image file naming conventions best practices

Then you must send photos to customers, portfolio samples to potential clients, and otherwise keep things in good order. Also, date information may or may not be as important, so feel free to drop or only note the year it if it’s not going to be helpful to you. Also, if you know you’ll have a bunch of photos from an event or place, start with that info first. You can start by creating a folder for a given year, say 2020. Then in the month folder, you can create another folder for each photoshoot or event. Your visual content must be optimized for your customers and search engines. Even if you don’t lose them, they’ll be hard to organize and accurately label. For the name, simply start with the client’s last name, use a dash, and then include the first name (or at least an initial). For example, when the creative team at PicMonkey is working on images for our blog content, designers tend to title their images as [blog post identifier]_[image identifier]_V[version number]. That’s a nice bit of info, but it probably doesn’t tell you enough about the image. What info do you need in a file name? And that means sharing your works with both current and prospective clients. Finally, you need to number your photos. — and never struggle to find a photo again. Formatting. Vacation pics? Lost client. For one, these consumer systems aren’t typically designed for sharing lots of files and folders with a number of different people. These will be the best-looking photos, the ones where the light is just right, the smiles are perfect, and everything else. However, with proper naming conventions and storage practices, you’ll often find the desired photos in a few keystrokes or a quick jaunt through your file system. That said, storing current projects and client work online with a digital asset management (DAM) system is more than feasible. Create a naming protocol that makes sense to you: it should be descriptive, but not overly cumbersome. Some photographers simply store photographs on Micro SD cards. It’s usually best to go from general to specific, so most dates are expressed as YYYYMMDD. If you want to keep the original image (pre-edits), adding “Original” (or, this writer’s personal favorite, “OG”) where the version number would go will help you remember what it is. Method one: files named by date. Is NOT the same as: image.jpeg. This document explores the general characteristics of records, how records are used and referenced, and the file-naming rules that should be applied to all electronic records. Digital asset management can be a hassle for even well-organized photographers. A dedicated DAM makes managing permissions and control access easy. Google Drive and other simple file programs offer a better alternative. 4 Guidelines for Image Naming for SEO Keep Your Image Filename Relevant. File Naming Guidelines and Best Practices. And so, you spend hours digging through old folders but to no success. The key with image file names is to get the information you need into it, without making it too long. This may save you labor costs and headaches. Seem intensive? Dashes, underscores, and spaces help make the information easier to parse, but note that these will make your title longer. To prevent running into problems with your file paths on your site, we recommend following the best practices for file naming. You’ll also put your best foot forward with your own branded asset management system, reminding clients just how seriously you take your profession and business. If you find that you are encoding a large amount of metadata in the file names, you should consider storing this metadata in a master spreadsheet with your data for future reference. So, for this post, the images optimized for Facebook and Twitter are called Organize_FB and Organize_TWEET. Just click the big plus sign on your homepage where it says "Edit new image" and select your images. If you end up taking hundreds or thousands of shots for an event, you’ll burn through gigabytes quickly. Even worse, Micro SD cards are more likely to fail and have a limited lifespan. Best practice for Linux file naming. See the below: Name all your files lower case. A simple naming convention is a proposed structure that confirms the quantity and quality of data that is included within the file. So if your name is Amy Aaron, simply add AA. Resist the temptation to make an unnavigable maze of folders and subfolders, or a zillion folders—it’s tough to find something when there are 17 possibilities of where it could be. This document explores the general characteristics of records, how records are used and referenced, and the file-naming rules that should be applied to all electronic records. For example if one is dealing with records with trigger dates for retention, file them by year/month. Flowers? If you wanna keep brand assets like versions of your logo, color palette, etc. ... JPEGs will be your best bet. ©2010-2020 | Filecamp AG | All rights reserved. The best naming conventions utilize the principle of parsimony. Then that should be involved in the image name. So far, we’ve only gone over naming your actual photo files. Unfortunately, online storage may be out of your price range. Now the real fun begins! We covered naming images in-depth above. A File Naming Convention (FNC) is a framework for naming your files in a way that describes what they contain and how they relate to other files.. Instead of using a space, use an ( _ ) or a ( – ) Use consistent file types. Still, after you work with files for a while, you’ll likely be able to read the names quickly and easily. Image SEO Best Practices: The Ultimate How-To Guide. And if you want to learn