Summary

Consistency is important when developing naming conventions for folders and files within your online courses. Predictability allows users to anticipate file location and makes it easier to update course content. Additionally, avoid using spaces and non-alpha numeric characters in file and folder names to prevent operating system compatibility errors. Apply a logical organizing strategy that makes sense to you based on the following best practices.

Best practices for naming folders and files

Avoid using spaces and underscores (“_”) in folder and file names. Instead use a hyphen (“-”)
Avoid non-alpha numeric characters (with the exception of hyphens “-”). Do not use characters such as ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) ` ; < > ? , ¢ / \ : [ ] { } ' "
Use only one period in the file name, right before indicating the file type

For example, 2021-02-26-Lecture2-Notes.pdf (where .pdf indicates the file type)

Don’t start or end your filename with a space, period, or hyphen.
When including dates in a naming structure, use the international standard date notation format, YYYY-MM-DD
Use leading 0s to facilitate sorting in numerical order if following a numeric scheme “001, 002, …010, 011 … 100, 101, etc.” instead of “1, 2, …10, 11 … 100, 101, etc.”
Although the Canvas LMS allows for 255 characters, please limit file and folder names to 31 characters. This allows for assistive technology use and reduces cognitive overload.

Best practices for naming folders

Create folders that match how you organize course content. For example, consider creating folders based on “modules” (Module1, Module2, etc.), “weeks” (Week1, Week2, etc.) or “topics” (Orientation, Quizzes, Midterm, Final).

Best practices for naming files

Do not use an overly complex or lengthy naming scheme that is susceptible to human error during manual input, such as “filenameconventionjoesfinalversioneditedfinal.doc”.
When files are hyperlinked, use self-describing links for accessibility purposes (e.g., “Africam101Spring2021syllabus.docx” becomes ”Africam 101 Syllabus (Word file)”
Hyperlinked filenames that open in a new window should be marked accordingly (e.g., “Africam 101 Syllabus (Word file) (opens in a new window).”
Follow a consistent convention when naming files. For example, some instructors and instructional designers prefer to include the document titles, authors, or published dates within the file name. Others include the module or week name into the naming scheme as well.
Examples of naming schemes include:

M1-Kahneman-2007.pdf (the Module is listed first, followed by the author’s last name, and the published year)
Perspective-on-Judgment-and-Choice.pdf (article title)
2021-02-26-Lecture2-Notes.pdf (Date and topic)

Resources

ISO 8601: DATE AND TIME FORMAT
Michigan Tech: Characters to Avoid in Directories and Filenames
National Archives: Best Practices for File Naming
University of Oregon: What are good file naming conventions?
Stanford University: Best practices for file naming