As a seasoned digital illustrator and Mac software expert, I know firsthand how critical file organization is for creative professionals. When you‘re working with multiple clients and complex projects, a streamlined system for naming and structuring your files can be the difference between a smooth workflow and a chaotic mess.
This is especially true in Procreate, the powerful iOS drawing app that has taken the design world by storm. With over 50 million users worldwide (Sensor Tower, 2021), Procreate has become an indispensable tool for everyone from hobbyists to industry pros.
But as your Procreate gallery grows, so does the need for a solid file naming and organization strategy. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll share my battle-tested methods for keeping your Procreate work structured and easy to navigate on Mac and iOS.
Why File Organization Matters in Procreate
Before we dive into the technical details, let‘s talk about the big-picture benefits of naming and organizing your Procreate files:
-
Efficiency: With clear, descriptive names, you can quickly locate the files you need without hunting through countless untitled documents. This is a huge time-saver, especially when working on tight deadlines.
-
Client management: Proper file naming makes it easy to track versions and send the right files to clients. No more endless back-and-forth emails trying to clarify which "final_final_rev2.png" they should use.
-
Cloud syncing: If you use iCloud to access your Procreate work across devices, clear file names are key for a seamless syncing experience. You can jump between your iPad and iPhone without missing a beat.
-
Copyright protection: Including your name or studio name in file titles can help prove your ownership if unauthorized use occurs. It‘s a simple step that can save legal headaches down the line.
-
Preserving your legacy: As your body of work grows, thoroughorganization ensures that your art remains accessible and meaningful for years to come. Think of it as a digital archive of your creative journey.
But how does Procreate stack up against other design apps in terms of file management? Let‘s take a quick look:
App | File Grouping | Cloud Sync | Exporting |
---|---|---|---|
Procreate | Stacks | iCloud | PNG, JPEG, PSD, TIFF |
Photoshop | Folders | Creative Cloud | Multiple formats |
Illustrator | No native grouping | Creative Cloud | Multiple formats |
Affinity Designer | No native grouping | iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive | Multiple formats |
As you can see, Procreate‘s stack system and iCloud integration make it a standout choice for designers invested in the Mac/iOS ecosystem. But to fully leverage these features, you need a solid organizational foundation.
Step-by-Step Guide: Renaming Files and Stacks in Procreate
Now, let‘s walk through the process of renaming individual files and stacks in Procreate.
Renaming Individual Files
- Open your Procreate gallery and find the file you want to rename.
- Tap the file name below the thumbnail to open the full-screen preview.
- Tap the file name at the top to bring up the keyboard.
- Type in your new file name and tap "Done."
That‘s it! You can rename files whether they‘re loose in your gallery or grouped in a stack.
Renaming Stacks
- In the gallery, find the stack you want to rename.
- Tap the stack name underneath the thumbnail to open the zoomed preview.
- Tap the name at the top, enter your new title, and tap "Done."
Remember: Changing a stack name won‘t rename the files inside. You‘ll need to do that individually using the process above.
Best Practices for Naming Procreate Files
Of course, knowing how to rename files is just the beginning. To really streamline your workflow, you need a consistent naming system. Here are some guidelines I‘ve honed over the years:
-
Be descriptive: Include key details like client name, project, version number, and date in your file names. For example: "Acme-Website-Header-v2-2023-05-01.png"
-
Use clear abbreviations: Shorten words in a way that still makes sense. Common examples: "v" for version, "WIP" for work in progress, "FNL" for final.
-
Avoid special characters: Stick to alphanumeric characters, hyphens, and underscores. Special characters can cause problems when sharing files across systems.
-
Implement version control: Consistently label drafts and revisions, like "V1," "V2," "Final," and so on. This makes it simple to trace your progress and revert if needed.
-
Create naming rules for multi-component projects: For things like logos and branding work, decide on a standard format like "ClientName-Logo-Submark.png" and "ClientName-Logo-Wordmark.png"
With these principles in place, you‘ll develop an organized, searchable gallery that keeps projects running smoothly.
Advanced Procreate File Management Tips
Want to take your Procreate workspace to the next level? Try these pro-level organization moves:
Color-Coded Stack Covers
Make your stacks visually distinct by turning the first file into a "cover." You can use a solid color background with the name or even design branded title cards for different clients or projects.
Then, when you need to unstack a file:
- Go into the stack.
- Tap and hold the cover image.
- Drag it to the upper-left until the gallery view pops up.
- Drop it wherever you want in the gallery.
Stack Color Labels
Procreate also lets you assign colors to stacks for an extra visual cue. You might use red for urgent projects, green for finalized work, blue for personal pieces—whatever system clicks for you.
To color-code a stack:
- Open the stack.
- Tap the three dots at top right.
- Choose "Stack Color."
- Select your color.
File Management Plugins
Want even more control over your Procreate files? Check out these handy plugins and scripts:
- Procreate Palette Editor: An iOS app that lets you preview, install, and manage palettes in Procreate.
- Procreate Stacker: A Mac script for batch importing and stacking Procreate files via Finder.
- ProCreate File Manager: A Siri shortcut that adds Mac-like file management capabilities to Procreate.
While not essential, these tools can give you an extra edge when wrangling large volumes of Procreate work.
Effective File Organization: Stories from the Creative Trenches
Still not sold on the power of naming and organizing your Procreate files? Take it from these design pros:
"I once had to sort through 500+ unlabeled Procreate sketches to find a specific client logo variation. Never again. Now I name everything and it saves me hours of headache." – James R., freelance graphic designer
"File organization is a big part of how I deliver a consistent client experience. My Procreate gallery is like a curated portfolio that I can share at a moment‘s notice." – Lisa P., brand strategist and illustrator
"Honestly, having an organized Procreate workspace just makes me feel more professional. It‘s a mental thing. When my files are in order, I‘m in the zone and ready to create." – Tamara K., art director
The bottom line? Putting in the work to organize your Procreate files pays off in both tangible and intangible ways.
Go Forth and Organize
There you have it: a comprehensive guide to naming and organizing your files in Procreate. I hope this deep dive has given you the tools and inspiration to whip your iOS design workflow into shape.
As a final note, remember that file organization is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done task. Set aside a few minutes each day to properly name and sort your work. Your future self—and your clients—will thank you.
Do you have your own tried-and-true methods for keeping your Procreate gallery tidy? Share your tips and experiences in the comments!
And for more Mac and iOS workflow wisdom, be sure to subscribe to the blog and connect with me on Twitter @yourtwitterhandle. Together, we can all become Procreate organizational pros.