Tools & Folder Management Methods Used by "Sound Effects Specialists", "Graphic Designers", and "Video Editors" When Organizing Sound Effect Libraries
Reason for writing this article
https://medium.com/@sukeshgtambi/effects-vfx-visual-effects-vs-sfx-special-effects-8a334b44875c
https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/1idw50h/how_does_your_team_save_inspiration/
https://www.asoundeffect.com/sound-effects-collection/
https://valasys.com/a-step-to-step-guide-to-improving-your-sfx-library/
https://blog.frame.io/2023/03/16/essential-editing-techniques-for-any-editor/
The number of excellent new sound effects, videos etc libraries seems to be practically growing by the minute - and, chances are, so is your sound effects, videos etc collection. To stop that collection from becoming an unmanageable monster, has written this useful guide on how to keep your your sound, videos etc collection organized, searchable and healthy
0. "Eagle" App would be the best answer
https://blenderartists.org/t/new-app-for-collecting-references-eagle/1444996
Copy and paste to collect references
Preview all files like Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma
Convenient integration with various plugins
Extract dominant colors used in images
Conversely, browse images by color
Search by image and filter out duplicate files
https://blenderartists.org/t/using-obsidian-as-program-for-gathering-organizing-references/1540810/
Reference tools that are useful to use alongside the “Eagle” program
https://www.pureref.com/download.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYLFsCKHgOo
"pureref" remains an indispensable
powerhouse among programs that make it easy to collect references
https://allusion-app.github.io/
a tool built for artists, aimed to help you organize your Visual Library
a single place that contains your entire collection
of references, inspiration and any other kinds of images.
https://refern.app/
A new home for all your creative references.
all-in-one desktop app.
https://eagle.cool/blog/post/google-photo-alternative
https://eagle.cool/blog/post/how-to-manage-your-ui-design-inspirations-with-eagle
https://www.reddit.com/r/EagleCool/
Look at the “Mega Thread” section on the right side of the site.
https://medium.com/@hey.adeivan/working-with-eagle-app-designers-editors-must-have-this-app-ec059919b31b
https://medium.com/@roger_moore_2330/file-management-best-practice-for-designers-and-your-team-with-folder-and-tag-structures-2021-cf9ce32b5c08
https://webdesign.tutsplus.com/organize-design-assets-with-eagle-app--cms-36971t
https://blog.prototypr.io/10-reasons-why-i-gave-up-pinterest-built-my-design-library-on-eagle-ab1cbfb0b51b
https://note.com/bluemist/n/n774febacdb60
https://www.reddit.com/r/MotionDesign/comments/1dmr2qv/how_do_you_guys_saveorganize_your/
https://www.reddit.com/r/EagleCool/comments/1fz21wr/beginner_questions/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coEFBOs2KGA
https://medium.com/@tugcekurucay/how-to-store-ux-ui-inspirations-easily-with-eagle-ba78ba607466
https://note.com/dean_law/n/nc508f18fe217
https://note.com/hiraski/n/nd0f83211f844
https://note.com/ai_freak/n/n5acb9567a315
1. Tools and folder management methods used by "Sound Effects"
https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/22c6e7/organizing_your_sound_library_extensive/
https://www.reddit.com/r/sounddesign/comments/1kxlw9z/how_do_you_organize_your_sound_library_when/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQatqq9Utas
https://www.reddit.com/r/sounddesign/comments/1am84hv/free_universal_cateogry_system_sound_library/
https://www.reddit.com/r/VideoEditing/comments/14crbo4/where_is_a_reliable_place_to_get_good_sound/
https://www.reddit.com/r/AudioPost/comments/tronrb/advice_on_sfx_browser_for_sound_design/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/1ijxb5d/would_an_aipowered_tool_that_autosorts_your_sound/
https://www.creativefieldrecording.com/2017/06/28/an-introduction-to-sound-fx-library-categorization-the-basics/
https://www.creativefieldrecording.com/2017/07/05/13-lucky-tips-and-tricks-for-sound-fx-library-categorization/
https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/ru4us/how_does_everybody_go_about_organizingbuilding/
2. Tools and folder management methods used by
"graphic designer, video editors - After effects, premiere pro"
Tools
https://nimlog.net/blogs/180
https://nimlog.net/blogs/179
https://x.com/nate_nate_co/status/2035295731955953735
This article has the answer.
