How to effectively organize your Envato Elements assets?
If you’re a content creator, designer, or business in need of digital assets, Envato Elements is the perfect solution for you. With an unlimited subscription, you gain access to a vast library of high-quality photos, graphics, videos, music, fonts, templates, and more. Not only can you download as much as you need, but you can also use these assets for commercial purposes without any extra fees. To make the most of this valuable resource, it’s important to effectively organize your Envato Elements assets. In this article, we’ll explore some useful tips and strategies on how to keep your digital content in order, ensuring easy access and seamless workflow.
Create a Folder Structure
Categorize assets based on type
When organizing your Envato Elements assets, it’s important to start by categorizing them based on their type. This will make it easier for you to find specific assets when you need them. For example, you can create separate folders for photos, graphics, videos, music, fonts, templates, and any other types of assets you use frequently.
Create subfolders for specific projects
Within each category, it can be helpful to create subfolders for specific projects. This will allow you to keep all the assets related to a particular project together in one place. For example, if you’re working on a website design project, you can create a subfolder within the graphics folder specifically for that project. This way, you can easily access all the assets you need for that project without having to search through all your other assets.
Use descriptive names for folders
To further enhance the organization of your Envato Elements assets, be sure to use descriptive names for your folders. Avoid generic names like “Project 1” or “Graphics Folder” and instead use names that clearly indicate what each folder contains. For example, if you have a folder for website templates, you can name it “Website Templates” or “Web Design Project Templates.” This will make it easier for you and others to navigate your asset library.
Tagging and Metadata
Use descriptive and relevant tags
Tagging your assets is a great way to add additional metadata and make them even easier to find. When tagging your assets, use descriptive and relevant keywords that accurately describe the content of the asset. For example, if you have a photo of a sunset, you can tag it with keywords like “sunset,” “nature,” “landscape,” and so on. This will help you quickly locate assets based on specific themes or visual elements.
Include keywords in asset names
In addition to tagging your assets, it’s also a good practice to include relevant keywords in the names of your assets. This can further assist in the organization and searching of your Envato Elements assets. For example, if you have a graphic that represents a business meeting, you can name it “Business_Meeting_Graphic” or something similar. Including keywords in the file names will make it easier to identify the content of the asset at a glance.
Add metadata to assets
Utilizing metadata is another effective way to organize your Envato Elements assets. Many digital assets, such as photos and music files, allow you to add metadata information like title, description, and copyright details. Take advantage of these features and ensure that you include relevant metadata for each asset. This will not only provide important information about the asset but also make it easier to search for specific assets based on the metadata fields.
Favorites and Collections
Mark assets as favorites
Envato Elements allows you to mark assets as favorites, making it quick and easy to access your most frequently used or preferred assets. When you come across an asset that you particularly like or use often, simply click on the heart or favorite icon to add it to your favorites. This will create a dedicated section where you can find all your favorite assets, eliminating the need to search for them each time.
Create collections for specific projects
To further organize your assets, you can create collections within Envato Elements. Collections allow you to group assets together based on specific projects, themes, or styles. For example, if you’re working on a branding project, you can create a collection specifically for logo templates, fonts, and graphics related to that project. This allows you to keep all the assets for a particular project in one place, making it easier to find them when needed.
Utilize the search functionality within collections
Envato Elements provides a powerful search functionality that allows you to quickly locate specific assets within your collections. If you have a large collection with many assets, you can use the search bar within a collection to narrow down your search based on keywords, tags, or file names. This saves you time and effort and ensures that you can find the assets you need efficiently.
Renaming and Organizing Files
Standardize file naming conventions
When organizing your files, it’s important to establish and follow a standardized file naming convention. This ensures consistency and makes it easier to locate assets based on their names. For example, you can use a combination of asset type, project name, and version number in your file names. This way, all files related to a specific project will have a similar naming structure, making them easy to identify at first glance.
Include version numbers in file names
To avoid confusion and keep track of different versions of an asset, it’s a good practice to include version numbers in your file names. This is particularly important if you frequently make changes or updates to your assets. By adding version numbers, such as v1, v2, or even dates, you can easily distinguish between different iterations of an asset and ensure that you’re using the most up-to-date version.
Organize files based on usage frequency
Another useful way to organize your Envato Elements assets is by considering their frequency of use. For assets that you use regularly or need to access quickly, consider placing them in easily accessible folders or collections. On the other hand, for assets that you rarely use or are less frequently accessed, you can create separate folders to keep them organized but out of the way. This approach ensures that your most important and frequently used assets are readily available and saves you time when searching.
Backup and Cloud Storage
Regularly backup your assets
To ensure the safety and security of your Envato Elements assets, it’s crucial to regularly back them up. This can be done by creating backups on external hard drives, network storage systems, or cloud storage platforms. By backing up your assets, you can protect against data loss due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or other unforeseen circumstances. Regularly schedule backups to maintain an up-to-date copy of your assets and minimize the risk of losing important files.
Utilize cloud storage services
Cloud storage services provide a convenient and secure way to store and access your Envato Elements assets. Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive offer ample storage space and reliable file syncing capabilities. By storing your assets in the cloud, you can access them from any device with an internet connection and ensure that your files are automatically backed up and protected. Additionally, cloud storage allows for easy collaboration with team members by granting them access to specific folders or files.
Sync assets across multiple devices
One of the advantages of using cloud storage services is the ability to sync your assets across multiple devices. This means that any changes or additions you make to your assets on one device will automatically be reflected on all other devices linked to your cloud storage account. Syncing your assets ensures that you have the most up-to-date files available regardless of the device you’re using. Whether you’re working on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can access and manage your Envato Elements assets seamlessly.
