A file name is the primary identifier for digital files. It is the first thing you see. So, the importance of file names cannot be understated.
A file naming convention is a framework for naming files. Developing a plan (file naming convention) and sticking to it is vital. You need to be consistent and descriptive. Doing so will help maintain a well-organized collection, and things will be easy to manage and retrieve.
A logical and consistent file naming convention:
When possible, include the date in the file name.
Do NOT use special characters
Use underscores (file_name), hyphens (file-name), camel case (FileName), or no separation (filename).
Keep file names brief, but descriptive. They should be short and sweet.
File names should also be unique.
For sequential numbering (especially in the case of books or documents with many pages), use leading zeros to ensure the files stay in the right order.
The Good:
The Bad:
The Ugly:
If you have many files to rename, consider using a batch renaming software, such as Advanced Renamer or Bulk Rename Utility. This will save a lot of time and effort. Consult the Hardware & Software page for more information.