Free tool

Project Folder Generator

Pick a template, rename the folders, then download a ZIP or copy one terminal command.

Looked after by Manila, a file folder.

Spaces become underscores, so every app and terminal reads the path.

Template

Folders

My_Project/

Click a name to rename it. Hover a folder for + and ×.

Download a ZIP

Easiest. Unzip it wherever the project lives, and the folders are ready for your files.

Copy a terminal command

Fastest on Mac or Linux. Open Terminal, cd to where the project goes, paste, press Enter.

The command (Mac / Linux)

mkdir -p makes the nested folders
mkdir -p "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/Brief" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/Scripts" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/Storyboards" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/Shot_Lists" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/Schedules" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/Contracts" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/Moodboards" "My_Project/01_PRE-PRODUCTION/References" "My_Project/02_PRODUCTION" "My_Project/02_PRODUCTION/Camera_Reports" "My_Project/02_PRODUCTION/Sound_Reports" "My_Project/02_PRODUCTION/Call_Sheets" "My_Project/02_PRODUCTION/Photos_BTS" "My_Project/03_FOOTAGE" "My_Project/03_FOOTAGE/A_Cam" "My_Project/03_FOOTAGE/B_Cam" "My_Project/03_FOOTAGE/Drone" "My_Project/03_FOOTAGE/Phone" "My_Project/03_FOOTAGE/Stock_Footage" "My_Project/04_AUDIO" "My_Project/04_AUDIO/Production_Audio" "My_Project/04_AUDIO/Music" "My_Project/04_AUDIO/SFX" "My_Project/04_AUDIO/VO" "My_Project/04_AUDIO/Stems" "My_Project/05_PROJECT_FILES" "My_Project/05_PROJECT_FILES/Premiere" "My_Project/05_PROJECT_FILES/After_Effects" "My_Project/05_PROJECT_FILES/DaVinci" "My_Project/05_PROJECT_FILES/Proxy" "My_Project/05_PROJECT_FILES/XML_EDL" "My_Project/06_GRAPHICS" "My_Project/06_GRAPHICS/Logos" "My_Project/06_GRAPHICS/Lower_Thirds" "My_Project/06_GRAPHICS/Titles" "My_Project/06_GRAPHICS/Assets" "My_Project/06_GRAPHICS/Animations" "My_Project/07_VFX" "My_Project/07_VFX/Composites" "My_Project/07_VFX/Green_Screen" "My_Project/07_VFX/Renders" "My_Project/08_AI_GENERATED" "My_Project/08_AI_GENERATED/Images" "My_Project/08_AI_GENERATED/Video" "My_Project/08_AI_GENERATED/Audio" "My_Project/08_AI_GENERATED/Upscales" "My_Project/09_EXPORTS" "My_Project/09_EXPORTS/Drafts" "My_Project/09_EXPORTS/Reviews" "My_Project/09_EXPORTS/Finals" "My_Project/09_EXPORTS/Deliverables" "My_Project/10_ADMIN" "My_Project/10_ADMIN/Invoices" "My_Project/10_ADMIN/Receipts" "My_Project/10_ADMIN/Notes"

On Windows, use the ZIP, or run the command in WSL.

How it works

  1. 1Name the projectIt becomes the top folder.
  2. 2Pick a templateVideo, YouTube, documentary and more.
  3. 3Edit the foldersRename, add or remove any of them.
  4. 4Get themDownload the ZIP or copy the command.

Questions

Why use a standard folder structure?
Consistent folder organization saves time, makes projects easier to navigate, helps when collaborating with others, and ensures you never lose files. Professional studios always use standardized structures. It also makes archiving and finding old projects much easier.
Which preset should I use?
Video Production is ideal for client work, commercials, and professional projects. YouTube Content is streamlined for content creators and vloggers. Documentary handles interview-heavy and research projects. Social Media organizes multiple short-form content across platforms. Motion Graphics is designed for animation, VFX, and After Effects work. Minimal is for quick, simple projects or when you need a basic starting point.
What are the AI_Generated folders for?
Modern video projects often include AI-generated assets like Midjourney images, Runway video generations, AI upscales, or ElevenLabs audio. Having a dedicated folder keeps these organized and separated from your original footage and assets.
Can I customize the structure?
Yes! Add or remove folders using the + and × buttons. Click on any folder name to rename it. Your customizations are applied before downloading. You can add client-specific folders, remove ones you don't need, or reorganize the hierarchy.
What's the difference between ZIP and Terminal?
ZIP is beginner-friendly: download, extract, and you have your folders. Terminal is faster for power users: copy the command, paste it in Terminal, and folders are created instantly. Both create the exact same folder structure. Use ZIP on any operating system; Terminal works best on Mac and Linux.
What about Windows users?
Download the ZIP option - it works on all operating systems. If you prefer command line, you can use PowerShell or WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) to run the mkdir command.
Why a folder structure matters

A consistent set of folders means footage, audio, graphics and exports always land in the same place, so relinking media, handing a project to another editor and archiving it later all take minutes instead of an afternoon.

The ZIP works on any computer. The terminal command is quicker if you make projects often, because it creates the whole tree in one go.

This tool is looked after by Manila.Everything in its place, and a place for everything.

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