Give one project a fresh start
If your desktop is full of files called “final”, “final-new” and “final-really”, try this small organisation exercise. Choose one active project. You do not have to reorganise your whole computer to make the next task easier.
Create four places for your work
Inside a folder named after the project, create:
- 01-Brief: the assignment, your checklist and any requirements.
- 02-Sources: reference notes, source links and original material.
- 03-Working: editable drafts and experiments.
- 04-Exports: finished files you intend to share or submit.
For a college presentation, the brief might include the assignment instructions; the sources folder might hold your research notes; the working folder holds the editable slides; and exports holds the PDF you will submit. Adapt the names to your project.
Make filenames explain themselves
Use a topic, a version and a date when they help you distinguish files. For example, festival-poster-v02-2026-09-28.png tells you more than image-new.png. Choose a pattern that feels easy enough to repeat. If you collaborate, agree on it together.
Keep original material easy to identify
When experimenting with an image or document, work on a copy and keep the original in Sources. Before moving files that an app or project links to, check how that app handles linked files; moving them can break those links. Start this routine with a new project if you are unsure.
End with a two-minute handover
Before closing the project, put the intended deliverable in Exports and open it once to confirm it is the right version. Add a short note in Working explaining what to do next. Tomorrow, you can start with that note instead of reconstructing your progress.
A tidy folder helps you find work; it does not create a backup. Keep a separate backup routine for files you cannot replace.
Related reading: Better phone photos start with better light.
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