SFXnamer is a free online tool that helps you generate standardized audio filenames using the Universal Category System (UCS). It simplifies the process of creating consistent, searchable filenames for sound effects by:

• Providing an intuitive interface to select sound categories and subcategories
• Automatically generating UCS-compliant filenames
• Allowing you to save your preferred settings and notes
• Offering a quick reference guide to all UCS categories

Perfect for field recording: Use your phone to generate filenames while recording, save them to Notes, and include your portable recorder's file ID (e.g., "R0002" from a Roland recorder) as a reference number. This helps you match your recorded files with their UCS-compliant names when you return to the studio.

Form Management Buttons

The form management buttons help you maintain consistency and efficiency in your filename generation:

• Save as Default: Saves your current form settings (category, subcategory, description, user category, vendor category, creator ID, source ID, user data, and file extension) to your browser. These settings will be automatically loaded the next time you open the page.
• Restore Defaults: Restores your previously saved form settings. This is useful when you want to return to your standard configuration.
• Clear Form: Resets all form fields to their initial state without affecting your saved defaults. This is useful when you want to start fresh with a new filename.

Your settings are stored locally in your browser and will persist until you clear them or clear your browser data.

Filename Management

The filename section provides tools for managing your generated filenames:

• Copy Filename: Copies the generated filename to your clipboard. The button will show a checkmark briefly to confirm the copy was successful.
• Copy to Notes: Adds the generated filename to the bottom of your Notes section. This feature is particularly useful for:
  • Building a list of filenames for your project
  • Tracking multiple sound effects in sequence
  • Creating a reference list for later use

  Pro Tip: You can add a Reference Number (e.g., "R0002" from a Roland recorder) before copying to Notes. The reference number will be prepended to the filename, making it easier to match your recorded files with their UCS-compliant names.

• UCS Filenames Checker: Validates your generated filename against UCS conventions using an external tool by X-Raym.

Using the Notes Section

The Notes section helps you maintain consistency in your filename generation by allowing you to document your preferred formats and standards:

• Description Formats: Document your standard formats for descriptions (e.g., "Close Up", "Medium", "Wide")
• ID Abbreviations: Keep track of your common abbreviations for Creator IDs and Source IDs
• User Categories: List your preferred User Categories (e.g., INT/EXT for Interior/Exterior)
• User Data Format: Document your standard format for User Data (e.g., mic type, perspective)
• File Extensions: Note your preferred file extensions for different projects

Click the "Save Notes" button to save your notes. They will be restored when you return to the page.

Notes Management

The Notes section includes two buttons for managing your notes:

• Copy Notes To Clipboard: Copies all your notes to the clipboard. The button will show a checkmark and change to "Copied!" briefly to confirm the action.
• Save Notes: Automatically saves your notes to your browser's local storage.

Pro Tip: Use the "Copy Notes To Clipboard" feature to quickly share your notes with other applications or team members.

Form Validation

The checklist at the bottom of the form helps you ensure all required fields are filled:

• Category & Subcategory: Required for generating a valid UCS filename
• Description: Required for identifying the specific sound
• Creator ID: Required for attribution
• Source ID: Required for project tracking (defaults to "NONE" if not specified)
• User Category: Optional field for additional categorization
• Vendor Category: Optional field for library-specific information
• User Data: Optional field for additional metadata

The checklist icons will update in real-time as you fill in the form fields.

Complete Example

Basic Structure

About UCS

The Universal Category System (UCS) is a public domain initiative by Tim Nielsen, Justin Drury, Kai Paquin, among others, and supported by sound librarians, vendors, and users from around the globe.

We extend our gratitude to all contributors who have made this system possible.

Important Note

The only requirement of the UCS system is the designation of every file to one of the Category/SubCategory pairs in the list, and the associated CatID being placed at the head of the filename. The rest of the filename structure is completely optional.

UCS Official Help Guide

User Suggestions

Thanks to Tim Nielsen for suggesting having the filename always visible.

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