I am just starting to accumulate files that I might want to find later. I initially created a Plasma folder and in that I started a .dxf folder, a .svg folder, a .f3d folder, gcode folder, etc. Other times, as I worked on a project, I created a folder named for the project and put all the associated files into that. I also have a 3D printer, so I have a few Fusion 360 files for that split off into a 3D printer folder. I can tell that as my library grows, I’m going to have no idea where to find specific things I have worked on or downloaded for future cutting.
Can some of you guys who have been doing this for a long time, or those who do it professionally, give me an idea of how you categorize, sort, and store files for future access, and how you maintain a file hierarchy that at least provides a chance of finding the right one in the future?
I have a technology folder (Plasma) that includes a Project folder, where all my singularly Plasma projects go, and this is further divided by the Project name. When I say ‘singularly’ I mean if it’s primarily Plasma cutting. I could have other projects that ALSO require Plasma cutting but that operation is secondary to the whole.
Thanks, Tom. So yours is under a Plasma folder, then individual named project folders? All the various files for that effort go into that file? I’d just have to be very thorough in what I name each project so it can be found months (years?) from now and to know what material I designed it for.
The ‘technology’ is (almost) the topmost folder. Then each technology folder has a ‘Project’ folder so if I know which ‘technology’ is predominantly used, then I can always look in the Project folder to see if I can find the ‘project’. I also keep technology related folders, in the same ‘technology’ folder, like Docs (manuals, etc), Configuration info (Like SheetCam folder), and other assorted crap associated with my Plasma cutting activities.
‘Technologies’ include 3D Printing, 3D Scanner, CNC Router, Plasma, Kicad (electronics designs), etc.
I have folders divided by business associates, and when a specific business/person requests something, I go right to their folder to cut said item out. That or add more designs to their database which helps keep track of parts and assemblies for specific customers.
I should start a 3D print folder though for myself, as I have my own folder(s) on the CNC plasma side already.
Thanks for the reply. I’m just thinking that even within one customer’s file, we begin to accumulate a lot of different files with various extensions. If I go back to ABC Company’s file in a year I have to figure out which exact cut file I want for the current need. I foresee file naming becoming quite involved to be sure I can cut it again. Sort of like ABC_Company_Dec2025_2x5in_6hole_bracket_.25ms_PM45_finecut.nc I guess I can do that, and maybe should. Just seems like someone might have figured out a bulletproof way to catalog files for retrieval later.
I create backups of folders in a folder called ‘Backups’ when they are no longer current and the backups have date in the filename. You can select the folder and zip up the whole thing. There might be some redunancy of files that don’t change often, but this approach keeps ALL related files for a particular snapshot together in one zip file.
Typically, my top level folder is “…\Plasma Projects or Designs\” then subfolders of either “Concept/NPD” or “Test Article” or “Commissioned Projects” then subfolders in those with the date leading (or group them by year if older or not active) then a descriptor of the customer name and what it was….
So example
”…\Plasma Projects or Designs\CPs\2025\12-11-2025 - Tom Smith - Yard Sign\”
Then have any .sldprt .dxf .stl whatever inside it with any other documentation necessary (spreadsheets for time/costing etc) in other subfolders labeled as such.
or “…\Plasma Projects or Designs\TestArticlesCalibration\TestBlock\” which then holds that DXF and CLEARLY labeled gcodes by thickness&material, and any pertinent data tracking for my specific tool with speeds/feeds/power/airpressure etc for different materials and thicknesses (if they deviate from the general rule of thumb spreadsheet) in the “…\TestArticlesCalibration\” folder
I’m a stickler for organization as the ADD brain requires it.
That’s the kind of system I think I need to develop! I appreciate it because this is a little different than the direction I was going. More thought food for me!
I’m old enough that we never heard of ADD when I was growing up. No one (except my wife) has officially declared that I am ADD afflicted, although it makes perfect sense. We were just considered finicky, fussy, or annoying about details. Thanks!
On the subject of file organization, I wish/hope/doubt Autodesk will fix their shitty search tool in the data panel. If you don’t have EXACTLY the right name in the search, you’ll get no hits. And why can’t the ‘order’ by date flatten the listing? The ordering is done ONLY at the current folder level and doesn’t include subfolders.
I am glad you mentioned that. I have been aggravated trying to find the files I am working on when I have over a hundred active projects. Since the names fall in all areas of the alphabet, I need to scroll thru lots of names to get to something I just did a week or two ago.
