[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|8%|1.5em|8%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|8%|0px|8%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Originally published<\/strong>: Dec. 7, 2022 Do you find yourself losing track of the video files in your possession? Are you downloading the same file over and over again? Do you have trouble telling two clips apart by just their file name?<\/p>\n Improper file naming can cause plenty of confusion among your internal team and external stakeholders (e.g. viewers), and you’ll waste a lot of time, money, and resources on fixing the resulting problems.<\/p>\n Having a proper video file naming convention<\/strong> for projects can solve a plethora of issues in your video workflow. It not only makes you more organized but it is an industry best practice to drastically improve your efficiency.<\/p>\n In this blog, we’re going to show you some best practices for video file naming sure to improve your workflow.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/qUphMRzl-zY” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_cta title=”Optimize Your Video Team’s Workflow” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Start For Free” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Sending large files with MASV is so easy and fast, it’s actually fun.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”24px” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”|-54px|0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Video File Naming Convention<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|8%|1.5em|8%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|8%|0px|8%|false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”physical” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_margin=”||0%||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||12px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Video file naming has a ton of benefits to your overall video workflow, like:<\/p>\n When video teams, especially those with remote contributors globally, work with files that have inconsistent names, it can cause mass disorganization and miscommunication among the team. File chaos is the enemy of creativity. When files are mislabeled or poorly organized, it can derail a team, introduce errors, and even lead to missed deadlines.<\/p>\n For example, editors wasting time trying to find a file or downloading the same file twice because they couldn’t find the original.<\/p>\n A clear and consistent naming convention eliminates confusion, allowing everyone to locate the right file at the right time, thanks to:<\/p>\n And when there are issues internally, that can greatly impact the end consumer.<\/p>\n Just ask German fans of Twin Peaks<\/em>, an American mystery-crime-drama created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. While they had been expecting Episode 13 of Season 3 entitled “What Story is That, Charlie?”, they were treated to Episode 14, “We Are Like the Dreamer” instead.<\/p>\n You can imagine their confusion as the episode was unfolding. Sky Deutschland quickly removed the episode and issued an apology, but by then it was too late, viewers had posted spoilers and images<\/a> all over social media. All of this could have been avoided if the video file was named correctly.<\/p>\n Misnaming a file may seem like a small mistake at first glance, but as you can see, it can have serious consequences.<\/p>\n It can be especially helpful for content owners to have a tool that forces collaborators to adhere to predetermined file naming conventions when uploading files to storage. Luckily, such a tool exists \u2013 but more on that later.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Related: How To Send Large Videos<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Sending High-Resolution Video Files?” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Start For Free” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Send and receive large files securely over the cloud with MASV.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|8%|1.5em|8%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|0%||0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|8%|0px|8%|false|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”physical” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_margin=”||0%||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||12px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Put your hands up and step away from the keyboard until you promise to do the following: Stop labeling any video file as final. That\u2019s because nothing is final: Time is a flat circle, and final is a figment of your imagination.<\/p>\n In all seriousness, final is a cut stage, not a version<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Speaking of cut stages, it\u2019s important to understand the various types within a post-production workflow<\/a> that can help us track progress on projects.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that some projects may not include every single cut stage. Some projects may only have a rough, final, and master, while others could have multiple versions of each.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|8%|1.5em|8%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”1.5em|0%|1.5em|0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|8%|0px|8%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”object-storage” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”2514b1ee-af07-4bc3-a96b-c9aaa32f4a18″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font_size=”26px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||12px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A file naming convention is a framework or set of rules for naming all your digital media files.<\/strong> Cameras, computers, and other recording devices have their own default naming rules, but they usually just generate sequential labels, which isn’t helpful to video teams.<\/p>\n You want to ensure that your file names clearly indicate what each video contains and how it relates to other files without having to play it. That way, anyone will be able to decipher what your video is about, as opposed to just a select few people on your team.