To add to the information in the links above,
Is “01_Assets” where store things like models?
Yes. Personally,
Mainly 3D models purchased.
Since some projects require me to specify the source, the “Assets” folder is organized into separate folders by website name
keep general visual assets like effects in a separate folder for AEVIEWER so they can be used in other projects as well
If you'd like to check out the other articles,
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/x80290/how_to_manage_sfx/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/1g2z1u4/what_is_your_sfx_sound_effect_workflow_like/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/1ec2a3e/how_do_you_organize_your_sfx/
https://www.reddit.com/r/premiere/comments/1r21z7o/animation_composer_new_version/
https://jry-media.store/pages/jerrysfx https://cgdownload.ru/catalog/8912-jrymedia-jerrysfx/ 🏴☠️
https://www.hyvestudio.com/freebies "02. AE Magic Cleanup" Tap
https://x.com/kinomoto_kirin/status/2016767283482546584 https://booth.pm/en/items/7926435
https://www.reddit.com/r/premiere/comments/1nce5ep/plugins/
https://www.reddit.com/r/AudioPost/comments/149hurm/sound_fx_editing_workflow/
https://dezi.gallery/productivity
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/16wc05n/any_software_to_do_asset_management/
software to do game asset management
folder management methods
in the case of graphic design,
https://x.com/bangsajangya/status/2034793412818608533
https://x.com/si_yeux/status/2035385447980179477
do not recommend deleting everything except the final file.
Instead, keep all process files and move only the final file to a separate folder.
This is the top-level folder structure.
- 2025
- 2501_ProjectName
- ContractMaterials / 1. BaseMaterials / 2. WorkFolder / 3. Delivery / 4. Portfolio
- [WorkFolder] creates folders per design iteration, [Delivery] organizes by date, and final files are named separately
ContractMaterials: Quotations, contracts, work schedules, business registration certificates, etc.
BaseMaterials: All materials provided by the client
WorkFolder: All files I use for my work
Deliverables: For client delivery (shared via Google Drive links)
Portfolio: Files created for the portfolio after project completion
https://www.zekagraphic.com/file-folder-workplace-organisation-tips-for-graphic-designers/
https://www.zekagraphic.com/file-management-for-graphic-designers/
https://dirtybarn.com/digital-asset-management-methodology-for-2d-3d-artists-and-designers/
https://justinmcclure.com/gyst/
https://www.stryvemarketing.com/blog/file-management-designers/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/1754zrl/how_do_you_storeorganize_your_assetseffects/
https://www.reddit.com/r/design_critiques/comments/er6tpx/was_wondering_if_i_could_get_some_advice_on_file/
https://note.com/gera_0316/n/n42830142be22
https://note.com/taka_tachibana/n/nc41c8015f67a
https://note.com/note_razun/n/na0e7aa4a12ba
https://marugaokun.hatenablog.com/entry/2018/06/19/110431
https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/ymb0pm/how_do_you_organize_all_of_your_files_projects/
https://www.reddit.com/r/AfterEffects/comments/2470zs/lets_talk_about_folder_structure_organization_and/
https://www.reddit.com/r/VideoEditing/comments/1i4zboz/whats_the_best_editing_folder_structure/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/8zm4et/editing_workflow_series_ep_01_folder_structure/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/1b72e7z/how_do_you_all_keep_your_assets_organized_stock/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/2kmvc1/workflow_folder_structure/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/1ibearm/where_to_keep_project_files/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/1hxmjk2/filmmakers_how_do_you_sort_your_footage_before/
https://www.reddit.com/r/VideoEditing/comments/ymb29s/how_do_you_organize_all_of_your_files_projects/
in the case of game dev,
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/1kkc1sp/is_there_a_tool_to_visually_browse_and_manage/
