Any pointers on how how to organize and store your resources?

[sleepy_sealion]

I've been making (or at least trying) to create custom art for my game, as well as some light scripting.

In case of the worst I keep everything backed up - though it's kind of a mess going through everything, stuff like multiple similarly named folders, script file names being too similar with various "v1.x" names. All scattered about my pc and a hard drive.

A bit more confusing as of late that I've just been using one big script for everything and calling it an "engine" - even though there's parts in that script I might not use, but would want to save.

So I was just wondering if actual professionals have any tips or thoughts for keeping your project bits backed up in a way that it makes it easy to find things and keeping things up to date.

 

[Marquise*]

I never came up with an ideal way so far. I do folders in folders mainly and make sure to get a copy of each ToU of each assets in the folders.

 

[GmOcean]

Well it depends really. For instance, if it's art assets, I have 1 master folder which holds a folder named after everyone I need to credit. Inside of those folders is a folder named Edit which is used for any alterations I made to those assets, so that I know to still credit them even if I did touch them up.

As far as scripts, plugins etc... there is a similar folder hierarchy used.

But for main back ups I use Paragon Backup and Recovery to back up the entire project every 7 days to an external SSD. If I make heavy modifications to the project I may perform a backup that day.

Keep in mind that art assets are not in my project folder unless used in the editor in some shape way or form. Whether it be for direct event sprites or called through the use of the plugin. Basically if it's not being used it's not getting backed up.

I only keep 3 months worth of back ups at a time. That are scheduled to clean up (delete in bulk) at the start of every month. Hence I no longer have my November stuff as of today xD.

 

[TheoAllen]

I don't keep script, but I keep other resources.
Mostly I organize the folder based on the creator's name even if they only make a few couples of them.

 

[h0tWalker]

I have a master folder for all resources made by other users, with a folder dedicated to each creators content + a notepad on terms and a link to that post to double check. I don't really name those files before using them in a project, where I name them per use. As for when I do sketches or so, I usually name them "Character_Name_001" as I'm sure there will be more sketches, and then the final ones will eventually make a new name or get the first number as it enter the project files. That way you have a name to each resource that describes it purpose.

 

[johnllb]

I have same question. Plz frendz guide me. Thanks...

 

[ATT_Turan]

You're getting a lot of replies about keeping track of other people's resources, which is not what you asked (your first sentence says you're creating custom art and scripts). So tracking stuff that you've created should really be pretty simple.

I'd use the same folder structure that RPG Maker does (so you'll have img, script, etc. folders). That means you have no reason to have "multiple similarly named folders" - why would you in the first place?

Similarly, for scripts, name them sanely after what they do - why would you choose to create similar file names? You don't need to track the version of the script in the file name, you can put it in the help text. For that matter, if you're making them for yourself, why create and track version numbers?

I mean, you say it's all scattered across your hard drive...I don't think you need advice from a professional to make it not be that way? Step one, put it all in one place?