I started naming my Photoshop layers after what they do, not what they are.

For years my files were a mess with names like 'Rectangle 1 copy', but last month I forced myself to use 'Main Button Active' and 'Header Shadow'. Finding things went from a 5 minute hunt to under 30 seconds. Has anyone else tried this and found other naming tricks that help?

3 comments

3 Comments

jennifer_fisher2mo ago

Honestly the real game changer for me was adding status tags to layer names. So it's not just 'Header Shadow' but 'Header Shadow - DONE' or 'Header Shadow - WIP'. When you're passing files between team members or coming back to old projects, you instantly know what's finalized and what's still being messed with. Saves so many stupid questions and version mix ups.

skylershah2mo ago

Try adding the date you last edited a layer, like 'Logo - Oct 23'.

gavin_mason3110d ago

Did you catch that guy from Adobe (I forget his name, sorry) talking about this exact thing at that design conference last year? He was saying that even simple date stamps like that can save you hours of confusion when you're digging back through old project files. I started doing something similar after hearing that, and honestly it's been a lifesaver for those late night edits where your brain is just fried. Never really thought about adding status tags like "DONE" though, that's actually pretty clever for team handoffs. Might have to steal that one for my next group project.