Copyable template
File Naming Convention Template
Copy a file naming convention template with date-first rules, type labels, version examples, shared-folder variants, and privacy boundaries.
Updated 2026-05-25
Use this template when a project, class, household folder, or shared drive needs names that sort and search cleanly. It gives a default pattern plus rules for versions, dates, and private details.
Copyable Template
# File Naming Convention
Folder or project:
Owner:
Start date:
Applies to:
## Default Pattern
YYYY-MM-DD-project-type-description-version
## Allowed Type Labels
- notes
- draft
- final
- receipt
- photo
- scan
- estimate
- reference
- export
## Examples
| Situation | File name |
| --- | --- |
| First draft | 2026-05-25-project-name-draft-outline-v1 |
| Final paper | 2026-05-25-project-name-final-submission-final |
| Receipt scan | 2026-05-25-project-name-receipt-store-scan |
| Photo set | 2026-05-25-project-name-photo-before-v1 |
## Version Rules
- Use v1, v2, v3 for drafts that may change.
- Use final only when the file is actually ready to share or submit.
- If final changes, rename it with a new date or a clear revision label.
## Do Not Include
- Passwords, account numbers, student IDs, private addresses, or door codes
- Confidential client or personal details that should not show in a folder list
- Vague names such as new, latest, final-final, or random screenshot
## Filling Notes
- Keep the same separator across the folder.
- Put the date first when chronological sorting matters.
- Put the project first when the folder already groups files by date.Useful variants
- School assignment folder
- Home project records
- Shared family documents
- Client-safe folder naming
- Photo and receipt archive
How to adapt it
Replace bracketed text with your details, remove sections you do not need, and keep the final version short enough for the reader to act on.
FAQ
Can one convention fit every folder?
No. Use one simple default, then adapt for folders where dates, versions, or document types matter more.
Should final files include final in the name?
Only if the folder has drafts. Otherwise the date, type, and description may be enough.
What if a team already has rules?
Use the team rule first. A personal convention should not fight required naming standards.