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File Naming Guidelines
LEGEND: red dot Don't use it!    yellow dot May work, but not advisable    green dot works for all file names 
  • Special characters should not be used in filenames. These include:
    / \ < > & " ¦ ^ % $ # @ ! * '
    Example of a really bad file name: 666/Me & MY #2DogCat.htrn Don't click this link!

  • ( ) Filenames may contain parentheses or spaces, but to be linked from a website, spaces and certain other characters will be encoded as a hexadecimal characters that look bad and are difficult to type in. Some allowable characters, like the underscore or a space, should not be used as the first character of a filename.

  • Any letters or numerals can be used in a file name. Also dashes (hyphens) - or underscores _ are excellent for separating words. MacOS users, it is better to add the dot-three extension to file names even though Macs don't require it, PCs do. Example: assignment6TAB.rtf instead of just assignment6TAB

Case-sensitive?

Most of Chemeketa's web servers are not case-sensitive, but a few are. Generally, it doesn't matter if you use upper or lower-case letters. The important thing is to be consistent.

WebBoard Attached File Name Length

Due to the constraints of WebBoard's database, the name for your attached file should not be longer than thirty-five characters. This doesn't include the dot-three extension.

Assignment File Warning!

It is especially important for WebCT users to not name their file with slashes / or \ when uploading to an assignment area. This will break the assignment area for you and you will not be able to change it afterwards. Remember, computers and web servers use slashes to delineate directory or folder structure. Your file may become irretrievable.

Duplicate File Names

If you upload a file to WebBoard with the same name as one already there, WebBoard will add a number in parentheses to the file name. It may be better to try to make your file name unique by adding your initials ( ex. assignment6TAB.rtf ) or a short date ( assignment6_Mar03.rtf )

Follow the Instructors Directions

Many instructors require that your uploaded file names be a certain way. Be sure to read the class instructions regarding uploading or attaching files.