A file/project structure that actually works!?

[mhinks]

Hi All,

 

I work for a small design firm, worked here since the company was set up, and we have gone through a couple of different file structures on our server, and none have worked well, and stood up the the test of time as the project grow in size.

 

We're/I'm trying to find a good way to organise our project tree.

 

I've been looking at having a folder for Client. then specific project folders, then in each project/job, the following - 3d, 2d, Output, Ref, Master Artwork.

 

Then in 3d I would have max, maps, renders, stl, solidworks, autocad.

 

2d would have psd, tif, jpg that kind of thing.

 

Output would have all renders, tests, previews, but final artwork would end up in 2d, with the final client files going in Master artwork.

 

Its not working, and people are struggling to find files!!

 

PLEASE HELP! I see some of you guys work for large companys, you must have a tried and tested method of structuring your servers/projects.

 

Any info will be received with open arms.

 

Kind regards.

[Ernest Burden III]

There are software packages to manage your assets. I don't use them, but I'm not a large firm (this week).

 

But what you described sounds fairly logical. Where are people having trouble? Do you have the structure printed out and taped up by everyone's workstation?

[mhinks]

The problem is that when you start saving images into tiff/jpg/bmp directorys, its difficult to find the image your looking for. If all images to do with an object/presentation etc are in one folder that helps when looking for them.

 

There must be a good tried and tested method. Large companys i guess might use asset managment software, but even then the files must be saved in a logical tree.

[lambros]

We try to keep things simple. So, we do use folder for Client, then specific project folder. THEN: "3d", "Cad", "Renders", "Resources". 3d is obvious, cad holds all autocad files or scanned plans, renders holds all output renders, and if needed, has separate folders for "final", "mail" "revision_2" or "video" files, and finally resources will hold all extra files, such as "site pics", "product pics" or whatever.

Maps are kept in a central server regardless of projects, in a folder called "library" with contains "marble", "wood" e.t.c.

It is a quite simple way to organize things, but it certainly works and have never caused any problem, so I guess you should try to merge some folders there!

Hope it helped, though I would be very interested to find out what other people use!

[mhinks]

Im not really interested in viewers, or asset managment software, just the why your company organises their projects.

 

Keep the tips coming!

[bully712]

Where I work, we basically have 2 file servers. 1 with 2 sub-folders, Cad, and 3D. Then 1 with the other 2.

 

1. Cad

2. 3D

3. Graphics

4. General Office

 

1. Cad - Each sub-folder is named with the project number

2. 3D - Everything dealing with 3D is stored here. I do have a general place ( graphics server) where I store my materials, but I always copy the materials I need to the specific project folder. It's a lot easier to do this as you will need to eventually archive a project after so long.

3. Graphics - All images are stored here including site photos, materials, presentation boards, copies of my 3D renderings, etc.

4. General Office - Secretarial stuff

 

The only problem with ours is that only certain people in our office has access to the 3D Folder, so I have to save copies to the Graphics folder

 

We have a project list posted on the walls everywhere listing the project name and number, so it's real easy finding what you're looking for.

 

I hope this makes sense.

[Sawyer]

I have the same folder structure as mentioned above and then just date all files with the current date. I also use Picasa from Google its free and scans all the drives and creates thumbs for everything in case I get lost.

[rektek3@yahoo.com]

This is what we use at our 50 person arch firm. It's not bad. We use a file/folder naming system with date first.

ex.

folder name for rendered images....05-0929 test render of entry

file name for renderings......cam01.jpg...cam2.jpg...etc.

folder name of psd work.....05-0929 scheme a

file name for psd work.......05-0929 site plan

 

this of course is geared towards arch work

 

James