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/1lidncs/whats_your_goto_toolset_for_game_art_and_ui/
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/1q0u8jk/free_game_design_document_templates_master_mini/
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/1pn309y/game_asset_aggregation_site/
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/1hvsadk/assets_how_do_you_manage_and_review_them_with/
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/1ex0atf/which_toolwebsite_you_use_to_maintain_you_game/
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/search/?q=Is+there+a+tool+to+visually+browse+and+manage+game+assets%3F
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/search/?q=How+do+you+manage%2Ftrack+assets+you%27ve+collected%3F
https://www.google.com/search?q=Is+there+a+tool+to+visually+browse+and+manage+game+assets%3F+site%3Areddit.com
3. Several tools that may be useful for those who maintain their own reference library
https://blenderartists.org/t/how-to-reclaim-some-memory-on-my-c-drive/1546944/5
Before performing any bulk operations on files, make a backup copy of your data
For more details, check the “WINDOWS SECURITY/TOOLS” section under the “AI / SOFTWARE / PLUGINS” tab in the “Spreadsheet”.
tools that are optimal, in my opinion
Duplicate Cleaner (free)
https://www.duplicatecleaner.com/
software that allows you to identify duplicate files and delete them. Flexible settings and different degrees of image similarity identification. The software is not free, but it is very good – you can find it on to rrent trackers (it is definitely available on RuTracker).
Caesium Image Compressor (free)
https://saerasoft.com/caesium/
this software allows you to optimize files themselves, both lossless and lossy. File size can be reduced by up to 90%. When optimizing files, the structure of the output files can be preserved – that is, if the reference library has a certain structure, it can be completely preserved, and all images will not be dumped into one output folder. Free.
tools that are less optimal, in my opinion
riot optimizer (free)
https://riot-optimizer.com/ Radical Image Optimization Tool
Optimizes images well, but does not allow you to preserve the folder structure, and skips some images (in a test folder with 2,000 images, about 10-12 were skipped, and the program log reported errors during optimization for only 2 files). Free.
FileOptimizer (free)
https://nikkhokkho.sourceforge.io/?page=FileOptimizer
During file optimization, it “stumbled” on one of the files and simply froze. The optimization process itself is very long; even on a test folder with ~20-30 files, it took a very long time to optimize them – and optimizing my library of ~25,000-30.000 files would probably take about two weeks… Free.
Czkawka (Free)
https://github.com/qarmin/czkawka
etc.
but information that might be helpful
ReNamer (free)
https://www.den4b.com/products/renamer
ReNamer is a very powerful and flexible file renaming tool, which offers all the standard renaming procedures, including prefixes, suffixes, replacements, case changes, as well as removing contents of brackets, adding number sequences, changing file extensions, etc. For advanced users there is support for Regular Expressions.
Fences (paid)
https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/
Fences helps to organize icons on the desktop. Place your desktop content into shaded areas called Fence groups.
RidNacs (free)
https://www.splashsoft.de/ridnacs-disk-space-usage-analyzer/
RidNacs is a free and very fast disk space usage analyzer for Windows. It scans your hard drives, network drives or single folders and displays the results in a multi-column tree view with a percentage bar chart column. up the disk and you need to discover the space hogs on your hard drive.
Wiztree (free for personal use) is too another good one
https://diskanalyzer.com/
baobab (linux verison Wiztree)
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Baobab
Greenshot (free)
https://getgreenshot.org/
Greenshot is a light-weight screenshot software tool. Super quick and easy to take a precise screenshot.
