Deleting files

Like others here, I find I'm more of an archive guy. I got that way by ruing each time I needed something from a previous job just after I threw it all away.

After the job is done, I package the final approved version of the InDesign document(s) with all linked files. In addition, I move all copy/text documents I used for creating the document(s) into the resulting packaged folder. That way I have all the elements used to recreate and reproduce, if necessary, the final product.

During production I save each version of the InDesign file and associated PDFs submitted for review, ideally with any revisions/changes requested by the client. Once the job is over, I move the PDFs submitted for approval and any files documenting client reviews. For the big jobs, I even take all the emails and create a PDF containing all the correspondence and attachments. The InDesign files get tossed.

So in short, I'm saving:

• Final InDesign packaged folder with last approved version of the .indd file, all source/placed files, in a folder named and dated for the client and the job.

Inside that folder, I'm adding:

• All the text files submitted for the job.
• PDFs submitted for review/changes/revisions/corrections, with all files submitted for review.
• PDF generated of all client correspondence associated with the job with attachments.

Then I'm saving those packages offline on external SSD drive(s) in a sneakernet RAID format to two external drives. If you shop carefully, you can buy two 1TB 2.5" format SSDs and snap-on external USB drive cases for $100-$125US. Copy the files off to the SSDs, then feel free to delete everything associated with the job off the hard drive. Especially the emails. It's a lot easier to navigate your email if you can blow away dozens or hundreds of emails between your client when you're done with each job.

This keeps the computer clean and saves you from the next time you discover you need something you just threw away.

Hope this helps,

Randy