Name archived files as [YYYY-MM] [Type]…

Name archived files using the pattern '[YYYY-MM] [Output Type] — [Descriptive Title]' to enable chronological sorting, category filtering, and keyword search through the filename itself, making files findable even if metadata systems fail.

When This Fires

When saving any output to your archive (Two-minute archiving ritual after every delivery archiving workflow)
When establishing naming conventions for a new archive or knowledge system
When existing archives use inconsistent naming that makes files unfindable
Complements Five metadata fields for every archived output (five metadata fields) with the filename-level convention that survives metadata loss

Common Failure Mode

Ad-hoc naming: "Final Report v3 (2).docx," "Notes from meeting.txt," "draft - updated.md." These names provide no date, no type, and no descriptive keywords. In a folder of 500 files, finding the right one requires opening files one by one.

The Protocol

(1) When archiving any output, rename it using the pattern: [YYYY-MM] [Type] — [Descriptive Title]. (2) YYYY-MM: use the completion date. Year-month granularity is sufficient for most archives; add day (-DD) only for very high-volume archives. (3) Type: use your controlled vocabulary (Article, Report, Proposal, Presentation, Email, Guide, etc.). Keep the type list to 8-12 options maximum. (4) Descriptive Title: use natural-language keywords your future self would search for (Title reference items with the words your future self…). Include the topic, key decision, or distinctive content. (5) Examples: 2026-03 Report — Q1 marketing performance analysis.pdf, 2026-02 Proposal — Enterprise pricing restructure for Acme Corp.docx, 2025-12 Article — Why spaced repetition fails without comprehension.md.