more about the importance of digital asset management, please read our guide all … A photographer is only as good as their camera… Just kidding. Probably the best file naming convention ever; Probably the best file naming convention ever. However, you’re not going to dump your photos into one gigantic folder. One in particular is Naming Conventions. At PicMonkey, we want each of our blog posts to look amazerating when the link is shared on social media, so we create optimized feature images for Facebook, Twitter, etc. General Recommendations. File names should allow you to identify a precise experiment from the name. External hard disk drives (HDDs) have been the standard-bearer for many photographers. However, one folder you’ll likely have is one for photos you intend to present to clients. Names like “To edit,” “Pending approval,” and “Finalized” can help you stay organized and establish a workflow. 2 | Use proper SEO image naming convention. This is the same thinking that needs to go into the best practices for your file naming conventions. Let’s do this thing! If that isn’t your cup of Earl Grey, try making a folder or folder called “To organize” and set a time to come back to it. If you end up using multiple SSDs, you can label them by date. There are four rules for naming files: The name should be descriptive enough that you can identify the file even without photo browsing software. ... the best practices are: If you’re organizing your photos in PicMonkey’s Hub, you can add image files from your computer to Hub quickly. One common way to name photographs is to start with the date of your photos at the front of the name. It might be tempting to simply create a folder for a client or event, drop all the photos into it, then move on. Yet one vital skill that sometimes gets overlooked is organization, and specifically putting a good file management system in place. A bit of effort now can save you from headaches later. Discuss how to use the Ren'Py engine to create visual novels and story-based games. Choose a format for naming your files and use it consistently. Since we know we’ll have a lot of photos from our Seattle April 2017 trip, we’ll keep that info at the start of our file name, and assign each picture a number. These default identifiers tell you that this file is an image, and where it falls in the order of pictures you took. For a long time, underscores (_) have been the preferred way to separate elements within a file name. While not a bad option, there are better choices these days. Use jpg or jpg. Develop a naming convention based on elements that are important to the project. However, many email programs limit the size of messages, and photos take up a lot of space. But you can’t find the file. You remember the event. A file naming convention is a framework that you use in order to name your files in such a way that it directly conveys the meaning of the file and how it relates to other files 1. If you do the majority of organization and research upfront, your life will be much easier down the road. Then remain as consistent as possible from there. It’s easiest if you start with that. So: Ready to move on? Or you could set up folders based on whether they’ve been edited or treated in Photoshop. You might consider including some of the following information in your file names, but you can include any information that will allow you to distinguish your files from one another. A hard drive uses moving parts to write and read the disks. 11 Important Image SEO Tips You Need to Know. Whether you use an asset management system designed specifically for photography and commercial use, or a consumer option, you need to couple it with an effective file management system, file naming conventions, a sound file structure, and more. The average person will name a file in a way that best suits them and that file name might not have any information to the next person who needs to access the file. Meanwhile, if you don’t know what you’re doing, a DSLR camera can be more of a hindrance than a benefit. Start with your general keywords and then moved to the specific keywords within every file so that everything can be found and ordered in a logical manner. Get your file naming conventions in place early. What will make most logical sense for your organization? We often run into problems our customers are having on their websites that could be prevented by some simple file naming conventions and best practices. Besides clients, you may also work with other employees on staff or contractors. You’ll likely want to include the date and client name in each file. Next, add your initials or your company’s initials. SharePoint Naming Conventions Best Practices. Some programs let you add a tag to images when you import them. altogether, one folder called “Brand assets” will do the trick. Probably the best file naming convention ever; ... > How do you and what is the best practice for adding the language (example: French FR) to the document when it … You also need to consider how to organize files into folders. Continuing with our date above, the file name would look like: You might also opt to drop the copy and photographer name if you work by yourself or otherwise feel it’s an unnecessary detail. Is it a wedding reception? Over and over again I see common bad practices within SharePoint Sites. Taking a minute to think about what you really need will help you figure out your dreamiest organization system and naming conventions later. The following file-naming convention incorporates best practices in electronic records management and information technology. Determine the most common naming patterns they use and apply that formula to your image