Working vs. Deliverable Files

Understanding How and Why We Save and Export Files

Before we dive into software, we need to talk about a concept that often gets lost in the world of phone apps and social media:

When you create something on a computer, there are usually two versions of your work:

• a working file (used for editing and making changes)

• a deliverable file (used for sharing, submitting, or publishing)

Computers and software are tools that help you create work that can later be shared with others. Understanding the difference between these two file types will save you time, frustration, and lost work.

Put it into Practice!

You will use Diagrams.net to create a mind map. Here is how the working vs. deliverable file distinction applies:

• • Working file: Save your mind map as an XML (.drawio) file. This file keeps all of your structure and allows you to edit your work later.

  • Deliverable file: Export your mind map as a PNG file. This is the version you will submit, share, or post online.