GPU-Z (free)
https://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/
GPU-Z is a lightweight system utility designed to provide vital information about your video card and graphics processor.
HWMonitor (free)
https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring program that reads PC systems main health sensors: voltages, temperatures, powers, currents, fans speed, utilizations, clock speeds.
Powertoys (free)
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/
CopyQ (free)
https://hluk.github.io/CopyQ/
recommend a clipboard manager like CopyQ.
windows finally has one built in with win+v but i still prefer third party apps
pureref (free)
https://www.pureref.com/
PureRef is a really great reference image tool that has a
bunch of really nice features for organizing and using references when making stuff.
voidtools (free)
https://www.voidtools.com/
Notepad++ (free)
https://notepad-plus-plus.org/
mainstay for editing any text
TeraCopy (paid)
https://www.codesector.com/teracopy
TeraCopy is handy on occasions, when needing to copy folders from multiple locations but you don't wanna thrash the HDD
DupGuru (free)
https://dupeguru.voltaicideas.net/
is useful in specific contexts when you need to find duplicate files either based on filename or contents
FreeFileSync (free)
https://freefilesync.org/
is great for creating clones of folders or whole disks. use for weekly backups and it only copies over changed files
4. A useful guide for beginners in music composition
and anyone looking for free music and sound effects
Disclaimer: We are not responsible for your use of 🏴☠️. It is up to your own conscience.
If you don't have the money, you might use 🏴☠️ for now.
But once you become famous, make money, or have the means,
please purchase VSTs and other software yourself.
please be sure to read the “Terms of Service.”
https://imgur.com/hw4VD89
https://www.reddit.com/r/craftsnark/comments/1kvyuxe/domestika_plus_is_a_scam_beware/
(english)
https://etmusso66.tistory.com/21 (korean)
And be sure to take a screenshot of the entire “Terms of Service.”
This could serve as your best line of defense if you face any adverse consequences later on.
https://rentry.co/h5e9xt8s
This applies to websites offering copyright-sensitive graphic
and design assets such as “music/sound effects,” “mockups,” “fonts,” etc.
Guide for Beginner Composers (Korean article. Translation required)
Source : https://x.com/ri_neb/status/2028882471358701910
음악 시작한지 얼마 안되신분이라면 샘플이랑 가상악기를 어떻게 모을지 고민 많이 하실텐데...
제 개인적인 루틴을 소개하자면
샘플 : 범용성 있는애들, 내가 좋아하는 소리들을 우선 "샘플팩"으로 구매하셔서 나만의 팔레트를 만드시고, Splice같은 친구들은 내 팔레트에 없는 사운드를 탐색할때 사용하시면 좋습니다.
범용성 있는 친구들 추천하는건 KSHMR, 벤젠스, Leviatan
저는 레비아탄 상당히 많이 사용하고 있습니다.
신디사이저 : 우선 시중에 프리셋이 많이 풀리고 있는 Serum을 구매하시면 좋지만, 비싸다고 생각되시면 Splice에서 제공하는 구독(RTO)를 사용하셔도 좋고, Vital로 대체가 될수도 있긴한데... 시중에 풀리는 프리셋 퀄리티는 Serum을 이길수 없다는게 제 개인적인 생각입니다.
일단 Serum을 장만해두고 신스에 익숙해지시면 다른 신스를 찾아보시는것을 추천드립니다. 물론 요즘 DAW 내장 신스도 좋긴 좋아요. 그럼에도 다들 Serum을 추천하는 이유는 방대한 프리셋이 시중에 널리 퍼져있기 때문입니다.
가상악기 : 스트링, 기타같은 가상악기들은 일단 쓰기 시작하면 비싼걸로 한번에 가시는게 좋습니다.
결국 무료는 한계가 있어요.
