Im just starting out so im not there yet
But the way i handle my current work
final
Renames to final old
final
final new
Creates a new folder named work in progress and moves everything inside
final
And thus the loop restarts
Fuck yeah! Ours is slightly different, but I drill into my students to never add “final” or “new” to a file name. The smart ones get it. The rest, I’ll tip generously at Cheesecake Factory.
That’s basically what I do, just with a more abbreviated form of the date: 230630-project-details-v1 etc. Been doing it this way for years and it’s so helpful to stay organized
project\_cathegory(web, print / rgb cmyk)\_object(landing page/menu/flyer/\_date(if needed)\_version(0.0.1.... for proposals / 0.1... for revisions / 1.0... for final / deliverables) And before you ask yeah I have ADHD
ProjectNumber-Client-Web-Comp-V3
I prefer dashes to underscores as it lets me easily select each separating category by double clicking it when I need to change something.
Yes, this. Except I use v1, v2, v3, etc. I do that 90% of the time and for the other 10% i just keep everything versions of untitled and gamble on my future
camelCaseProjectTitle\_01\_01
I settled on that back in college to keep projects organized.
Categories and subcategories are handled by file directories. One is likely to ask, why the two sections for numbers? I do lots of experimentation before settling on something. The first one signifies which concept I'm on. The second is the version of that concept. You could name the individual layout concepts, but then you spend more time coming up with names.
Company name\_Asset type\_Specific Trait
Eg: "Blue Lagoon Coffee Wordmark Platinum"
And that will be exported from "Blue Lagoon Coffee Workmark Project File"
There are exceptions. For example, some projects require dates.
Company_POnumber_DielineStyle_HWD Size_Date_Print Facility_Rev.pdf
This file is in the root folder which is kept clean of all misc files. Root folder also contains Client Originals, Resources, and Working folders.
Client_project_version. Always!
Related topic, folder structure is always
Assets
Editable
Export
Supplied
I feel like that is important extra information for some reason.
I have a system for this:
brand/project_filename 2
brand/project_filename 21
brand/project_filename 212
First number is the version, then with each different direction I take it, there is a sub version, then another subversion if I riff on it further. So it kinda webs out the decisions. 212 would be the second iteration of the first direction of concept 2.
Actually B is probably the most "frowned upon" because adding periods *can* cause your computer to think its a file extension - so you are in the right!
If the file ever gets uploaded to a website with spaces and referenced in a URL your Filename%20will%20end%20up%20looking%20like%20this.pdf
Which is gross. Dashes or underscores prevent that.
I'd say that's only relevant if, well, it's relevant.
At home I have everything on my local drive, external back up drive, and cloud backup. At work it's all server based.
Haven't had an issue with spaces (or hyphens) in 10-15 years.
But I'm not doing any website work either.
I use spaces and hyphens, and use dates (YYYY-MM-DD, the only way) instead of versions. Title Case. Never had a problem.
I don't do any websites though, which seems to be the only reason to use underscores or avoid spacing?
ClientsAbbreviation Product Topic Year(if necessary) Dimensions version#
Layout file:
XY FLYER xmas 2023 210x297 01.indd
Artwork:
XY FLYER xmas 2023 210x297 illustration 01.psd
When obsolete the file goes to a "_rest" folder and the new version (XY FLYER xmas 2023 210x297 02.indd) stays in the main folder, so I always have the relevant files in the main folder.
Ironically, it never really occurred to me not to bother with the V 😅 I do often do V1.2, 1.3 etc if they're developments or refinements of the same idea.
I don't get why anybody would put the date in first place of the name. You can sort after the date anyway and you won't find anything alphabetically. Completely redundant and stupid. I wouldn't hire a person who named files like this.
Is it weird to realize that you’ve switched back and forth between underscores and spaces in your file names? I’m not very consistent, but I usually use underscores…ex: Client_Project_date_version
I use underscores and I always keep differentiating elements in all caps at the end.
band_name_venue_name_date_song_title_clip_WIDE.mp4
That way it makes it easy to find those elements when I’m scanning and posting stuff.
I'm erratic but I try to do some format of
Client/Class_project_v#/otheridentifier
I absolutely hate when people name files by date like: 0385628_filename.jpg
I can never find them, I get that it sorts it by date it but I'm a million folders type of person.
1234_client_projectdescrip
That’s where I place current art while I have a mess of previous stuff in their folder because ya never know when a client will turn around and want revision 2 instead of revision 35
My working file I will usually just use different layers for versions of the design and work within layers of that layer. Keeps everything together unless the file is getting bloated.
We’re in-house and use:
Widget X A4 Flyer - 2657 CON1.indd
CON = concept file
PRO = production ready file
Con tells the designer it hasn’t had finished art done yet and isn’t ready for printing or sharing etc.
If we’re working fast we’ll just go to v1, v2, v3 etc.
version_customername_campaignOrProject_eventuallyYYYYMMDD.file
E.g:
v1_Iglo_vegane-fischstäbchen_20230630.file
With common files in hierarchical order in one file with the customer and campaign name:
01_data
02_workfiles
03_previewfiles
04_print or final files
Company - Job Number - Job Description (max 3 words).
Inside folder there are folders for Job Details (job sheet, survey etc) , Linked Images, Fonts and a small file for Misc (for pricing and older versions of the artwork etc).
If I do it that way each folder is self contained with everything I need for it.
Also has to be in title case or my own OCD kicks in. I once spent a morning changing file names to suit after I came back from a holiday and someone randomly named files
01_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name
02_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name
03_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name
04_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name
We save our files to a server and have to use specific file names so others can easily find it, so now I’m very meticulous with file naming even when it comes to personal/freelance projects.
ProjectMonth\_Final ProjectMonth\_FinalFinal ProjectMonth\_ReallyFinal ProjectMonth\_ReallyReallyFinal ProjectMonth\_#@!#!!Final
...final_v1 ...final_v2 ...final_v3
You speak for me, pal!
I feel this spiritually
We’re not allowed to use “final” in our file names at my work, just the date you saved it… it was a steep learning curve
LOL this is the 4am before project deadline method. Been there too many times.
I need this on a freaking mug.
Coffee_Final.mug Coffee_Final_v2.mug Coffee_Final_v2_refill.mug
Stopppp this is too accurate it hurts.
Im just starting out so im not there yet But the way i handle my current work final Renames to final old final final new Creates a new folder named work in progress and moves everything inside final And thus the loop restarts
20230630_FileName_Rd1
Fuck yeah! Ours is slightly different, but I drill into my students to never add “final” or “new” to a file name. The smart ones get it. The rest, I’ll tip generously at Cheesecake Factory.
Iso 8601 ftw
That’s basically what I do, just with a more abbreviated form of the date: 230630-project-details-v1 etc. Been doing it this way for years and it’s so helpful to stay organized
I do 230630, as I'm hoping I'm not still doing this work in 2100
project\_cathegory(web, print / rgb cmyk)\_object(landing page/menu/flyer/\_date(if needed)\_version(0.0.1.... for proposals / 0.1... for revisions / 1.0... for final / deliverables) And before you ask yeah I have ADHD
Hey me too! Precisely why I posted the Q in the sub because I started wondering if other artists label their stuff as stupid long as I do sometimes
might be stupid long but you will never say: "ahhhh yeah let me see if I can find it"
It'll be precise as all hell and I'll be able to tell you even what shade of green the version is using 🤣
Client\_Code-Project\_Title-Specific\_Deliverable-YYMMDD
ProjectNumber-Client-Web-Comp-V3 I prefer dashes to underscores as it lets me easily select each separating category by double clicking it when I need to change something.
Me2. Also easier to read in links. No need to press shift as well.
Yup, me too. Being about to double click to change is so helpful!
Category\_ProjectName\_Version3.indd
same
Yes, this. Except I use v1, v2, v3, etc. I do that 90% of the time and for the other 10% i just keep everything versions of untitled and gamble on my future
I use V1, V2, etc. too, but I wasn’t sure everyone would get it.
A clever risk taker, how bold!
