Naming Conventions

It might not seem like a big deal, but having some structure and organization is super helpful—especially in creative work like making music. Over time, you'll build up a huge library of samples, effects, ideas, workflows, and presets. The best way to keep all of that accessible and easy to revisit is by using consistent workflows and naming conventions.

You're not going to remember what “ASDFG.mp3” is months from now. Keep things organized so you can jump back into your work—even after a long break. This is especially important when working with clients or on commissioned projects. If someone comes back months later asking for a revision, you don't want to waste hours hunting down files—or worse, not be able to find them at all.

Figure out a system that works for your personal workflow. That said, I'll share my own tips and templates to help you get started.

Track Names

Tracks in your DAW should follow a consistent naming style so you always know what you're looking at. Try to be descriptive—use abbreviations only if it's a common shorthand or the name is too long.

Track Naming Template

Consistent naming is also a lifesaver when exporting stems for mixing or mastering sessions.

File Names

File names should be clear and give you context about the song's progress. When naming a project, try using a unique phrase—ideally from the song's lyrics. It's tempting to name an idea something random when you're just starting out, but a good name helps you remember what it was and makes it easier to find later.

File Naming Template

name_of_song-BPM-KEY.projectfile windless_arrows-105-Gb.projectfile

You can also put BPM or Key at the beginning to help sort your projects that way.

Exported files should also be named clearly. Nobody wants to end up with “song_name_final_final_forreal_final.mp3.” I like to keep it simple: add a version number and note if it's a master, pre-master, etc.

Exported File Template

Preset Names

When you're working with synths or effects, it's super helpful to save your settings as presets. Organizing them in a clean, categorized way makes it way easier to find what you need later. It also comes in handy if you ever decide to make your own preset packs. I like to stick to a small set of categories and pair them with clear, descriptive names.

Synth Categories

Using categories along with a solid name helps keep everything neat and searchable. If a few presets are really similar, I'll just add a number at the end to tell them apart.

Preset Examples