# Scanned Document Naming Template Pack — free download from DollarWise (dollarwise.xyz)

A date-first naming system for scanned documents: one formula, eight folders, and examples you can copy today.

## The naming formula

YYYY-MM-DD_Category_Document-Name_Version.pdf

Example: 2026-10-25_Tax_W2-Form_v1.pdf

## Naming rules

1. Start with the date (year-month-day) so files sort chronologically on any device.
2. Use one category word: Tax, Work, Home, Medical, School, Finance, Legal, Travel.
3. Use hyphens inside names, underscores between sections, and no spaces.
4. End with a version: v1, v2, final. Never use names like final-final2.pdf.
5. Keep names under 50 characters so they display fully on phones.

## Category folders

- Tax: returns, W2s, receipts, deduction records
- Work: contracts, pay slips, offer letters, certificates
- Home: leases, bills, warranties, insurance
- Medical: reports, prescriptions, vaccination records
- School: transcripts, certificates, admission letters
- Finance: statements, loan papers, investment records
- Legal: agreements, IDs, registrations
- Travel: passports, tickets, visas, bookings

## 20 ready-made naming examples

1. 2026-10-25_Tax_W2-Form_v1.pdf
2. 2026-10-25_Work_Employment-Contract_v1.pdf
3. 2026-10-25_Home_Electricity-Bill-Oct_v1.pdf
4. 2026-10-25_Medical_Blood-Test-Report_v1.pdf
5. 2026-10-25_School_Degree-Certificate_v1.pdf
6. 2026-10-25_Finance_Bank-Statement-Oct_v1.pdf
7. 2026-10-25_Legal_Rental-Agreement_v1.pdf
8. 2026-10-25_Travel_Passport-Copy_v1.pdf
9. 2026-10-25_Work_Pay-Slip-Oct_v1.pdf
10. 2026-10-25_Home_Insurance-Policy_v1.pdf
11. 2026-10-25_Medical_Prescription_v1.pdf
12. 2026-10-25_School_Transcript_v1.pdf
13. 2026-10-25_Finance_Loan-Agreement_v1.pdf
14. 2026-10-25_Tax_Receipts-2026_v1.pdf
15. 2026-10-25_Travel_Visa-Approval_v1.pdf
16. 2026-10-25_Work_Resignation-Letter_v1.pdf
17. 2026-10-25_Home_Warranty-TV_v1.pdf
18. 2026-10-25_Medical_Vaccination-Record_v1.pdf
19. 2026-10-25_School_Admission-Letter_v1.pdf
20. 2026-10-25_Finance_Credit-Card-Statement-Oct_v1.pdf

## Scanning tips

- Scan at 300 DPI for documents you may need to print; 150 DPI is enough for reference copies.
- Scan in grayscale unless color matters (signatures, stamps, photos).
- Name the file immediately after scanning — unnamed scans are how folders become unusable.
- Run text recognition (OCR) on scans so you can search them later.
- Back up named scans in a second location every month.