[Client CRM](/client-crm) is for relationship notes, profiles, and history. Client Portal Lite is for project-specific delivery details such as links, missing files, milestones, and handoff notes.

Private internal handoff checklist. Links, files, milestones, and notes.

Updated May 17, 2026

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What's included

Features

Private client portal lite checklist for freelance projects and handoffs

Fields for client, project, status, next milestone date, links, files needed, milestones, and handoff notes

Local IndexedDB storage with no hosted client portal account required

CSV export for project review and JSON backup for moving browser data

Sample client portal checklists for onboarding, launch, and handoff testing

Status tracking for onboarding, waiting on client, in progress, review, handoff, and complete

Useful with Client CRM, Scope Creep Tracker, and Milestone Payment Tracker

Auto saved indicator confirms checklist changes are written to browser storage

Search across client names, project names, links, files, milestones, and notes

No login, no upload, and no external client access layer

GitHub Gist Backup

Sync data across devices via a private GitHub Gist. Paste your token, click Sync - edits auto-backup every 10 seconds. Restore instantly on any device with the Gist ID.

About this tool

Keep Client Handoff Details Organized Without Hosting a Portal

A full hosted client portal - with accounts, shared dashboards, file uploads, and automated notifications - solves a real problem for agencies managing multiple stakeholders on complex projects. For a solo freelancer delivering a website, a brand package, or a development sprint, it introduces more overhead than the project warrants. What actually helps is a private internal checklist: where are the staging links, what files are still missing, what milestones have been signed off, and what does the client need to know at handoff.

Client Portal Lite is that checklist. It is an internal-only browser workspace for organizing the project delivery details that are easy to scatter across tabs, chat threads, and email. Create one record per active project, fill in the links, list missing assets, track milestone status, and write handoff notes as the project progresses. Everything is stored in IndexedDB on your device - links, file lists, and client notes are not uploaded to a server.

The links field replaces the browser bookmark folder. Paste the staging URL, shared Google Drive folder, Figma preview link, Notion doc, Loom recording, feedback spreadsheet, and any other URL the project depends on. Having them in one record means you open one place instead of hunting across bookmarks, chat history, and email when a client asks for a link during a review call.

The files-needed field surfaces blockers early. List brand files, content copy, product photography, credentials, signed contract, legal text, or anything else the client needs to provide before work can continue or be delivered. Keeping this list visible means you ask for missing assets systematically rather than remembering mid-production that the logo is still missing.

Milestone tracking gives project status a structure. Record each checkpoint - kickoff complete, copy received, design approved, development complete, QA passed, client review, revisions done, launch, training complete, final handoff - and note the date when each is reached. This gives you a simple delivery timeline inside the same record as the links and file needs.

Use alongside Client CRM for relationship history and profile notes, Scope Creep Tracker for change requests during the project, Freelance Availability Planner for delivery window planning, and Milestone Payment Tracker for tracking payment against project milestones. Export JSON backup before clearing browser data.

If you are a developer or designer freelancer looking to build the technical skills behind your services, the React Playground, CSS Playground, and HTML Playground offer structured, interactive learning - no install, no setup required.

Step by step

How to Use

1
Create a client checklistAdd the client name, project name, current status, and next milestone date. Use one record per active handoff or onboarding flow.
2
Store important linksPaste staging URLs, shared folders, feedback docs, dashboards, design previews, training notes, or other links the project depends on.
3
List files neededUse the files needed field for logos, copy, photos, credentials, brand files, legal text, product data, or anything blocking the project.
4
Track milestonesRecord project checkpoints such as kickoff complete, copy received, design review, QA, launch, training, and final handoff.
5
Export or back upExport CSV for review or JSON for a full local backup before clearing browser data or moving the checklist to another device.
6
Back up to GitHub Gist (optional)Click the GitHub icon in the toolbar and paste a personal access token with gist scope. Your client project checklists sync automatically every 10 seconds after edits and are stored as a private Gist - restore on any device by entering the same token and Gist ID.
7
Keep your Gist private — never store sensitive data in itGitHub private Gists are not truly encrypted — they are unlisted links. Anyone who has your Gist URL or Gist ID can read the full contents without logging in. Never share your Gist URL, Gist ID, or Personal Access Token with anyone. Avoid storing passwords, API keys, or highly sensitive credentials. For maximum privacy with no data leaving your device, skip Gist sync and use the Export and Import buttons to transfer files manually instead.

Real-world uses

Common Use Cases

Freelance client handoff checklist

Keep launch links, files, milestone status, and handoff notes together so the final delivery does not depend on scattered messages.

Files-needed tracker

List missing brand files, copy, photos, credentials, or approvals. This makes client blockers visible before deadlines are missed.

Project milestone status board

Track each client project through onboarding, review, handoff, and completion without creating a full project management portal.

Important links organizer

Store staging links, shared folders, feedback docs, design previews, and training notes in one local client record.

Private local portal alternative

Use this as an internal portal-style tracker. Client information stays in browser storage unless you export it.

Client onboarding workspace

Start a checklist as soon as the project is approved, then move it from files needed to review and handoff.

Got questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Client Portal Lite is a private local checklist for freelancers. It is not a hosted portal. It helps you track client links, missing files, project status, milestones, and handoff notes in your browser.

No. This tool is designed as an internal handoff tracker, not a hosted client portal with accounts. You can export or copy details when you need to share updates manually.

Include production links, staging links, shared folders, final files, credentials still needed, milestone status, training notes, launch notes, and anything the client must review or approve.

No. It stores text notes and links. Use links to reference external folders or documents, and keep the actual files in your chosen storage system.

Yes. Export CSV for spreadsheet review or JSON for a full backup and restore. Exported files are created only when you choose to download them.

Client CRM is for relationship notes, profiles, and history. Client Portal Lite is for project-specific delivery details such as links, missing files, milestones, and handoff notes.

No. Records are stored locally in IndexedDB in your browser. Clearing site data can remove them, so export JSON before browser cleanup or device migration.

Yes. When the tool is empty, Load sample data adds example client checklists you can edit, test, or delete.

Yes - use the GitHub Gist backup. Click the GitHub icon in the header, paste a personal access token (gist scope only), and click Sync Now. Your data is saved as a private Gist and auto-syncs every 10 seconds after edits. On another device, paste the same token and Gist ID to restore.

GitHub "private" Gists are not encrypted — they are unlisted links. Anyone who has your Gist URL or Gist ID can read the full contents without needing a GitHub login. Never share your Gist URL, Gist ID, or Personal Access Token with anyone. Avoid storing passwords, API keys, or highly sensitive credentials. Use Gist sync for regular workflow data only. For maximum privacy with no data leaving your device at all, skip Gist sync and use the Export and Import buttons to move files manually via USB or your own encrypted storage.

For the specific use case of tracking project status, sharing milestones, logging files needed, and writing handoff notes, yes — this tool replaces the client portal feature of HoneyBook or Dubsado without the $16–$20/month subscription. The difference: this is a private local checklist for your own reference, not a live shared portal your client logs into. It is ideal for freelancers who want organised project handoffs without the overhead of a full CRM suite.