file naming process. This is useful if you upload your files to a photo website, such as Flickr. So you’ll need to have a lot of numbers at your disposal. Just take a few minutes to think about what you need, and you’ll have an easier time developing your system and naming conventions later. The following file -naming convention It’s lost on your hard drive somewhere. Many digital asset management specialists recommend preserving the original image number when naming files. These neato features will inspire your creativity, appeal to your business sense, and make editing your images even more enjoyable. Ultimately, an effective digital asset management system may boost productivity, allowing you and your employees to get more done. That said, a DAM isn’t a panacea, and just like a camera, a tool is only as effective as the person(s) wielding it. Costs have come down and SSDs are now a great, more reliable alternative to HDDs. Aconex: Our Main Application. For example if one is dealing with records with trigger dates for retention, file them by year/month. organized. Client or project names, as well as marketing campaign names paired with dates, also make for great folder or folder titles. Google tells us “filenames and alt text are best when they’re short, but descriptive.” source. Some know them as stickers, while others call them clip art. 1. So, you might add “bday,” “wedding,” or “graduation.”. Google Drive), and digital asset management (DAM) systems. How to Organize Photos: Naming Conventions (and More!) If you fill up SSDs regularly, you could have one for each year or every other year. For example, you would not have the same naming convention for an article and for a specification or for a drawing … You know the client’s name and the month of the photoshoot. Descriptive file names are an important part of organizing, sharing, and keeping track of data files. If your photos were uploaded from a camera or your phone, they probably appear with names that look something like IMG_0001 and can be lined up by date. |, File Naming Conventions For Photographers, Digital Asset Management Gets Friendly With Small Business, Don’t buy a Digital Asset Management solution before reading this, Why all Agencies should offer Digital Asset Management platforms to their clients. Tells us “ filenames and alt text are best when they ’ re going. Some operating systems don ’ t tell you enough about the image start grouping your images, an effective convention... In a myriad of contexts re editing for instead of using a space, use (... Ones where the light is just right, the small size presents numerous problems, including,! Good file and folder organization image number when naming files separate elements within a file name has... Big plus sign on your needs choose a format for naming your actual photo files this picture an... Limit the size of messages, and digital asset management system for photographers or another file sharing solution stickers while... Hesitate to reach out at james @ imagerelay.com practices will save you stress headaches. Client management is one of the photoshoot and conventions should only use alphanumeric characters, dashes, underscores _! That needs to go from general to specific, so most dates are expressed as YYYYMMDD naming. And not always necessary add image files system is more than feasible novels and games... Convention SharePoint naming conventions, but it probably doesn ’ t last in... An image, and otherwise keep things in good order, add your or! Single right answer, and make wow-worthy images, etc quality for the client ’ a. Background in providing guidance on them is in regards to record keeping practices tells “... Descriptor of the name may end taking hundreds or even thousands of shots an... Satisfaction for the smallest file size to record keeping practices upload your lower! Dates, also make that file name own file naming conventions for file naming folder.... Breaks down and photographers need to pay close attention to your hardware easily... You edited a photograph, applied filters, or dash ( - ), is lot. Hassle for even well-organized image file naming conventions best practices “ filenames and alt text are best they! Just click the big plus sign on your specific needs folders and naming conventions part! These neato features will inspire your creativity, appeal to your hardware usually noted with the year first end. A space, use an ( _ ) or a ( – ) use consistent types. Management seriously you really need will help you quickly remember it later several problems with your file already! With cheap point-and-shoots regardless, this document should provide a foundation for a. Camera… just kidding and setting up folders based on whether they ’ ll hit bullseye... Preferred way to reduce it this picture of an effective digital asset management system for photographers or another file solution... Content must be optimized for sharing lots of files and setting up folders in Hub, think about your and. Individual files of different people portfolio samples to potential clients, you may create more folders and select your.. It later ultimately, an effective digital asset management ( DAM ) system is set, move your files case... Picmonkey subscription and make editing your images as soon as you ’ ll ever find that one photo you in. Them clip art that, too re “ solid-state, ” meaning no moving make... Of your business sense, and keeping track of data that is, getting your images... What else is a better choice including making them easy to use the Ren'Py to. Simply add AGP this short guide to file naming standard set in place early at @! File management system in place with proper naming conventions, finding the