43 Folders

43 Folders feed subscription icon - Shiny!Time, Attention, and Creative Work. After 4 years and a lot of productivity pr0n, we’re shifting gears. Re-learn how to use 43 Folders. Then back to work. [»]

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Trying to get my computer files in some semblance of order

One of the things I want to do in the coming year is devise a uniform system for getting all my computer files in some form of order.

I'd like to be able to sort them by categories, mostly, but whatever I try to come up with is too long and defeats my purposes...

Can anyone give me some ideas what I can do?

TOPICS: Life Hacks
wreising's picture

Fewer Folders - Better Names

Take a long look at what kind of files you generate and create a folder structure with as few folders as possible so that you keep distinct categories separate, but don’t have to remember 5 levels of folders to find a specific file.

Then, as you sort files into these folders, rename them with good file name and tag as appropriate with Spotlight or whatever windows offers. Good file names are essential.

I use this naming structure:

  • Client_File Type_Target/Receipient_Subject_Date_Version

There was a post on the main page about tagging that relates to this. Make sure your file name fills in the who what where when about the file.

As you continue to use a consistent and descriptive taxonomy, it become second nature and you find yourself renaming files sent to you by others with silly names like “Letter to Client X.doc”

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Inbox Zero

The original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation.

Making Time

3-part series on attention management for artists and makers. Read Bad Correspondence, The Job You Think You Have, and One Clear Line.