Document file names covers how to name document files and best practices for uploading and linking to documents from your webpage.
A document file name is the name you give the electronic file copy of a document.
The document file name does not need to be the same as the actual document. In fact, you can use the shortest version of the name that's possible. Try to keep the file name between 5 and 15 words. Your objective should be to make sure the document url is short, easy to read and consistent.
- Keep it simple – keep file name as short as possible.
- Be descriptive – Use key words in the filename that would allow you to search for and find the file later. Use keywords and other text that is meaningful to the website visitor.
- Use all lower case – separate words with a hyphen.
- Don't use spaces – web browsers turn spaces between words into "%20" in the URL.
- No date or version information or terms like ‘final’ in file name, which also reduces the chance that links will break when you replace documents.
- if you need that info on the file, put it in the document, maybe in the footer.
- if you need it in the file name, use yyyy-mm-dd, yyyy-mm or yyyy-yyyy.
- Avoid using short words, like a, the, of, and to.
- Avoid special characters. For example: ! ? @ # $ ~ ^ & % * ` ; < > , ' " | [ ] and ( )
- Avoid using initials, abbreviations, acronyms, and codes that are not commonly understood. Spelling words out helps with SEO and search results.
- Ensure your file includes the extension. For example, .docx, .xlxs, .ppt
- If using a stock photo, include the source and image number at the end of the file. E.g. donning-ppe-sign—ghetty-4432552.jpg
-
Actual document name: Tube Feeding at Home: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
-
Document file name: tube-feeding-at-home.pdf
