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Research Data Management

File naming

A file name should be unique, consistent and descriptive. This allows for increased visibility and discoverability and can be used to easily classify and sort files. Remember, a file name is the primary identifier to the file and its contents.

Do’s and Don’ts of file naming:

Do’s:

  • Make use of file naming tools for bulk naming such as Ant Renamer, RenameIT or Rename4Mac.
  • Create descriptive, meaningful, easily understood names no less than 12-14 characters.
  • Use identifiers to make it easier to classify types of files i.e. Int1 (interview 1)
  • When combining elements in file name, use common special letter case patterns such as Kebab-case, CamelCase, or Snake_case, preferably use hyphens (-) or underscores (_)
  • Make sure the 3-letter file format extension is present at the end of the name (e.g. .doc, .xls, .mov, .tif)
  • If applicable, include versioning within file names
  • For dates use the  ISO 8601  standard: YYYY-MM-DD and place at the end of the file number UNLESS you need to organise your files chronologically.
  • For experimental data files, consider using the project/experiment name and conditions in abbreviations
  • Add a README file in your top directory which details your naming convention, directory structure and abbreviations

    Don’ts:

  • Avoid using capital letter to separate words and use underscores or hyphens instead
  • Avoid naming files/folders with individual persons names as it impedes handover and data sharing.
  • Avoid long names
  • Avoid using spaces, dots, commas and special characters (e.g. ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) ` ; < > ? , [ ] { } ‘ “)
  • Avoid repetition for ex. Directory name Electron_Microscopy_Images, then you don’t need to name the files ELN_MI_Img_20200101.img

Examples: