Rule 1

Keep file names short, but meaningful

File names should be kept as short as possible whilst also being meaningful. Long file names mean long file paths and long URLs which increase the likelihood of error, are more difficult to remember and recognise, and are more difficult to transmit in emails as they often ‘break’. However, avoid using initials, abbreviations and codes that are not commonly understood.

Rule 1 Example
	Correct	Incorrect
File name	SausageMashCtteeRemit.rtf	The_sausage_and_mash_committee_remit.rtf
Explanation	Some words add length to a file name but do not contribute towards the meaning, for example words like “the”, “a”, and “and”. Where the remaining file name is still meaningful within the context of the file directory these elements can be removed. Sometimes words have standard abbreviations, e.g. “cttee” is a standard abbreviation for “committee”; where this is the case the standard abbreviation can be used.

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