Folder Structures
Simple and Effective Folder Structure Solution
One of the fundamentals of a good workflow starts with a solid Folder Structure.
In this video, I will show you how I keep my project files and folders organised and provide references to other setups so you can assemble the structure that will work best for your needs.
This structure is suitable for Small Studios and Freelance Animators/Motion Designers.
But don’t let that deter you, I’d love to hear how any creative may use and adapt this structure for themselves!
Links:
If you’d rather read than watch, I’ve put a transcript with screenshots from the video below.
Transcript
Picture this: you’re knee-deep in a project, deadlines looming, and you can’t find that one crucial file because you’ve saved it in some random folder and possibly not given it a sensible file name. Sound familiar? Without a proper folder structure, chaos reigns.
In this video, I will show you what I use and provide some references to other solutions so you can assemble the structure that will best work for your needs
One of the fundamentals of a good workflow starts with a solid folder structure.
Bad or non-existent folder structures lead to wasted time, mental strain, and decreased productivity.
So, I’m going to demonstrate what I use, as this structure gives me peace of mind as I know where everything is in each and every project, so rather than wasting time and energy hunting down files, I can now focus on the creative side of things
First, I start with my Client Name followed by the Project Name. This can stack up for any repeat work with the client.
Inside the ProjectName folder, I have three key folders:
- Assets
- Project
- Render
Assets are where all the assets for the project are kept, such as branding files, scripts, storyboards, graphic files, audio.
Anything and everything that will support the overall project goes in here.
The Project folder, is where the main project file is located. And if you’re working with a team, this could be broken down into subfolders of Shots.
Lastly, the Render folder is where the exported drafts and final versions are kept. This is broken down into Three stages:
- 01 Team Review
- 02 Client Review
- 03 Delivery.
Team Review are where files are exported for internal reviewing.
For these files, I add -TR01 as the suffix.
Which means, Team Review, followed by the version number.
Once you’re happy with the Team Review, then you’re ready to move on to Client Review. This is where the files are stored for the client to see for the first time.
These files will have the suffix -CR01, which means Client Review followed by the version number.
Then, after you’ve been through those iterations and all is signed off. Then the final files are exported and saved to the Delivery folder ready to send off.
It’s worth noting that I don’t add ‘Final’ to the filename, it’s best to focus on writing a clear and descriptive name with a date.
I like this system because of how easy it is to construct and follow, especially if I have to bring in a collaborator or hand off a project entirely, the other person will be able to understand it quickly.
I want to recommend a website I found in my research when I was making this structure years ago. And that’s Justin McClure Creatives website for their GYST initiative. There you will find the structure that they use, along with structures and resources from other artists they’ve interviewed. So, do take a look and see if any of those formats fit more in line with your needs.
To make life easier, you can get Started and download my Folder Structure Template for Free