I had a similar question... about how you file. I find it can be problematic. I have the (I assume) usual folders, animals, flowers, christmas, etc..then I have subcategories, in animals-cats,dogs,dolphins,fish
But do you have a totally separate file for redwork, then have sub-folders there? I started files for my Yahoo groups, but then I think they should be intermixed, AARRGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then there is my file I call embellishments & decos..it is out of control, a sort of catch all for those corners, borders, doo-dads, what-nots, flourishes. My flowers folder is out of control too. I have the usual, roses, tulips, but what do you do with those "non-named"' flowers.. I have a "Mod- Groovy" (now you know my age!!!)daisy-like..but still out of control. I use Buzz Tools (which I LOVE) to view and "MANAGE" my files. I leave them as is, zipped, multi-format until (*IF*) I need them. I also have Designer Gallery (Babylock product) which is similar in some respects, but I have some add-ons which makes it a useful product for me.
So how do you "Manage"?
Ladies, Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I will make folders according to design...that way it won't be so overwhelming when I finally open that 'temporary' folder. It is great to be able to ask others how to handle issues. This saves a lot of trial and error for those of us new to this. You are all so wonderful.
Mona
I save them to specific folders according to the design. When I unzip them I get rid of the versions I don't use to save space.
I keep them until I need them, then convert. If I get a bunch of different formats, I trash the extra's.
I also convert them to PES as soon as I download them and delete the others..also unzip and only save the PES and any info files, get rid of the rest. I use Embird..
I have tons of design in a different format than the ones my machine handle. I keep them as I download them and then convert them if needed. I use to use the Wilcom truesizer before, it is a free software and it is prety simple.
Mona, I do the same as Lillian - convert them - when I download them - save them in the correct file and delete the one that I can not use. I hope you look into getting a conversion software, but if you don't get rid of those files. Hehehe!
I put them in the proper folder when I download them, ie: kids, flowers, etc. That way I see them when I'm looking for a design and only convert it when I need it.<br />The free conversion programs are very easy to use.
Robn I convert my files to my format just as soon as I DL them. This way I've always got them ready to use. I delete the other file not n my format as soon as I convert, this keeps me from cluttering up my computer files. *