Windows folder structure for Adobe projects

[sbryan]

I couldn't organize a project encompassing Photoshop & Illustrator CS2, After Effects 7, Premiere Pro 2.0, Audition, and Encore files to save my life. When I work on something, a bomb goes off and file debris hits the desktop.

Does anybody have a folder structure they'd like to recommend? I fear using some features of the Production Studio because I wouldn't be able to keep the files straight.

:kali:

 

[oneinfiniteloop]

Here is how I generally do it. I create one folder for the entire project, which makes it easier for backup and archiving. Within that folder I create subfolders called:

img: for images, working files, pictures, etc. This is where I store my elements and PSD and .AI and various quicktimes etc. You can add subfolders at this level, but sometimes that is unnecessary.

ren: this is where I save all my renders to, preview and final. Elements that are rendered out to be used in a comp usually go in the img folder.

edit: edit projects, for you it would be premiere's project and any edl's or timecode spreads or what not associated with editing.

aud: all audio related projects go here, with audio clips and anything else associated

comp: AE and Shake project files
cap: capture scratch disk so that the captured footage isn't cluttering other folders

ref: any reference specifically related to the project, most is kept in a master reference folder

par: DVD's compiles, sometimes I stick it in a subfolder under ren.

I like this method since I can copy over an entire folder to my laptop and be working right away on the project without any missing elements or relinking headaches. Also, backup is a breeze and I don't spend time searching for elements as much as I used to.

 

[sbryan]

Thanks for the response oneinfiniteloop.

I'll work on implementing a similar system tonight!