그나마 피아노는 무료, 아니면 조금만 돈을 투자해도 나쁘지 않은 가상악기를 구할수 있는데, 제작하기 까다로운 오케스트라 계열... 뿐만 아니라 그냥 대부분이 비쌉니다. 저렴한거 사실바에 그냥 처음부터 비싼거 사시고 오래오래 쓰세요.
이부분은 추천하기 시작하면 끝이 없어서 스킵...
그래도 간단하게라도 적자면
드럼 : Addictive Drums, Superior Drummer, BFD 셋중에 하나 골라 잡으세요
각자 장단점이 있는데 제일싼것도 BFD인데 제일 쓰기 어려운것도 BFD입니다.
저는 요즘 Superior Drummer를 주력으로 쓰지만, 상당히 가격이 비쌉니다.
베이스 : Modo Bass, 슬랩주법의 경우 Eliy Efimov(이름이 정확하게 기억 안남)의 Modern Bass를 쓰고 있습니다.
모도베이스가 좋긴한데, 슬랩주법의경우 모델링 특유의 싼마이한 소리를 숨기는게 불가능에 가까워서 결국 다른 악기를 섞어서 쓰던가 합니다.
기타 : Ample Sound, ISW Shreddage, Orange Tree Samples 이 셋중에 고르시면 좋습니다.
저는 ISW에서 나온 슈레디지 시리즈를 주로 사용하고 있으나, 결국 기타가 주가 되는 악곡은 연주자에게 녹음을 부탁드리고 있습니다.
아직까지 가상악기로 모든걸 하기엔 쉽지 않습니다.
오케스트라 계열 악기 : 이건 진짜 답이 없는데요, 스타터팩같은 느낌을 찾고싶으시면 EAST WEST Opus 오케스트라, 아니면 Spitfire Symphony Orchestra를 추천드립니다.
현악기, 목관, 금관, 타악기별로
그리고 해당악기가 어떤 편성으로 연주하는지에따라 추천이 너무 많이 달라집니다.
저는 스트링의 경우 Cinematic Studio Strings (대충 무거운거 쓸때), Spitfire Chamber Strings (대충 팝적인거 쓸때)등을 사용하고, 최근엔 Audiobro사의 Strings도 도입해서 사용중입니다.
솔로의경우 Embertone Joshua Bell Violin, Virharmonic Bohemian 시리즈를 주로 사용하고 있습니다.
목관이나 금관은 인피니트 시리즈 사용중입니다.
나머지 뭐 민속악기도있고 콰이어도 있는데
이건 뭐 나중에 시간되거나 아님 질문 들어오면 답변하는걸로...중요한건 한번에 다 모으는게 아니라 뭔가 필요하다싶으면 그때 구입해도 늦지 않습니다.
저도 결국 그렇게 모았고요.
가상악기, 이펙터 이런 플러그인들 정보를 찾고싶다면
Vi-Control, KVR등 해외포럼을 참고하시면 좋고
다만 영세한 업장의 플러그인을 찾으려면 결국 SNS를 많이하던 작곡하는 지인들 많이 사귀고 다녀서 나의 정보망을 넓힐수밖에 없는거같아요
이게 또 작업방식에 따라 추천하는 플러그인이 달라지기때문에 결국 그냥 각자 써보면서 자기만의 플러그인 기준을 만들고 정보 찾고... 그러는법밖에 없는거같아요
사실 오케스트라쪽 건들거면 가장 필요한건 저장공간입니다
읽으면서 생각해보면 내가 지금 당연하게 쓰는 악기들이 10년전부터 하나하나 모은것일겁니다
If you'd like to access more resources,
Check out the
https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/1qfdgtk/major_producer_feedback_discords/
https://www.reddit.com/r/musicmarketing/comments/1psitkr/what_are_some_good_discord_servers_for_music/
https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/1psis12/what_are_some_good_discord_servers_for_music/
https://www.google.com/search?q=What+are+some+good+discord+servers+for+music+feedback?+site:www.reddit.com&sca_esv=91f788fc0d48d683&biw=1920&bih=911&tbs=qdr:y&sxsrf=ANbL-n41dfHh6iKOpmSdvi6jbvsPk2wtHw:1775621913291&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0rJaLs92TAxVsr1YBHVLDELkQrQIoAnoECCAQAw
What are some good discord servers for music feedback?
