# The recomended structure for filenames in JD

**URL:** <https://forum.johnnydecimal.com/t/the-recomended-structure-for-filenames-in-jd/1376>\
**Category:** Workbook/Workshop\
**Created:** [April 21, 2024, 9:57pm UTC](https://forum.johnnydecimal.com/t/the-recomended-structure-for-filenames-in-jd/1376 "2024-04-21T21:57:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![johnnydecimal](https://forum.johnnydecimal.com/user_avatar/forum.johnnydecimal.com/johnnydecimal/32/1759_2.png) [@johnnydecimal](https://forum.johnnydecimal.com/u/johnnydecimal)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 11:32pm UTC](https://forum.johnnydecimal.com/t/the-recomended-structure-for-filenames-in-jd/1376/2 "2024-04-21T23:32:53Z")

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Hi Mike.

## Using the JD ID in the file name

_Sometimes_ I find it useful to use the Johnny.Decimal ID in the filename. In these situations:

1. When the file will be distributed. Now the JD ID is encoded in the file name itself; very useful when [that file makes its way back to you](https://forum.johnnydecimal.com/t/numbers-in-file-names-now-officially-endorsed/398).
2. When you access this file via your system’s `File > Recent` list. I find it helpful to have this list show the JD ID of the file, so now it’s less important what that file is named.

There will be other situations; up to you to decide.

In this case, I find the JD ID is the most important thing and other details become less relevant. So here’s a real-life example:

- `D85.43.11 Area complete template.mindnode`

## Using a date in the file name

Generally I use dates for static documents: my electricity bill, say. It’s April 2024’s bill and that’ll never change.

In this case the date is always first and in the ISO 8601 format.

- `2024-04-22 Red Energy electricity bill.pdf`

I’ll generally rename the file because the file you get from your electricity provider’s portal will be called something like … well, let me see what I got mailed recently … yep, `765670_A215.pdf`.

### I don’t use dates to indicate currency

For me, the current version of a document is the one in the folder. It doesn’t need a date.

But then if I archive off a copy, I’ll create a subfolder `archive` and the file goes in there with the date as above.

Some people – hi, @LucyDecimal 👋 – prefer the date in the file name at all times. Totally up to you.

## Version numbers

Similarly I find manually adding version numbers to file names to be inconsistent and not worth the bother.

You either have a version control system, or you don’t. I’ve never seen manual version control – that table at the front of a document at work where you’re supposed to update when you make a change – I’ve never seen that work. Don’t bother.

The date, as described above, is sufficient and more reliable for tracking of older versions.

If you distribute a document, you may want to add the date to its file name for this reason. In this case, as this is for tracking and not sorting, I’d do this:

- `D85.43.11 Area complete template 2024-04-22.mindnode`

## General file naming

Otherwise, if you just have a file with a name, just give it a nice sensible name; whatever makes sense to you.

I tend to find people strive for really short file names. Why? Computer words are free.\[1\] Be descriptive; help future you.

* * *

1. Unless you’re at work and Microsoft limits what you can type. Sucks to be you. 😉

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