Image (c) Stanford Libraries, 2017.

An excellent file naming system allows for the operator to see clues of the file's content without opening it, and can be more efficient.

Tip #1: Be consistent! Name each file according to the standards you set for yourself or the industry/company/school standards.

Tip #2: Take advantage of folders so for easier access. Example: FILE PATH: Folder Name:INFO5841 -> SubFolder Name:Assignments --> Sub-SubFolder Name:Module 1 -> Document Name 20170701.INFO5841.ASGMT8.

Tip #3: Best practice is to use a file naming system with the date of creation in YearMonthDay format and a short description of the content with any names associated with the file, like a project name. Example: 20170701.INFO5841.ASGMT8. By using YearMonthDay, the files will be ordered chronologically.

Tip #4: Try to keep file names under 25 characters.

Tip #5: You can use periods or dashes if you like. Depending on your naming system, they may be too small to make a visible difference in organizing facets of a file name. Try underscores!

Tip #6: Don't use special characters or spaces.

Tip #7: Include a readme.txt to file systems with abbreviations for long-term preservation. (ASGMT=Assignment.)

Tip #8: It is never too late to name a file! Various operating systems have bulk file renaming tools. Examples: Bulk Rename Utility (Windows, Free), Renamer 4 (Mac), PSRenamer (Linux, Mac, or Windows, free).

--Hannah Evans, MLIS Prospective 2018

References:

Case study: File naming. (2017). Retrieved from https://library.stanford.edu/research/data-management-services/case-studies/case-study-file-naming

Kim, Annie (2017). INFO 5841 Module4 Lecture. University of North Texas. Retrieved from https://learn.unt.edu/courses/1/INFO.5740.001.005-NT752.1173.8W1/messaging/users/_188248_1/attachments/d9d0a8bca742439ebf0824d01a603152/INFO5841Module4_Lecture.pdf