<\/p>\n For example, if a colorist<\/a> leaves a company, the new colorist should be able to look at all video files and have a basic understanding of what they contain just by looking at the name.<\/p>\n So, what does a bad file name look like?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bad-file-names.jpg” alt=”Examples of bad file names in downloads folder” title_text=”bad file names” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These are bad names because they don’t tell the user or viewer anything about the files, except for their file format (mp4, jpeg, etc.).<\/p>\n Here’s how you create useful file naming conventions for your video projects.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/video-file-naming-8-best-practices-to-follow.png” alt=”Video file naming 8 best practices to follow” title_text=”video-file-naming-8-best-practices-to-follow” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The oft-repeated maxim “consistency is key” can definitely be applied to file name conventions. By naming your files in a logically consistent way, naming all future video files will be a breeze and anyone internally or externally will be able to understand them.<\/p>\n When it comes to naming conventions, Netflix and Amazon set a very high standard. Their structures \u2013 including the title, episode number, language, and resolution \u2013 are user-readable, keep everything organized, and easy to find.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/consistent-file-naming.png” alt=”Example of consistent file naming convention” title_text=”consistent file naming” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Here’s an example of file naming convention for a television episode according to Netflix:<\/a><\/p>\n [Project Title]_[Season & Episode]_[Asset Type]_[Bit Depth]_[Dynamic Range]_[ACES Version]_[Color Space]_[Transfer Function]_[Date]_[Aspect Ratio][Resolution].[Frame Number].[File Extension]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Here is Amazon Prime’s file naming convention<\/a>:<\/p>\n [PartnerAlias]-[UniqueID]-[ContentType]-[AssetType]-[LanguageCode]-[Territory].xxx<\/p>\n Example: Titan-ExplosionsMovie-Full-Mezz-HD-en-US.mpeg<\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to adhere to the above standards when naming files for post-production workflows, but it\u2019s still vital to pick a logical and easy-to-understand video file naming convention that works for your team and stakeholders.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Make your file naming convention as simple as possible. If it’s too complicated and nonintuitive, people probably won’t use it and eventually, your file names will all be formatted differently. What the name contains will all depend on the type of video content you’re creating and where it will be delivered, but try to strike a balance between including useful information and being concise.<\/p>\n With that said, always break up the file names into clear, structured sections<\/strong>. Start with the project name, then make it your own by adding details such as cut stages (assembly, rough, final), destinations (YouTube, social, broadcast), and version numbers.<\/p>\n A file naming structure that takes inspiration from these industry standards but is much simpler could look something like this:<\/p>\n The assembly cut of your client\u2019s latest podcast on sheep shearing?<\/p>\n Your latest social media campaign for rocket shoes?<\/p>\n The next big Oscar bait movie?<\/p>\n Using clearly defined cut stages in your clearly defined naming conventions provides everything anyone on your team needs to know without opening the file.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Related: What is the Difference Between File Storage, Object Storage and Block Storage?<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It’s important to make sure everyone on the team and relevant stakeholders are aware of your naming convention. Keep the information logged in a central location easily accessible by everyone.<\/p>\n If people involved in the project deviate from the naming convention, you’ll struggle to organize and find the video files. This is especially true for bigger projects with multiple contributors and an extensive file library.<\/p>\n For example, if your editor has to stitch together dozens of video clips in Premiere Pro<\/a> but their names don’t all follow the same convention, their job is going to take that much longer.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Dealing with hundreds or thousands of video files can be hard enough, let’s not add special or non-alphanumeric characters to the mix. It’s better to keep it simple because special characters such as : ; \/ \\ , . { } [ ] ( ) * ? < > |! $ etc. are not all supported by operating systems, file formats, and creative software.<\/p>\n You should also avoid white spaces because some applications may not recognize them and treat your file differently than expected. Use an underscore (_) or dash (-) instead.<\/p>\n The number of digits in the version number is extremely important.<\/p>\n Three digits may seem like a lot, but should you ever be cursed enough to exceed v99, you\u2019ll be happy you did. Should you be cursed enough to go over v999, then congratulations, you\u2019re getting into James Gunn territory<\/a>.<\/p>\n The ability to do a quick visual scan gets you and your team exactly what you\u2019re looking for \u2013 which means no wasting time hunting and searching.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Don’t make file names too long \u2014 unless you have a very large library of assets (see Netflix example from above).<\/p>\n Some operating systems have a limit of 255 characters. You don’t want to have to keep scrolling left and right to see the relevant information in a narrow NLE media library panel.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Along with information like the name of the file, camera unit, version number etc., you should include the date the file was edited or footage was shot based on ISO 8601 standard of YYYYMMDD.