Utilize Project Management Tools
Use project management platforms
Project management platforms provide a centralized location for managing and organizing all aspects of a project, including the assets from Envato Elements. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com allow you to create project boards, tasks, and to-do lists, making it easier to track the progress and deadlines of your projects. By integrating your Envato Elements assets into these platforms, you can keep all project-related assets and tasks in one place, streamlining your workflow and improving efficiency.
Integrate Envato Elements with project management tools
Many project management tools offer integrations with Envato Elements, allowing you to directly access and import assets into your projects. This eliminates the need to download assets from Envato Elements separately and then upload them to your project management platform. With the integration, you can search and import assets directly within the project management tool, saving you time and effort.
Track asset usage within projects
Within your project management tool, you can keep track of how and where you’re using your Envato Elements assets. By adding notes or comments to individual tasks or project boards, you can provide details about which assets are being used and for what purpose. This helps maintain transparency and ensures that everyone involved in the project has easy access to the relevant assets and information.
Collaboration and Sharing
Share assets with team members
Collaboration is often a crucial aspect of content creation and design projects. With Envato Elements, you can easily share your assets with team members or clients. Instead of sending large files via email, you can simply provide them with access to your Envato Elements library, allowing them to download the assets directly. This simplifies the sharing process and ensures that everyone has access to the most recent versions of assets.
Use collaboration features within Envato Elements
Envato Elements provides built-in collaboration features that enable you to collaborate directly on assets. For example, you can invite team members to leave comments or feedback on specific assets, making it easier to collaborate and gather input. This eliminates the need for external communication tools and allows for a more streamlined and efficient collaboration process.
Collect feedback and annotations on assets
To facilitate communication and streamline feedback on assets, tools like Envato Elements also allow you to collect annotations directly on the assets themselves. This means that team members or clients can provide specific feedback, suggestions, or requests directly on the asset, making it clear and actionable. This feature enhances collaboration and ensures that everyone involved in the project can easily provide input and contribute to the development of the assets.
Regularly Review and Clean Up
Periodically review your asset library
To maintain an organized and efficient asset library, it’s essential to periodically review its contents. Schedule regular reviews of your Envato Elements assets to ensure that everything is properly categorized, tagged, and named. This review process will allow you to identify any assets that may be outdated, redundant, or no longer relevant to your projects.
Remove unused or outdated assets
During the review process, it’s important to remove any assets that are no longer in use or are outdated. Keeping your asset library clutter-free will make it easier to find the assets you need and optimize the overall performance of your workflow. Regularly deleting unused assets will also help conserve storage space and ensure that your library remains organized and efficient.
Update metadata and tags as needed
As your projects progress and your needs evolve, it’s important to update the metadata and tags of your Envato Elements assets to reflect any changes. Whether it’s adding new tags, updating descriptions, or modifying metadata fields, keeping your asset information up to date will help you find and manage your assets more effectively. Take a proactive approach to regularly reviewing and updating the metadata and tags to enhance the organization and searchability of your assets.
Utilize the Envato Elements Plugin
Install and activate the plugin
To streamline your workflow and improve efficiency, consider installing and activating the Envato Elements plugin in your design software. The plugin is available for popular design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as WordPress and Sketch. Once installed, the plugin allows you to search and import Envato Elements assets directly within your design software, eliminating the need to switch between applications.
Access and import assets directly in design software
With the Envato Elements plugin, you can access and import assets from your Envato Elements library directly within your design software. This integration makes it seamless to browse, preview, and download assets without leaving your design environment. Whether you need a new font, a stock photo, or a template for your project, you can find and incorporate it into your design with just a few clicks.
Streamline workflow between Envato Elements and your design tool
By utilizing the Envato Elements plugin, you can streamline your workflow and achieve a more efficient design process. Instead of manually downloading assets from the Envato Elements website and then importing them into your design software, you can do it all within your design tool. This saves you valuable time and effort, allowing you to focus more on your creative work.
Take Advantage of Community Resources
Engage with the Envato Elements community
Envato Elements has a vibrant community of content creators, designers, and businesses. Engaging with this community can provide you with valuable insights, inspiration, and support. Join online forums, participate in discussions, and connect with other users who share similar interests or challenges. By engaging with the Envato Elements community, you can learn from others and benefit from their experience and expertise.
Explore tutorials and education materials
Envato Elements offers a wide range of tutorials and education materials to help you enhance your skills and expand your knowledge. These resources cover various design techniques, software tips, and industry trends. Take advantage of these tutorials to improve your workflow, learn new techniques, and stay up to date with the latest design practices. By continually expanding your skills, you can maximize the value you get from Envato Elements and create even better designs.
Share and learn from other users’ organization strategies
Envato Elements users have different approaches and strategies when it comes to organizing their assets. Take the time to explore and learn from other users’ organization techniques. Read articles, watch videos, or join webinars where users share their tips and tricks for effectively organizing assets. By adopting and adapting these strategies to fit your own workflow, you can optimize your asset organization and improve your overall efficiency and productivity.
In conclusion, organizing your Envato Elements assets is essential for maximizing their value and streamlining your design workflow. By creating a folder structure, utilizing tagging and metadata, marking assets as favorites, and creating collections, you can easily locate and manage your assets. Renaming and organizing files, backing up your assets, and utilizing project management tools further enhance organization. Collaboration features, regular reviews, and utilizing the Envato Elements plugin contribute to a more efficient workflow. Engaging with the Envato Elements community and exploring educational resources help you stay connected and continuously improve your design skills. By implementing these strategies and best practices, you can effectively organize your Envato Elements assets and optimize your creative process.
