Digital Photo Organization: A Simple System for Easy Access
The simple system: Put all photos in one place, sort them by date, give them clear names, add a few tags, and keep backups. |
1. One library | Keep all photos in one main folder. Example: Photos > 2026 > Family Reunion. |
2. Clear names | Rename files with the date and event, like 2026-07-14_FamilyReunion_001. |
3. Searchable tags | Use simple tags or albums for people, places, and favorite pictures. |
4. Safe backups | Keep extra copies of your photos on another device or in the cloud. |
Do / Don’t
Do | Don’t |
Keep all photos in one main place. | Leave photos scattered across phones, desktops, and old drives. |
Use folder names by year and event. | Use random folder names that are hard to remember. |
Rename files with dates and event names. | Keep names like IMG_0045 if you want to find photos later. |
Delete duplicates and blurry pictures. | Save every shot, even the ones you do not need. |
Back up your photos regularly. | Rely on only one device. |
Quick Start: 5 Steps
- Gather: Move photos from phones, cameras, and old drives into one place.
- Sort: Create folders by year and event.
- Rename: Use date + event + number.
- Tag: Mark people, places, and favorites.
- Protect: Turn on automatic backups and review monthly.
References
- Adobe (Software): for organizing digital photos and using albums, keywords, and folders. https://www.adobe.com/
- Nations Photo Lab: practical advice on naming, backing up, and managing photo collections. https://napl.tiny.us/photolab
- Amateur Photographer Guide: guidance for managing photos in Windows Photos and OneDrive. https://napl.tiny.us/tips
- New York Times: how to organize your digital files. https://napl.tiny.us/digitalfiles
- CHADD: ADHD-friendly ways to organize your electronic files. https://napl.tiny.us/adhd
- YouTube Video: the lazy person’s guide to digital organization. https://napl.tiny.us/lazyperson
- YouTube Video: the beginner’s guide to digital photo organizing. https://napl.tiny.us/bgdp
- YouTube Video: organize digital photos in folders – the simple structure you need. https://napl.tiny.us/folders
- YouTube Playlist: 7-day bootcamp – photo organizing for 2023. https://napl.tiny.us/pixologie
