File Naming Conventions

One of the basic requirement in Data Management is a good standard File Naming. It is a good idea to name and organize your files in a descriptive and consistent manner in order that other users can find the specific data they are looking for.

I suggest that you consider including in your project file names:

- Project Number
- Document type (preliminary design, CD-contract doc., etc.)
- Plan, section or detail
- Other unique identifier

Tip :
Try not to make file names too long since long file names might pose some problem in other type of software.

When using a sequential numbering system, use leading zeros for clarity and to make sure files sort in sequential order. For example, use "001, 002, ...010, 011 ... 100, 101, 200, 201 etc." instead of "1, 2, ...10, 11 ... 100, 101, etc."

Do not use spaces. Instead, use underscores between words, e.g. file_name. Camel case may also be used to avoid spaces and make file names easier to read, e.g. FileName.

Be consistent with the number of characters in the file name for your drawings.

Avoid using special characters such as $ % * etc.