What’s in a (File)Name?

File names — what’s the big deal? The big deal is that file names can be the difference between a smooth workflow and a slow one, uploading/sharing the right or wrong file, or how much time you might spend searching for a file. Don’t get me wrong, there are many ways to name your design files and tons of “expert” advice out there on the most efficient way to do so. But let’s keep it simple for now.

Here are 3 reasons to pay more attention to how you name your files, whether they are images, documents, icons, native design files, etc:

Stay organized

It’s important to stay organized for yourself and for others. Instead of saving all your files to the endless pit called the Downloads folder (or even worse, your desktop), use folders to organize your projects and files. For example, save all downloaded stock photos to a folder called “Stock Images”; then you could name/rename each stock image file according to what the photograph actually is a picture of instead of an arbitrary file name.

If you are collaborating with a team (i.e. other designers, creatives, managers, clients, etc.), then it’s so important that everyone is viewing or using the correct files. Imagine printing 1000 copies of the wrong file or loading the wrong PowerPoint version of the CEO’s big presentation! Avoid these pitfalls by staying organized. The…