Looking for project naming conventions to prevent updating wrong version

[Noah Kadner]

I’d let the computer track the creation and modify date personally. Expecting the editor to do it as part of the filename leaves too much opportunity for it to not happen consistently. You could also consider a third party tool such as:

https://www.digitalrebellion.com/proversioner/
https://focalpointserver.com/about/fcpx/
https://www.arcticwhiteness.com/finalcutlibrarymanager/

Noah

FCPWORKS – FCPX Workflow
Call Box Training

[Bret Williams]

I don’t rely on mod dates. I simply name all v1, v2, v3, and so on. Every export has that label at the end. Even the final master file so there’s no confusion.

Sometimes I keep all the previous projects in a keyword collection called “backups” or “previous versions” and have a keyword collection for the current project called “current version.”

In either case I always duplicate the project after a approval export and let the duplicate be the backup, and increment the current project to a higher version number. If I’m duplicating something with compounds or multicams that are likely to change, I’ll make the duplicate a snapshot so that any changes to the current project doesnt affect it later.

I put my projects in a separate event called “sequences” and usually only have one other event called “media” but larger jobs that are ongoing might benefit from more events. Especially now that we have Library smart collections.

None of this will replace diligence or prevent user error of course.

[David Hudson]

We do basically the same here:
1. each timeline is incremented RC 1
if you use the space before the version number FCPX will update that number automatically!!
(RC-short hand for rough cut FYI)

2. Also use separate event for all cuts/sequences
and use keyword collections to control abit more
ie: Work cuts, Current cut, Alt cuts etc.

[Don Smith]

I never change the primary name of the Project. I ‘Duplicate Project as Snapshot’ and keep editing the original. That way, there’s never a doubt which is the most current cut. No looking through Snapshots for date and time but if you had to look for a former version, the date and time will guide you.

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