Can we talk about how I used to just hit 'save as' for my art files?

For the longest time, my file names were a total mess... like 'final.psd', 'final_revised.psd', and 'final_really_final.psd'. It got bad last month when I lost a whole piece because I saved over the wrong version. I saw a post here where someone said they use a simple system: date, project name, and version number. So now I do '2024_05_21_portrait_v3.psd'. It sounds small, but it changed everything for me. I can find old layers fast, and I don't panic before sending work to a client. What's your go-to way for keeping your digital art files in order?

3 comments

3 Comments

young.kim1mo agoMost Upvoted

final_really_final.psd" is the universal cry for help. I feel that pain in my soul.

dixon.iris1mo agoTop Commenter

Wasn't there a whole article about this on The Verge?

ellis.leo1mo ago

That file name is the digital version of saying "this is fine" while your house burns down. @young.kim, it's everywhere, like when someone sends a "quick question" email that needs a full report. Maybe it's just me, but we all have that one thing we keep tweaking forever.