.

  • Confirm the collar stripe direction and color placement.

  • Verify the switch/thread detail so that the color change behaves correctly.

  • Make sure the white thread or other thread color is set up properly.

  • Lock the collar-related layers once they are correct.

7. Set up side panels, stripes, and halftone pattern changes 16:59

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  • Lock side panels if they are not needed for the next stage.

  • Turn on the base colors, stripes, and sleeves where required.

  • Update the halftone pattern by changing the pattern value (example: to 7).

  • Turn off registration layers for the halftone if they are no longer needed.

  • Hide labels and inspect what sits behind the stripes before finalizing.

8. Save the master before duplicating versions 21:39

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  • Once the master looks correct, save it before making duplicates.

  • Keep open only the layers that still need to be changed across versions.

  • Save the file fully so the master state is preserved.

  • After saving, duplicate the file for the other versions/fabrics.

9. Duplicate the file and update version-specific naming 23:16

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  • Duplicate the saved master file.

  • If renaming is blocked in the current location, use a workaround such as duplicating and renaming elsewhere.

  • This process is especially important when there are multiple fabrics or multiple version outputs.

  • If there is only one fabric, you may be able to skip some of the duplication steps and move to upload.

10. Update the duplicated file for the correct style and size 48:56

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  • Change the duplicated file’s style number to the correct version.

  • Update the Master Symbol carefully so all linked instances update together.

  • Do not accidentally delink the symbol by editing the wrong field.

  • Update care instructions and size labels so they match the new style/version.

  • Make sure spacing stays aligned after changing the size code.

11. Lock finalized layers and collapse the layer stack 53:29

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  • Lock all finalized elements once the version-specific edits are complete.

  • Verify the correct size code appears everywhere it should.

  • If there is no mesh overlay for that version, leave it off.

  • Collapse the layer groups and save again.

  • This step is repeated for each size/version variant.

12. Handle special fabric types like heavy interlock and mock mesh 01:03:40

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  • For heavy mock mesh, turn on the mesh overlay layer.

  • If the file does not have a dedicated base, use the line art or outline path as the base reference.

  • Move or reflect the mesh layer as needed so it sits correctly on the front/back and other panels.

  • For shadow/thread areas, check whether the mesh belongs inside the thread layer rather than the shadow layer.

  • Lock everything again after confirming the mesh placement.

13. Repeat the process for each fabric/version combination 01:12:19

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  • Continue duplicating and updating the file for each fabric or size variant.

  • The core design stays the same; only the fabric/version information changes.

  • If a rename or move fails, use a workaround to keep the file moving through the workflow.

  • Keep updating the correct version number as you go.

14. Upload the final masters to Zyflow and update live folders 01:31:03

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  • Once all versions are complete, upload the final masters to Zyflow.

  • Match the Zyflow version number to the current master version (example: 5.0).

  • Update the live folder in Google Drive with the latest men’s and women’s files for unisex styles.

  • Remove outdated version IDs from the live folder if they are no longer needed.

  • Treat Google Drive as the backup source for the AI file.

15. Update migration tracking and status documentation 01:33:33

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  • Go to the Slack channel and the Master Migration Tracker.

  • Update the migration status for the new version.

  • Paste in the relevant table or tracking data.

  • Add a screenshot or proof image if needed.

  • Mark the item as in progress and color-code it appropriately (example: yellow).

16. Link the proof and confirm the final file set 01:40:16

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  • Use the Zyflow proof to link everything back to the correct file set.

  • Confirm the correct tech pack or style entry pulls up all related versions.

  • Verify the final style number and variant naming are correct.

  • Once everything is linked and tracked, the master handoff is complete.

 
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