I usually keep several daily versions with an a, b, c, or d addendum. Then I can save or delete daily finals, weekly finals, and monthly finals fairly easily. I like having the older versions around so I can go back in case I decide I took the wrong path somewhere.

The main reason is that for a similarly named file an alphabetic sort will put the files in chronological order.

People might find the naming structure initially a bit backwards, but once you get over that small hump it really performs well.

So, the first version of a tradeshow flyer designed in InDesign for IBM might look like this:

v1-IBM_TradeFlyer.indd

If I had three initial versions of that same flyer project I would probably have three files like this:

v1a-IBM_TradeFlyer.indd
v1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.indd
v1c-IBM_TradeFlyer.indd

I use a “v” at the beginning to indicate a working master file version. I use a “c” for the client comp version, a “m” for the mechanical (say the working file needs to have the type outlined or saved as a flattened tiff for output), and an “f” for the final file going to press.

So my working file would be:
v1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.indd

Comp to client:
c1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.pdf

Flattened file to ensure gradients blend nicely:
m1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.tif

Final artwork going to press in CMYK with crop marks
f1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.pdf

I keep each of these file types within folders:
v1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.indd goes in the Builders folder

c1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.pdf goes in the Comps folder

m1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.tif goes in the Mechanicals folder

f1b-IBM_TradeFlyer.pdf goes in the FinalArt folder

—

I use initial caps on the words because I avoid using spaces in file names. This convention helps me automatically produce files that are web friendly when working on web projects.

That’s my scoop!

With this convention, you can use simple tools that come with your OS like Automator (http://macapper.com/2007/05/28/tutorial-automator-basics/) or on Windows, a simple batch file (http://lifehacker.com/software/version-control/hack-attack-simple-version-control-170164.php) to backup your files.

Of course, if you need multiple backups from the same day, or if you want them visible and not hidden in backup directories, you might be out of luck there. In that case, I like to use simple scripts to “roll” the files easily enough (rolling means to do something like this: rename foo_v2 to foo_v3 if it exists, rename foo_v1 to foo_v2 if it exists, then copy foo to foo_v1; this way the most recent backup is always the _v1 — that’s just a personal preference of mine.)

On Windows, I would recommend spending a few bucks to get a commercial product called KeepSafe from Stardock since it automatically backs up files you want with no user action required.