File naming conventions:

How does one maintain a list of AutoCAD files when we are trying to access them from the hard drive?

I want to name my blocks in such a way as to be able to identify them redily. For instance, for a .50 Hexagonal Nut

C:\AutoCAD\BLOCKS\NonDynamic\BLK_050_HEXNUT.DWG

C:\AutoCAD\BLOCKS\NonDynamic\050HEXNUT.DWG

C:\AutoCAD\BLOCKS\Hardware\hexHeadNut_050.dwg

My experience with the estimating [ artisans`s estimating ] ( searchable on google ) software that I spent years developing has only left me with a desire to find a way to have a sortable database that can be sorted bass akwards.

Well when it comes to a block library, our company has a huge mess that was started a while ago and that I've been slowly combing through since I became a drafter.

I found that they had 5-6 copies of the same block, because they either couldn't remember what they called it, or because someone else wanted to create it and call it something they would "always" remember.

I've started breaking down the folders into sub-categories for the time being so that way it's easier to find the most common blocks used. I would delete the old ones, but they are afraid someone, somewhere, might use that specific block in years to come. *SIGH* They're packrats for stuff like that.

But I digress. If you use a server at work, I would suggest creating a block library that you know is going to contain only blocks that would be used for your projects. Once you have that established, then my next suggestion would be to decide if you want to sub-categorize. If so then some ideas for trying to decide how to sub-categorize are as follows: (and these are just a couple examples, there's always more)

1. Job Specific.

2. Equipment Specific.

3. Discipline Specific.

4. (Insert your Specifics here if your company doesn't have something like the above mentioned. I'm an HVAC Drafter, so I'm pulling from what I've used/seen).

And remember you can even further sub-categorize if you are really obsessive/compulsive like me.

As for keeping a log of it, I decided to actually create a Masterbook, with small jpeg of the detail/symbol that contains it's File name and path.

I think the company used a numbering system a while back, but they didn't keep up with it, so there are only a handful of people who even know what those numbers stood for.

My thought is, the more info you place for reference, the less likely the chance for confusion later on.

I do hope my mini-tirade was helpful. I am now going to retire for the evening and if you want more in-depth help with that send me some more info and I'll see what I can cook up for ya!

I like the idea of taking screen pics of the folders and saving the pics in an indexing file. I have done that many times before, for other purposes.

I just got a thought about looking into a searchable format picture perhaps in Adobe. Gonna get right on that one straight-away.

Thanks for tolerating me.

We have a fairly extensive block library where I work. I'll try to give a little example of the file structure (from memory as its me day off ).

This isn't all of them, but the basic idea is that any objects that share common phrases get grouped in their own folders, allowing someone who is unsure what they're looking for can get to it by narrowing down the categories

Blocks

- Brackets and Fasteners

- - Angle Bracket

- - Hex Head Bolts and Screws

- - Hangers and Straps

- - - Dynamic

- - - Custom Loft Brackets

- Details

- - Framing Details

- - Loft Details

- - Junction Details

- - - Foundation Junction Details

- - - - Pier

- - - - Poured Concrete

- - - Roof Junctions

- Electrical

- - 3d Blocks

- - Symbols

- Foundation

- - Footings (for pier foundation)

- Space Layout Design

- - Kitchen

- - - Appliances

- - - Layouts

- - Plumbing

- - - Lavatories

- - - Tubs and Showers

- - - Water Closets

- - - Water Heaters

- - Furniture

- - - Beds

- - - Dining Tables and Chairs

- - - Sofas and Loveseats

Perhaps a screen shot of the file structure in List view?