A client portal is a private, shared place for one customer's work. Instead of digging through email threads, the client opens one link or login and sees the latest updates, files, schedules, proofs and questions for their project. The business decides what is shared and keeps internal notes private.
Portals save time on both sides. Clients stop asking where things stand, because they can see it, and the team stops forwarding the same attachments. The key is control: internal costs, other customers and team-only discussion must never show up on the client side.
Say a web design studio called Bluebird Studio is redesigning a site for a winery. The winery's owner sees the timeline, the latest mockups and the to-dos waiting on her, while the studio's notes about hours and budget stay team-only.
In aiKit, the Hub has client projects where each item is switched to Clients see this or kept team-only, with Preview as client to check. Customer Proofs and Quote Studio give customers private links to approve and accept, and Site Plan has a private client link with nothing internal on it.
Related terms
See it in practice
How to add bleed to a PDF for printing
Add 1/8 inch bleed to a PDF in plain words: aiKit extends the art past the cut, sets the print boxes, checks the file and gives you a proof to approve.
GuideHow to send a proof customers can approve from their phone
Send a design proof as a private link customers open on a phone, mark up with pins and approve with their typed name. No account needed for them.
Use caseQuote software for contractors: from a voice note to a signed yes
Turn a voice note or a customer's email into a one-page contractor quote priced from your own prices. Send a live page they accept by typed name.
Use casePrint-ready files for print shops: fix customer art by asking
Fix customer files by asking: add bleed, resize, check, set PDF boxes. Get a print-ready PDF, a file check and a proof link. Free to start.
Use caseOnline proofing for print shops: a clear, signed yes on every job
Send print proofs with cut and safe lines. Customers pin comments and approve by typed name from a phone, no account. Free to start with aiKit.