ClientDesk FAQ
Straight answers about what ClientDesk does, what it costs and what it doesn't do. Below that, every guide and comparison we've written about client portals.
- What it is
- A client portal for freelancers, consultants and small agencies. Each client gets a branded page with project progress, files and a message thread.
- Website
- client-desk.io
- Price
- Free for 1 client. Pro is $12/mo for up to 10 clients. Business is $29/mo for unlimited clients and a custom domain. Billed monthly, cancel anytime.
- Client access
- A permanent private link, or a one-time sign-in link they request with their email. No account and no password. You can add a password to any client's link.
- Files
- Up to 100 MB per file on Pro and Business, with 5 GB and 25 GB of storage.
- Not included
- Invoicing, contracts, e-signatures, proposals, scheduling and time tracking. Clients can't upload files yet.
- Your data
- Export everything as JSON or delete your account from Settings. Deletion is immediate.
About the name: ClientDesk is the client portal at client-desk.io. If you've come across a “Client Desk” wealth-management app or an Android “ClientDesk Business Manager” app, those are different products.
Common questions
What is ClientDesk?
ClientDesk is a client portal for freelancers and small agencies. You add a client, create a project and share one link. The client sees the current phase, a progress bar, the files you've shared and a message thread with you. It lives at client-desk.io.
How much does ClientDesk cost?
Free for 1 client, with project tracking and a portal link. Pro is $12/mo and adds file sharing, in-portal messaging and white-label branding for up to 10 clients. Business is $29/mo for unlimited clients, 25 GB of storage and your own domain. Plans are monthly and you can cancel anytime.
Is there a free plan, and what does it include?
Yes. The free plan covers 1 client with progress tracking and a shareable portal link. File sharing and messaging start on Pro at $12/mo. The free plan has no time limit and doesn't ask for a credit card.
Do my clients need to create an account?
No. Each client gets a permanent portal link. They click it and they're in. If they lose it, they enter their email on the portal sign-in page and get a one-time sign-in link. If you want an extra lock on the door, add a password to that client's link.
Can I use my own branding and domain?
Pro lets you add your logo and colors and remove ClientDesk branding, so clients only see your business. Business adds a custom domain, so the portal can live at an address like portal.yourstudio.com.
Does ClientDesk do invoicing, contracts or proposals?
No. ClientDesk only does the client-facing portal. Most freelancers pair it with what they already use for the money side, like Stripe, FreshBooks or Wave for invoices and a separate e-signature tool for contracts. If you want all of that in one product, a CRM like HoneyBook or Dubsado is the better fit.
Can clients upload files to the portal?
Not yet. Today you upload files and clients view and download them. On Pro and Business, clients can reply and send feedback through portal messaging.
What's the maximum file size?
100 MB per file. Storage is 5 GB on Pro and 25 GB on Business.
Can I export or delete my data?
Yes. Settings > Privacy & Data lets you download all your data as JSON or delete your account. Deletion is permanent and immediate, including every file you've uploaded.
How is ClientDesk different from HoneyBook or Dubsado?
HoneyBook and Dubsado are CRMs that include a client portal. ClientDesk is only the portal, which is why Pro is $12/mo while HoneyBook and Dubsado start at $35 to $36 a month billed monthly. If you need proposals, contracts and invoicing in one place, they're the better choice.
Who is ClientDesk not a good fit for?
Practices that need e-signatures, document request checklists or industry compliance features inside the portal, such as accounting, legal and healthcare firms. Teams that need several staff logins on one account will also outgrow it today.
Still deciding between a portal and an all-in-one CRM? Read client portal vs CRM or see what every client portal costs.
Guides and comparisons
Compare client portal tools
Build a portal with tools you already use
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Features
How-to answers
- How to share project updates with clients
- The easiest way to share project updates
- How to share updates with clients automatically
- How to send deliverables to clients
- How to give clients access to project files
- How to reduce client emails as a freelancer
- How to onboard clients as a freelancer
- How to track client projects as a freelancer