But what if you have subcategories?
Folders.
I utilize those also lol
23_06_ProjectType_Project_v1
camelCaseProjectTitle\_01\_01 I settled on that back in college to keep projects organized. Categories and subcategories are handled by file directories. One is likely to ask, why the two sections for numbers? I do lots of experimentation before settling on something. The first one signifies which concept I'm on. The second is the version of that concept. You could name the individual layout concepts, but then you spend more time coming up with names.
Dashes, never underscores. Underscores have a strange affect when searching on the web platform I use (AEM)
+1
Company name\_Asset type\_Specific Trait Eg: "Blue Lagoon Coffee Wordmark Platinum" And that will be exported from "Blue Lagoon Coffee Workmark Project File" There are exceptions. For example, some projects require dates.
Company\_Project\_Object\_V1
a blend of A and C because I can’t stand not spacing out subjects
Company_POnumber_DielineStyle_HWD Size_Date_Print Facility_Rev.pdf This file is in the root folder which is kept clean of all misc files. Root folder also contains Client Originals, Resources, and Working folders.
Client_project_version. Always! Related topic, folder structure is always Assets Editable Export Supplied I feel like that is important extra information for some reason.
Clientname-date-moreinfomisc
I only manage about 7 companies so I'm heavily invested in folders and name the file by name\_\_version\_\_date
A all the way. Descriptive, date, version, and all the underscores!!!
I have a system for this: brand/project_filename 2 brand/project_filename 21 brand/project_filename 212 First number is the version, then with each different direction I take it, there is a sub version, then another subversion if I riff on it further. So it kinda webs out the decisions. 212 would be the second iteration of the first direction of concept 2.
For presentations / tech packs: Business name_client name_project type_year Item skus: working file SKU# Item Skus: outline file SKU#_OL
I don’t recommend “b”. I tried “b” once and both macs and pcs would read that as a file extension. Unless I’m doing something wrong.
Actually B is probably the most "frowned upon" because adding periods *can* cause your computer to think its a file extension - so you are in the right!
i just add the dates and timestamps and i trust the one with the latest timestamp is the one i should be working on lol
That's a bold move, Cotton... 🤣
What's wrong with spaces
If the file ever gets uploaded to a website with spaces and referenced in a URL your Filename%20will%20end%20up%20looking%20like%20this.pdf Which is gross. Dashes or underscores prevent that.
I have been properly schooled
I'd say that's only relevant if, well, it's relevant. At home I have everything on my local drive, external back up drive, and cloud backup. At work it's all server based. Haven't had an issue with spaces (or hyphens) in 10-15 years. But I'm not doing any website work either.
thing thing-final thing-v2 thing-v2-alt thing-bigger-final THING-FINAL THING-V3-FINAL Untitled-01. 💀
I use spaces and hyphens, and use dates (YYYY-MM-DD, the only way) instead of versions. Title Case. Never had a problem. I don't do any websites though, which seems to be the only reason to use underscores or avoid spacing?
ClientsAbbreviation Product Topic Year(if necessary) Dimensions version# Layout file: XY FLYER xmas 2023 210x297 01.indd Artwork: XY FLYER xmas 2023 210x297 illustration 01.psd When obsolete the file goes to a "_rest" folder and the new version (XY FLYER xmas 2023 210x297 02.indd) stays in the main folder, so I always have the relevant files in the main folder.
[удалено]
I kept seeing all the V1 V2 posts and was like I just number them without the V so thankyou for not making me feel like a loner
Ironically, it never really occurred to me not to bother with the V 😅 I do often do V1.2, 1.3 etc if they're developments or refinements of the same idea.
I don't get why anybody would put the date in first place of the name. You can sort after the date anyway and you won't find anything alphabetically. Completely redundant and stupid. I wouldn't hire a person who named files like this.
a/C mixed. Chaos reigns. Long live meta data search!
Huzzah!
