Our internal design team was spending hours each week manually renaming, sorting, and archiving project files. This repetitive work slowed down the process and created inconsistencies in how files were structured. The goal was to create an automation script that handled these tasks reliably, saving time and ensuring a consistent workflow.

Process

We began by mapping out the pain points: inconsistent naming conventions, misplaced assets, and lack of standardized folders for client deliveries. Once the workflow was documented, we developed a Node.js script that scanned directories, renamed files based on predefined rules, and automatically sorted them into project-specific folders.

The script also generated a JSON log for every run, making the process auditable. Later, we added a simple CLI interface so designers could trigger the automation with a single command. This allowed non-technical team members to benefit without learning the code.

Code Example
const fs = require('fs');
const path = require('path');
// Rule: clientName_projectName_assetType_index
function formatName(client, project, type, i) {
  return `${client}_${project}_${type}_${i}.png`;
}
function autoSort(folder, client, project) {
  const files = fs.readdirSync(folder);
  files.forEach((file, i) => {
    const ext = path.extname(file);
    const newName = formatName(client, project, 'asset', i + 1) + ext;
    fs.renameSync(
      path.join(folder, file),
      path.join(folder, newName)
    );
  });
  console.log(`✔ Files renamed and sorted for ${client}`);
}
autoSort('./input', 'Neiden', 'Portfolio'

Outcome

The automation reduced repetitive manual work by more than 80%. Designers no longer had to rename or move files manually, and project hand-offs became consistent across the studio. What used to take hours each week now happens in seconds, freeing the team to focus on creative work instead of administration.

Beyond efficiency, this project highlighted how even small technical solutions can create disproportionate value when integrated into a creative workflow.