Managing your files

Your instructor may ask you to complete assignments in stages, including notes, outlines, annotated bibliographies, rough drafts, and a final draft. Keeping track of all of these documents can be challenging. Be sure to give your files distinct names that reflect the appropriate stage of your writing process, and store your files in a logical place.

Writing online or in a word processing program can make writing and revising easier. You can undo changes or return to an earlier draft if a revision misfires. Applying the following steps can help you explore revision possibilities with little risk.

• Create folders and subfolders for each assignment. Save notes, outlines, and drafts together.
• Label revised drafts with different file names and dates.
• Print hard copies, make backup copies, and press the Save button early and often. Save work every five to ten minutes.
• Always record complete bibliographic information about sources, including images.
• Use a comment function to make notes to yourself or to respond to the drafts of peers.

File organization for one assignment

Related topic:

Using software tools