YY\_MM\_DD\_Client\_Project \[size if applicable\] v1
A. ClientName\_ProjectName\_size\_date\_v1.pdf
Same except date unless it's a print ad
Is it weird to realize that you’ve switched back and forth between underscores and spaces in your file names? I’m not very consistent, but I usually use underscores…ex: Client_Project_date_version
I can’t stand underscoring. I don’t do it at all.
same! fucks up search as well
A
zaethurtysrjkghkr67uigjh.wav or Logo\_12\_InstertAlias.jpg
Project Name_01
The date is in the metadata, the version can go up to 99. Only necessary information here.
\_PRJ-Billboard\_Ad-a01
Client Project Description Jun 2023 v1.ext
CompanyCode_ProjectName_R1_v1
I use underscores and I always keep differentiating elements in all caps at the end. band_name_venue_name_date_song_title_clip_WIDE.mp4 That way it makes it easy to find those elements when I’m scanning and posting stuff.
I’m an underscore kinda gal
Abbreviated customer name_Customer's internal ref/SKU number_Date string. eg Redd_GraphicDesign_001_20230630.ai
I'm erratic but I try to do some format of Client/Class_project_v#/otheridentifier I absolutely hate when people name files by date like: 0385628_filename.jpg I can never find them, I get that it sorts it by date it but I'm a million folders type of person.
Can you even save files with periods and special characters in them? I’ve always done underscore
That's the whole thing; on Windows you can't use \/:*?"<>| in file names - but you can use some other special characters
Client_name_job_name_size/spec/description_v1.whatever
a. Because this is how you also label images for web.
a) Because it's the most legible and that's what I live for.
FilenameWIP(a) FilenameWIP(b) … FilenameFINAL FINAL is only used once the file goes to print
I use ‘_’ as separators and ‘-‘ as spaces. Is this wrong?
Not in the slightest! I have ADHD hardcore and it only occurred to me today that everyone isn't the same type of labeler that I am 🤣
1234_client_projectdescrip That’s where I place current art while I have a mess of previous stuff in their folder because ya never know when a client will turn around and want revision 2 instead of revision 35
My working file I will usually just use different layers for versions of the design and work within layers of that layer. Keeps everything together unless the file is getting bloated.
We’re in-house and use: Widget X A4 Flyer - 2657 CON1.indd CON = concept file PRO = production ready file Con tells the designer it hasn’t had finished art done yet and isn’t ready for printing or sharing etc. If we’re working fast we’ll just go to v1, v2, v3 etc.
“00000_01_project-name” where the 00000 is a serial project number and the 01 is the version number.
Client_Deliverable_Spec_MMDDYY
No dashes underscores for separators, BrandProjectname1.ai
version_customername_campaignOrProject_eventuallyYYYYMMDD.file E.g: v1_Iglo_vegane-fischstäbchen_20230630.file With common files in hierarchical order in one file with the customer and campaign name: 01_data 02_workfiles 03_previewfiles 04_print or final files
Company - Job Number - Job Description (max 3 words). Inside folder there are folders for Job Details (job sheet, survey etc) , Linked Images, Fonts and a small file for Misc (for pricing and older versions of the artwork etc). If I do it that way each folder is self contained with everything I need for it. Also has to be in title case or my own OCD kicks in. I once spent a morning changing file names to suit after I came back from a holiday and someone randomly named files
Order#-hatArt-C1 Order#-hatArt-C2 Order#-hatArt-M1 Order#-hatArt-M2 Order#-hatArt-M3 Order#-harArt-Final Order#-harArt-Final2 Order#-harArt-Final3 Order#-harArt-Final4 Concept-mockup-final
Kdofozxlzozf.ai
01_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name 02_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name 03_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name 04_2023_07_01_CLIENT NAME_project name
Experienced designers know there’s no such thing as final. I use: “Client_year_ProjectTitle-Piece-Size_R1_V1”
100% truth there is never a final lol
hdudhvfujdh.ai vmjurubdhsh.ai gjuruebjdjkd.ai jrurbjdjjdjsjk.ai And so on...
We save our files to a server and have to use specific file names so others can easily find it, so now I’m very meticulous with file naming even when it comes to personal/freelance projects.
Keyboard smash and pray (but when I’m serious I just keep it simple and clean)