How to manage assets with identical file names

DAM systems can handle identical file names without any problems. But to identify what's behind each asset, you will need to look at the metadata. This works fine within the DAM, but issues arise when a high-res output is needed.

Downloading assets with identical file names to place or link them in your InDesign document can lead to file name changes to avoid overwriting existing files, causing confusion.

Potential Issues with Identical File Names

• Bulk Downloads: Different sorting criteria can result in different file names getting mixed up.
• File Management: Moving assets with identical file names into different folders and handling assets from different source systems can be time-consuming.
• Version Control: Tracking new versions of assets with identical file names manually is almost impossible.
• Packaging Files: Saving your InDesign document as a package can change file names again, causing further confusion.

In this step-by-step guide, we outline how you to address these challenges with the CI HUB Connector. With this simple plugin, you can manage assets with identical file names. Here’s how!

How to Automatically Manage Identical File Names

Setup: Enable Identical File Names:

1. Open the CI HUB Connector and select an image.
2. Tap the "Use File" button to open the settings menu.
3. Check the box for "Enable the use of assets with identical file names."
4. Select a target folder.

How to Place Images with Identical File Names

1. Select your image and tap the "Use File" button to confirm your default settings.
2. Enable the "Same File Name" checkbox.
3. Drag and drop images into the target frames.

As you drop images, the folder structure will automatically build up, maintaining the original identical file names identified by an ID. If this feature is disabled, simply drag and drop the image as before, and you will get a warning to prevent overwriting.

Managing Identical File Names from Different Source Systems

1. Select the first image from your DAM system and place it in your design.

2. When you switch to a new source, like Dropbox, and place an image with the same file name, the folder structure will reflect the source system, maintaining consistency in file names and links.

Benefits of Using CI HUB Connector

• Dynamic Management: Manage your documents and links dynamically.
• On-Demand Proofs: Produce proof or print PDFs without worrying about file names, versions, or availability.
• Error Reduction: Reduce manual effort and error rates to zero.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent file names and links.
• Proper Versioning: Use proper versioning without mixing up assets.