We’ve got organization tips to help any video editor

To stay well versed in all aspects of video production, a video editor needs good organization. So, here are a few tips to help keep you organized.

1. Build a file structure

Too many editors just drop all of their assets into one big folder and call it good. What is even worse is they try to edit off their desktop. We aren’t saying that you can’t edit this way. You can. But it isn’t an efficient way to edit or video and it isn’t helping you in any way.

To build a file structure, you can create and name blank folders that reference different aspects of video production and nest those files where appropriate. Once the hierarchy of your empty folders is built, archive the top level folder and its contents as a zip file. When it’s time to start a new project, unzip the file and rename it with the project’s name. The zipped archive can be used again and again for each project.

2. Use a standard naming convention

It’s so much easier to find a file when it’s named in a way that’s easy to understand. Don’t use names like “Shot 1.” That tells you nothing about the file. You need to create a standard naming convention so you or your video editor will know what it is. Typically, standard conventions start off by using a three-letter abbreviation for the project the file belongs to and follows up that abbreviation with a number in reference to an episode, scene, setting or chapter of the project.

Then, use a version number and make sure to use three digits. That will allow the project to have up to a thousand clips of the same kind of shot.

3. Add metadata

Even a little metadata will make a work of difference when shorting files
Even a little metadata will make a world of difference when sorting files. Image courtesy Unsplash.

Many avoid entering metadata because it is a tedious chore. However, most video editing applications are built to work with metadata. So, even having even a little bit of metadata associated with each clip will make sorting out videos so much easier.

4. Back everything up

You never want to lose your entire production’s cache of assets. That’s a true nightmare for video editors. Use hard drives to back up your projects and all of their assets. It is worth a little extra expense and time. You’ll be relieved when something goes wrong and you have everything backed up.

5. Keep common assets on hand

Every video editor should have their own collection of royalty-free music beds, sound fx and design elements they can go back to and use over and over again. Keep these files separate and keep them on hand so you can pull them up whenever you need them.

Practice all these organization tips for your video productions. Your life will be so much easier and more efficient with them. Always keep organized.

Read “5 Tips to Help Any Video Editor Stay Organized” for even more organization help.

Image courtesy Unsplash

Sean Berry
Sean Berry
Sean Berry is Videomaker's managing editor.

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