Section 2 · Working Practice

File Naming Conventions

Definition

A consistent, predictable system for naming files so anyone (including future you) can identify content, version, and status at a glance.

Why it matters

Inconsistent naming is the single biggest cause of lost work and wasted time in a creative workflow — files get overwritten, versions get mixed up, and collaborators can’t find what they need.

Example

posterA_draft01_2026-09-12.ai tells you the project, version, and date without opening the file.

Teaching note

This lands only when naming has a consequence. Any assignment where student files are collected into a shared document teaches it in one session; stated as a rule in week one, it is ignored.