Goals
A goal for file naming is to give enough information so that either the creator or a new user can figure out where the information in the file fits into the project.
File names should be:
- Unique
- Consistent
- Easy to skim or scan
- Designed to help groupings of files fall into a useful order
Folders and directory structure are important to consider, too
- They can be simple - just a list - or a complex, multi-level hierarchy, or in between
- Be sure they complement your file naming scheme
- Consider copying a scheme from another realm of your life
- There is software that may assist you
Elements may be included in your file names
- Date
- Project name
- Type of data
- Conditions
- Location/spatial coordinates
- Researcher info
- Version
File naming tips
- Use this date format - YYYYMMDD
- Be brief
- Abbreviate when it makes sense
- Use leading zeros - 001, 002
- No spaces, use underscores or remove the spaces
- Zea_mays
- Zea-mays
- Zeamays
- ZeaMays
- Avoid special characters
- Consider how the files will sort
- Think about others who will be using the files
Renaming existing files
If you are renaming older files, you have options:
- Do it manually
- Use software to assist
- Bulk Rename Utility (Windows, free)
- Renamer 6 (Mac)
Last Updated: Oct 3, 2022 2:06 PM
URL: https://libguides.umn.edu/datamanagement