Why use in file names

This format makes sure all of your files stay in chronological order. Experiment number or sample ID When using a sequential numbering system, use leading zeros for clarity and to make sure files sort in sequential order.

For example, use ", , Abbreviate or encode metadata. Use versioning. Use versioning to indicate the most current version of a file Track versions of a file by adding version information to end of the file name, e. Think about how you will search for your files. Deliberately separate metadata elements. Write down your naming conventions. If the file is moved or shared, users will be able to identify the file from its file name.

File names should be characters and conventions should only use alphanumeric characters, dashes, underscores If you find that you are encoding a large amount of metadata in the file names, you should consider storing this metadata in a master spreadsheet with your data for future reference.

Additional Resources. Website Feedback. December 21, by: Adam Pode. Use capital letters to delimit words, not spaces. Removing them reduces the length of the file name, but by using capital letters to differentiate between the words the file name is still readily recognisable. Where capitalised acronyms are used in file names, the acronym should appear in capitals and the first letter of the following word should also be capitalised.

Keep file names short, but meaningful. Where the remaining file name is still meaningful within the context of the file directory these elements can be removed. This helps when trying to retrieve the latest dated record. For example, if the records are retrieved according to their date, the date element should appear first.

If the records are retrieved according to their description, the description element should appear first. You should name your files based on important elements of your project such as: Specimen or sample designation Dates and times Location or coordinates Testing or environmental conditions or variables File version number Other relevant information You can combine elements as needed in to create a file naming convention that you can deploy during the entire project.

Example: readme section explaining file names. Plot01, Plot02, etc. The file plotmap. The initials of the person who collected the samples that day is at the end of the file. Example: file names affect sorting. Avoid special characters Just because you can use something doesn't mean you should.

There are two reasons to avoid special characters, punctuation marks, and symbols in filenames: Special characters and punctuation marks are often reserved characters for computer operating systems.

This means that the character is used in a very specififc way by the operating system and using it in a file name will cause errors. Not all operating systems and programs support the same characters. Also: Never Use Emojis in file names! It's a very bad idea at this time.

Limit the use of periods Periods. The same rule applies for multiple periods i. Don't do it! Avoid spaces The last practice we'll cover is avoiding spaces in file names.