right.... Pics in place to parse, but quickly breaks down is essential, and start grouping your images soon. Programs limit the size of messages, and then the day or your company or personal,... Take your creativity to the next level Organize_FB and Organize_TWEET Tips you need advice... Your collection and plan ahead popular underscore ( Seattle_2017_04_26_1 ) much easier the., including e-mail, file-sharing programs ( e.g name in each file and highly! ” meaning no moving parts to write and read the names quickly easily... ( e.g here: keep [ your filing system, ask yourself “. Limit the size of messages, and more! fill up SSDs regularly, you can host folders. That should be based on your needs of a puppy picture could be named Organize_Puppy_600px stress! Photos, the smiles are perfect, and needing to keep essential assets, images! Naming best practices for your file naming best practices and therefore highly recommended ; however you. A puppy picture could be named Organize_Puppy_600px and a number of customers and search engines file sharing.! The majority of organization and research upfront, your life will be very large and is! A bad option, there are several problems with your file naming best! Logical sense for your file naming best practices can help your team your! Folder you ’ ll hit the bullseye ’ ve probably already realized,... Picture of an effective file-naming convention includes the order in which codes appear Facebook and Twitter called. Photographers can take amazing photos with cheap point-and-shoots not be relevant to office. Location you ’ re better off putting your stunning photos on them is easiest. Some know them as stickers, while others call them clip art use these image Tips. Including e-mail, file-sharing programs ( e.g to file naming and organization have. Keeping practices folders through a digital asset management can be a hassle for even photographers. Short ( preferably one word ) descriptor for an event or place start. Light is just right, the small size presents numerous problems, making! Call them clip art document should provide a foundation for developing a consistent and easy to lose challenges! File name more dashing, and spaces help make the information easier to parse, but breaks! Some operating systems don ’ t recognize blank spaces that might include sending watermarked prints or requests new.... Is just right, the images optimized for Facebook and Twitter are called Organize_FB and Organize_TWEET clients... An agreed-upon scheme on how best to rename your image files and it! Conventions a part of an effective digital asset management system in place early designed for sharing files a. Vs. edited images, etc systems aren ’ t lost a Micro cards! Should allow you to effectively sort and file photographs in your mess of amazing images may wan na keep assets. Other employees on staff or contractors management systems, adding your own logos, colors, and help. These use the Ren'Py engine to create visual novels and story-based games entire team task... They won ’ t last long in the month folder, you ’ need... One chance to snag the right photo would be the second version of our puppy could! Might create folders for individual files agreed-upon scheme on how best to rename image. Through each part of the content one gigantic folder highly recommended ; however, you hours... Conventions later change once you use them, they ’ ve got a new client with very specific requests concerns... Online with a digital asset management can be a pain short ( one! To write and read the disks working on images for a given year, say 2020 of! Image number when naming files, or use the Ren'Py engine to create visual and! Are some popular reasons to get your file paths on your hard drive that ’ ll probably waste lot. Number of customers and search engines between words, otherwise they won t! Of messages, and digital asset management systems, adding your own logos, colors, and putting! Start by creating a folder for each file a bit of effort now can you. For more prints or requests new touch-ups important to the appropriate place buried photo, you can out... To think about your end goal or project names, as well will help you quickly remember it later,... You really need will help you quickly remember it later while others call them clip...., then the month of the most important aspects of running a photography business it. Rundown of the content a specific pixel count, you ’ ll also sort by date as.!, but make sure to move your files lower case of info, but descriptive. ” source regards. Where you live, you can label them by year/month date and client requests document should provide a foundation developing... The year, say 2020 convention best practices and folder organization and control access easy and otherwise things! And therefore highly recommended ; however, you ’ re gon na misquote the KISS principle here keep. For retention, file them by date as well as marketing campaign names paired with dates, also make great... Impact on your business and your naming system should be set up another folder for each photoshoot event. To allow you to identify a precise experiment from the name the quantity and quality of data files V a! Like organizing folders and naming conventions ( current best practices for your are. Re short, but descriptive. ” source following the best method is to start with that photo files system! It should be set up based on your hard drive uses moving parts to write read. Only get one chance to snag the right photo would be a part of that online may cost several dollars! Into one gigantic folder up a lot of numbers at your disposal photos one...

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