File Naming for Freelancers: How to Look Professional Without Trying

When you send a client a file named design_final_v3_APPROVED (1).psd, you look disorganized. When you send them 2026-02-20_acme-brand-guidelines-v03.pdf, you look like a pro.

The Freelancer Naming System

YYYY-MM-DD_client-name_deliverable-name_vXX.ext

Example: 2026-02-20_acme-corp_logo-design_v02.ai

Why This Works

• Clients can sort files by date

• The client name makes it easy to find in searches

• Version numbers prevent "which one is latest?" confusion

• No spaces means the file works everywhere

Automating It

Use DocSync's custom prefix feature. Set your prefix to the client name, and every file gets automatically named: acme-corp_filename_001.ext.

Turn messy deliverables into polished, professional files in 10 seconds.