The DNM File Naming Standard
A file-naming standard gives people the same field structure and vocabulary, helping them find and identify files without opening each one.
The DNM File Naming Standard
DNM naming conventions · EMP Export Package preset
DNM provides configurable naming standards. Each defines a default field order and vocabulary; users can enable, disable or reorder supported fields. The EMP Export Package preset uses a type-first default. EMP Intake's generated reports use their documented package filenames, not one universal DNM pattern.
The examples below describe DNM's EMP Export Package preset. They are naming conventions, not a requirement that every generated EMP report follows the same pattern. The name itself stays readable and sortable; the integrity record lives in the export manifest, which carries every file's full SHA-256.
Default core order: {DivisionReference}. Optional time and other fields depend on the selected settings.
Where the integrity record lives
The filename makes a file findable, sortable, and unambiguous months later. It does not carry the file's fingerprint, and it is not the thing that proves the file is unchanged.
The export manifest supplies expected file hashes. Matching them checks consistency with that manifest; confirming the original hand-off also requires a trusted baseline. It is the same check our browser verifier runs, and the foundation of defensible-by-design.
One filename, decoded
CASE0142
- CASE0142 · division and reference
- 20260424 · date the video was recorded
- Surveillance-Lobby-North · what it is
- VID · artifact type
The core fields and extension
| Field | Format | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division + Reference | Combined reference | Configured division and reference, with optional padding or separator. | CASE0142 |
| Date | YYYYMMDD | The selected date; record its source separately when it matters. | 20260424 |
| Type | Preset code | EMP Export Package vocabulary below; type precedes description by default. | VID |
| Description | Words joined with hyphens | Filename-safe Unicode is supported. An optional description-length setting controls the limit. | Surveillance-Lobby-North |
| Extension | File extension | The real file type is retained. | .mp4 |
Artifact-type codes: eleven three-letter codes
- EVD Evidence
- IMG Forensic image
- VID Video
- AUD Audio
- DOC Document
- PHO Photo
- CHN Chain of custody
- MAN Manifest
- LGL Legal
- MIS Miscellaneous
- LOG Log file
Example names using the preset
CASE0142_20260424_EVD_Timeline-Disclosure.zip CASE0142_20260424_VID_Surveillance-Lobby-North.mp4 CASE0142_20260424_AUD_Witness-MS-Interview.wav CASE0142_20260424_PHO_Scene-Overview-01.jpg CASE0142_20260424_DOC_Witness-MS-Statement.pdf CASE0142_20260424_CHN_Item-001-Custody.pdf
With this field order, names sort by reference, date, type and description. The package's own manifest (Manifest/manifest.json) carries the full 64-char SHA-256 for every file in the package.
Naming and verification serve different purposes
Consistent names help recipients find and identify files. They do not prove source, custody or unchanged content. Use the package's manifest and verification instructions for integrity checks; use the naming settings to keep your own vocabulary consistent.
Related product: DNM
Disciplined naming started inside EMP's intake layer: a file is evidence the moment it exists, so its name has to be structured at intake, not cleaned up later. That capability proved useful beyond forensics, so it became a standalone product, DNM (Document Naming Manager). The EMP export-package grammar on this page is one of twelve filename standards in the DNM naming-standards library (legal, strata, accounting, insurance, construction, real estate, and more). DNM applies any of them automatically, with review-before-save. A General DNM example is OPS0042_20260424_Quarterly-Review_RPT.pdf. Optional time, priority, classification, sequence and initials depend on the chosen standard and settings. The standards are documents you can use with or without DNM.
What is the DNM File Naming Standard?
DNM provides configurable naming standards rather than one fixed string. The EMP Export Package preset defaults to type before description, for example CASE0142_20260424_EVD_Timeline-Disclosure.zip. Users can reorder supported fields; EMP's generated reports keep their documented package filenames.
Do I need EMP installed to use or verify it?
No. The standard is documented openly here, so a recipient (opposing counsel, a court-appointed special master, a peer agency) can validate filenames and recompute hashes with standard tools, no EMP license required. You can verify a full package in your browser on our Verify page.
How does this relate to DNM?
DNM (Document Naming Manager) grew out of EMP's intake-and-naming layer. The EMP export-package grammar is one of twelve filename standards in the DNM naming-standards library, included in DNM; DNM is the application that applies any of them automatically, with review-before-save. The standards are documents you can use with or without DNM.
Is this required by a court or regulator?
No regulator mandates these names. Consistent names help organize and identify files; they do not establish admissibility or replace integrity checks.
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