File naming strategies

Some users may keep different versions (resolution, colour space) of a file using the same name but stored in different folders. Though there is nothing wrong with this approach, as such, it does not mix well with Portfolio. Such a system can be added into a Catalogue but Portfolio is liable to get confused as to the correct path to the file - as it will assume there is only one of that name.

If you have the choice, you are strongly advised to use a unique name for each file. Plain text is fine but as the Catalogue's size grows, it may become hard to remember if you've already got a "Black dog.jpg" and some more hierarchical system becomes a more sensible idea. As an example, on Catalogue I worked on when first using Portfolio had about 8,000 records and associated image files. After some false starts, I renamed all the images with a unique name using the sequence xxxxxyyz.ext where x was a product code, y a sequential number and z a letter code. Both y and z had lists of meanings which meant doing Finds for files was easy as I knew the generic markers to set in the Find dialog and users got to know the syntax and could easily do searches for generic attributes coded in the name syntax. Another example is given on the excellent Controlled Vocabulary site.

The above are just examples. Your needs will differ but hopefully you can see how a unique naming system with a build-in syntax can aid Catalogue usability further down the line.

8.3 Naming The following restriction has changed over time and reviewing this (in late 2004), the real need for 8.3 naming is certainly far less necessary than a few years ago. Still, if in doubt, I restrict myself to 8.3 for although Win32 systems allow filenames of up to 255 characters (Mac, pre-OSX, allows only 31) many cross-platform systems only work with 8.3 names - even worse they often don't advertise this fact (e.g. Adobe Acrobat can get grouchy with long filenames and/or spaces in names/paths). So for ease for use working cross-platform Win/Mac do consider 8.3 names. Of course, you could use a longer name/syntax if your OS and process so allows.

Question: File naming strategies [FAQ00198.htm]
Last Update:- 31 May 2006

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