Download this folder structure (18 kb .zip).

I’ve been using and refining this project folder structure for a few years now. It’s ready for sharing.

In short, it allows you to organize each of your projects in a manner that’s as consistent as possible, sparing you a lot of mental friction when switching projects.

In long (folder by folder, point by point):

0. _xxx_project_notes.txt. This functions as both the to-do list and the braindump file for the project. It is always at the root lever of a project folder and always at the top of the list. As many a GTD’er will attest, .txt files are fast, portable, and to the point. I replace the xxx in the filename with the parent folder name, so I can easily switch projects files through the File > Open Recent menu in BBEdit.

1. backups: You know what goes here. Especially when you’re working on a client’s server. Remember your databases, too.

2. business_docs: These five subfolders are always enough for me.

3. deliverables: The “r” is for “round”. I make an “rX” subfolder for each delivery so I know exactly what was sent to a client and when.

4. design_production: The folder where all the magic happens.

5. fonts: Yes, the project-specific fonts all go here, because when compared to their filesize, they are worth their weight in gold. Putting them here will save your ass one day.

6. from_client: If it comes from a client, it goes directly here. You may need subfolders here of your own, depending on the project complexity and your client.

7. inspiration_research: Project reference material.

8. raw: To me, “raw” is anything I might use to complete a project, but something that may not be worth archiving. For example, if I export test render movies at half-resolution from After Effects, I know I’m not going to need them after I deliver a full resolution version. So they go here temporarily. Or if I copy the contents of a .png file into one of my Photoshop documents, I leave the .png file here in this raw folder and save the .psd in design_production knowing I have the content in a more meaningful place. When used properly, you can safely remove raw content without guilt after the project has been closed a month or two to free up disk space.

9. screencaps: We all know what these are. Are you on a mac? Try using Paparazzi because it automatically saves the date in the filename. Clever, eh?

10. to_server: Everything you need to make a website that works goes here. The subfolders reveal my bias for organization by file & media type, but what works best for you is what works best for you.

Happy organizing, you neatfreak.