This check is making sure that the InDesign document is named in the agreed way that identifies its contents.
File names are obviously an important way to know what a file contains, but they can also be used to help with automated exporting, archiving and influencing other GreenLight checks.
When everyone uses the same naming conventions everybody involved in your workflow, both now and in the future, has a better chance of finding what they want and knowing it is complete.
Did you know there is a GreenLight tool available to suggest a suitable file name? More info here.
All files in our workflow are named in this way and order:
[Book-Code-or-ISBN]_[Section]_[Page-Range]_[Doc-Name]_[Language].[File-Type]
E.g. 9780123456789_INT_001-023_The-Doorstep-Sandwich_UK.indd is the UK internal section for pages 1-23 of a book named ‘The Doorstep Sandwich’.
E.g. 9780987654321_COV_Weekend-Activity_US.pdf is the US cover PDF file for a book named ‘Weekend Activity’.
Allowed Characters
Use only letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), dashes and underscores when naming files and folders.
Underscores are used to indicate different sections of the filename. Regular dashes (using the hyphen or minus key) indicate page ranges and are also used to replace spaces and other characters.
Book Code
Every filename starts with a book code which identifies the team and book that the files belong to. Book Codes are supplied by production and may contain letters, numbers and a dash.
To add or amend the book code in GreenLight use the GreenLight Run menu > Add / Amend book info for document command.
The Add / amend book information dialog with Book Code field highlightedSection Identifier
One of these short codes indicates the section of the book that the InDesign document or output file relates to.
PRE - Prelims. Optional preliminary pages that may contain alternative client publisher and imprint information.
INT - Internal Section. Main internal pages of book which may include imprint information or follow a prelim section. Will contain endpapers if the book is self ending.
END - Endpapers. Printed paper used to secure to the case to the book block during the manufacturing process.
ILLUS - Illustrations section inserted as a ‘plate section’ for mono books.
TRANS - Translation Files. A set of internal pages generated by GreenLight for use only by co-edition publishers.
EXTRA - Extra Sections. For novelty or complex sections and any other sections not covered by the above identifiers.
EDGE - Printed Edges. A file for the printing of artwork onto the ends of the book block.
Jacket identifiers
PLC - Paper Laminated Case. A printed cover glued onto a hardcased book. Identifier also used for PLC cut flush.
COV - Cover. Typically wraps across front, spine and back of a paperback book.
JKT - Paper Jacket. A paper jacket that wraps around the hardcased book. Identifier also used for Paper Jacket with French Folds.
FLEXI - A printed cover onto a medium weight board. May also have flaps and usually requires endpapers.
PIC - Printed Inside Cover. At same size as the outer cover.
WIRO - Exposed Wiro Binding. Coated metal wires bind loose leaf documents together.
CLOTH - Cloth Spine. Exposed or overlaid spine at front and back.
Page Ranges for internal pages
For all internal and prelim documents the page range is included in the filename after the INT, PRE or ILLUS document identifier. Page ranges are NOT added to the filenames of other section documents.
The first page number and last page numbers are added to the filename and are separated by a dash.
If a single document contains all internal pages then continue to add the first page number and last page number to the file name.
All pages numbers in filenames have three digits. E.g. page one to page eleven becomes 001-011. Books with over one thousand pages can use four digit page numbers.
GreenLight will compare the file name with the actual page numbering used in the document.
Work In Progress name / Book name
This area of the filename can be any text which helps identify the file to those working on it. This is for work in progress and may be changed if required. It may be removed or replaced with the book name for final files and when exporting.
Language Identifier
A language code is added to the end of the filename.
Files using international British English use UK. American English files use US. All other languages use the same three letter code used in ONIX. Common ones are listed below and a full list is here.
UK - International or British English.
US - American English.
ENG - Transatlantic English language intended for both the UK and US printings.
UKUS - If a single file contains different text for the UK and US printings then use UKUS.
FRE - French
GER - German
ITA - Italian
POR - Portuguese
SPA - Spanish
WEL - Welsh
If a single file contains common text for both the UK and US printings then use US.
If a single file contains different text layers for both the UK and US printings then use UKUS.
Suffix
The suffix is the final part of the file name used by the computer to indicate the file type and should remain unaltered. e.g.
.indd - InDesign document
.idml - InDesign Markup Language
.pdf - PDF
