How to know where to open PDF files?

Graphic Design
#1

I like to save my files as open PDFs so they take up less space and so that I can view them in the preview pane, but it gets confusing when I forget in which program I created it and don’t know where to open it… Is there a way to know where it was created before opening it?

Another interesting question, can anyone that has a good way of naming and organizing all projects from clients share how they do it? What’s the best way to name files so it can easily be searched for when needed, how to remember easily what it is, how to easily find older projects…

TIA…!

#2

The metadata panel in Adobe Bridge will tell you which program a PDF was created with.

#3

About your second question: each client has their own folder within Dropbox. Then I create more folders as needed for diff projects and assets to keep things organized. I’ll label each project with as much detail as possible. For example YSI registration ad 2024. That way when I’m looking back, it has the name of the client/brand along with details about when I made it and what it was. Hope that helps!

#4

Re your first question - can’t you tell on the preview if it’s illustration that you did in AI or images that you did in PS?

Second question: Similar to @chanamiriam I have a folder for each client and then subfolders for each project ex. (using numbers and bullet points here to show structure for subfolders:)
Client: Lilac Floral

  1. Adverts
  • Frame ad
  • Tablecloth ad
  • Heart ad
  • inspo
  • images
    etc.
  1. Branding
  • inspo
  • images
  • mockups
  • logo
  • pattern
  1. Brochure
  2. Stickers
  3. Cards
#5

Thanks @RivkyH I’m not so familiar with Bridge…
Good idea to use dropbox… @AMiller I like the way you set it up - thanks for sharing!