<\/p>\n ISO 8601 is an international standard covering the worldwide exchange and communication of date and time-related data. It’s especially relevant for avoiding confusion when working with international teams because standard date formats are not the same everywhere.<\/p>\n For example, how would you read this date?<\/p>\n 03122016<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Depending on where you live, it could be March 12, 2016, or December 3, 2016. Establishing ISO 8601 date format as part of your file naming convention will ensure everyone is on the same page.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Explore:<\/strong> MASV Achieves ISO 27001 Security Certification<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Share Movie Files with Anyone, Anywhere” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Start For Free” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Send file packages of unlimited size to editors, colorists, VFX artists, and more!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Keep in mind when you’re naming files, your application or system will sort numbers first and letters second. For example, let’s say your team is dealing with hundreds of videos for their project and they want the files to appear in numerical order, they can put numbers in front of the name, ideally with leading zeros (e.g., 008, 056). Or if there are certain files (e.g. backups) you want to appear last, put “zz” at the start of the file name.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You should apply these standards of file naming to folder structure as well. Prioritize logical consistency, easy implementation, and team-wide adoption. Once you’ve decided on a folder structure, you can create empty folder templates for use on future projects.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/massive.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/video-folder-structure.jpg” alt=”Example of video folder structure” title_text=”video folder structure” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Read More:<\/strong> How To Send Raw Footage<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|8%|1.5em|8%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”1.5em|0%|1.5em|0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|8%|0px|8%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many cameras generate uninformative file names like “DSC1928.mov”. Some of them, such as Sony<\/a> and Nikon<\/a>, let you personalize the first three letters of the file name, which can be sufficient for smaller projects and differentiating between footage shot by multiple photographers on the same camera.<\/p>\n But when you’re working on larger, more complex projects that have multiple contributors, it’s important to rename the files to something more meaningful as per the best practices we covered above. That way your team will stay organized and finish tasks more quickly.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f2f4f9″ custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Related: File Sizes of Popular 4K Cameras<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Large File Transfer Made Easy” button_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” button_text=”Try MASV for Free” module_class=”starttrial” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h5″ header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”27px” header_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ background_color_gradient_end=”#202332″ background_color_gradient_direction=”206deg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3d72e7″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#53a0fe” button_bg_color_gradient_direction=”293deg” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_padding=”10px|42px|10px|42px|true|true” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.massive.io\/en\/signup” border_width_top=”10px” border_color_top=”#3d72e7″ border_color_left=”#3d72e7″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-13px” box_shadow_style_button=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_custom_padding__hover=”|2em|||false|false” button_border_width__hover=”0px”]<\/p>\n Send large files over the cloud quickly and securely. Get 10 GB of data for free every month with zero strings attached.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1.5em|8%|1.5em|8%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|0%||0%|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”1.5em|0%|1.5em|0%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”7b1bf5ad-cc2a-4448-981c-4963d88bd6e8″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|8%|0px|8%|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Implementing proper file naming conventions will allow your video team to work better and faster<\/strong>. You don’t want to waste time scouring your computer for this or that file, especially in a world with changing deadlines and clients who need deliverables yesterday.<\/p>\n As video and film professionals well know, consistent video file naming conventions is only half the battle: Enforcing them is another challenge entirely.<\/p>\n
Updated<\/strong>: Feb. 27, 2026<\/p>\n\n
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Why is Video File Naming Important?<\/h2>\n
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Cut Stages and Video File Naming Conventions<\/h2>\n
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Video File Naming Best Practices<\/h2>\n
1. Be Consistent<\/span><\/h3>\n
Netflix file naming convention<\/h4>\n
Amazon Prime file naming convention<\/h4>\n
2. Make Them Easy to Read and Implement<\/span><\/h3>\n
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3. Communicate Across the Entire Team<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Avoid Special Characters<\/span><\/h3>\n
The importance of digits<\/h4>\n
5. Avoid Long Names<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Use ISO 861 Date Format (YYYYMMDD)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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7. Consider the Sort Order of Your Files<\/span><\/h3>\n
8. Optimize Your Video Folder Structure<\/span><\/h3>\n
Can I Change the File Names in My Camera?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Optimize Your Workflow for Fewer Headaches and More Peace of Mind<\/h2>\n