https://www.reddit.com/r/composer/wiki/index/
https://www.reddit.com/r/composer/wiki/resources/
https://www.reddit.com/r/FL_Studio/
“OTHER VIDEO/ANIMATION/SOUND RESOURCES DATABASES,”
“AUDIO BANKS,” and “SOUND DESIGN / ENGINEERING”
sections under the “VIDEO / ANIMATION / SOUND” tab
Also,
if you browse through the “Spreadsheets” section,
you’ll find
lots of great resources for beginner composers, so be sure to check them out : )
Where do you get your music and sound effects from?
https://blenderartists.org/t/good-sources-of-free-music/1511040
Good sources of free music?
First,
https://www.postype.com/@pmsportfolio/post/19344297
Popular Korean music sites and those frequently used in Korea,
both with and without copyright restrictions
https://medium.com/@selenaoliviafun/the-definitive-guide-to-leveraging-royalty-free-music-for-creators-64b2a28caf5b
https://www.reddit.com/r/NewTubers/comments/1icw2q7/comment/m9z0s5w/
The “YouTube Studio” audio library is the safest and most well-known option,
and Artlist and Epidemic Sound are also popular sites
However, I do not recommend the 뮤팟 site
If you are
looking for copyright-free music for game development,
free BGM sites can be helpful,
and itch.io offers excellent resources for both free and paid tracks.
In particular, many Japanese composers distribute free BGM, so
https://en.namu.wiki/w/%E9%AD%94%E7%8E%8B%E9%AD%82
You can find them on sites like
DOVA-SYNDROME, 연옥정원 (煉獄庭園), and 魔王魂(まおうだましい) - free
Nash Music Library - paid
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nash_Music_Library
or by searching on Yahoo Japan.
By the way,
when it comes to sharing game-related information in Korea,
aside from "Twitter" and "YouTube",
https://en.namu.wiki/w/%EC%9D%B8%EB%94%94%20%EA%B2%8C%EC%9E%84#s-8
https://cafe.naver.com/indiedev
there’s a 네이버 카페 called “인디터” that’s quite active
Job postings and job-seeking posts are frequently uploaded there
https://inditor.co.kr/
Job postings and job-seeking posts are also uploaded on "인디터웹"
The list of sites is as follows.
omitting a detailed explanation because believe understand open the site.
It mainly focuses on overseas/Western websites
https://github.com/MoonWalker440/Music-Megathread/?tab=readme-ov-file 🏴☠️
https://www.bluevertigo.com.ar/
Press Ctrl + F and type “MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS”
https://fmhy.net/audio#royalty-free-music https://fmhy.net/audio#sfx-loops
https://dezi.gallery/motion-resource
https://www.toools.design/free-stock-images-videos#stock-sound-music
https://www.reddit.com/r/sounddesign/comments/1n2dofa/lensdistortionscom_alternative/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/sn5qec/alternatives_to_lensdistortionscom/
https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/1lgttm2/where_do_you_get_your_music_and_sound_effects_from/
https://www.reddit.com/r/editors/comments/1l9mxc4/what_subscriptions_do_you_use/
https://www.reddit.com/r/davinciresolve/comments/1htn2hj/where_do_you_get_your_sound_effects_or_library/
https://www.reddit.com/r/RPGMaker/comments/1kvx2hz/list_of_game_music_sources_for_game_developers/
If you'd like more resources
Check out the “AUDIO BANKS” and “SOUND DESIGN / ENGINEERING” sections
under the “VIDEO / ANIMATION / SOUND” tab in the “Spreadsheet”!