Naming files for student download

From D2L Wiki

When placing files online, either through D2L or a regular web page, it is important to keep a few rules in mind. These directions are both for uploading files within Manage Files as well as when using the Digital Dropbox or posting a message with an attachment. If you have problems uploading a file or your students have problems downloading a file, check your files against the following guidelines.

• Use only letters, numbers, and the underscore. Do not use any punctuation or other characters, including ' " , . # @ * and so on. For example use "Johnspaper.doc" instead of "John's paper.doc." [required]
• On a Mac, save your files with the .*** extension (see Macs and file extensions). For example, use "reading.doc" instead of "reading." (PCs automatically add the correct extension.) [required]
• Do not use spaces. Instead, either use the underscore (_) or run the words together. For example, use "Chelsea_Brown_article.pdf" or "ChelseaBrownarticle.pdf" instead of "Chelsea Brown article.pdf." [recommended]
• Do not make files name exceedingly long. A good rule of thumb is to use eight letters or less. For example, Use "CBrown.pdf" instead of ChelseaBrownarticle.pdf." [recommended]

When creating web pages (non-D2L), also keep in mind the following:

• Use eight letters or less. Use "CBrown.pdf" instead of ChelseaBrownarticle.pdf." This makes it easier to remember file names and keeps URLs shorter. If someone (or you) needs to type the URL in, the shorter, the better! [suggested]
• Do not use capital letters. Web servers are case sensitive, so "CBrown.pdf" and "cbrown.pdf" are two different files. By avoiding capitals, you and anyone typing your URL do not have to remember which letters are capitalized. [suggested]
• Be consistent with your use of .htm or .html. Both are valid, but by using just one or the other, you will not have to remember which page uses which extension. [suggested]