File Naming

Overview

It’s important that every file is named to our specifications - this ensures that they are optimized for our tagging and search algorithms and will make it easy for users to find your sounds. Files not named according to our requirements run the risk of being misclassified or generating incorrect metadata which negatively impacts the searchability, discoverability and overall user experience. For real-world examples of finished packs, please see the Example Packs section.

File Names Must Be Unique

We require that all files have descriptive and unique names. Files that aren't named descriptively (snare_01.wav, snare_02.wav) aren't very memorable and don't perform as well. These names should be colorful and on-brand - usually an object, a place, a time, a feeling, or a literal description of the sound. Numbers should only be included in names to indicate BPM.

To illustrate,

  • ARTIST_808_01.wav could be ARTIST_808_gritty_E.wav

  • ARTIST_808_02.wav could be ARTIST_808_brooklyn_C.wav

  • ARTIST_808_03.wav could be ARTIST_808_shiner_A#.wav

Splice will not publish files with names that make reference to existing entities including but not limited to third party producers, artists, collectives, brands, associations, products, celebrities, trademarks, etc. The term “rhodes” for instance should be changed to “electric_piano”.

Characters

Supported Characters:

  • All Standard English Characters ( A-Z & a-z )

  • Numbers ( 0-9 )

  • Underscores ( _ )

  • Dashes ( - ) (used for time signatures outside of 4/4)*

  • Hash Symbols ( # )

Unsupported Characters:

  • Blank Spaces ( )

  • Special characters not listed above ( !@£$%^&*()+={}:"|;'|\/?><,.~±§`— )

  • Accented Characters ( å é ü ø )

  • Slashes ( / \ )

File Names - Audio

The table above shows example file names that follow our file naming conventions, and explains the various components that make up a full file name. If written out more simply, the files would like this:

  • SM_NP_100_electric_guitar_baby_Dmaj.wav

  • FF_MT_90_pad_angel_Cmin.wav

  • WMN_RC_snare_fat.wav

  • TC_BW_120_percussion_grimey.wav

  • X10_UKG_808_deep_C.wav

  • SC_BPS_85_synth_ripper_Fmaj.wav

Notice how the phrases “loop” or “one shot” do not need to appear in the file. We identify them by folder structure as well as tempos.

Descriptors

Adding descriptors to the names of samples can really enhance the experience for Splice users as well as make your sounds more searchable.

  • Though SM_DP_90_electric_guitar_angel_Dmin.wav is correct. SM_DP_90_electric_guitar_strum_angel_Dmin.wav is more descriptive.

Here are some more examples

  • SM_DP_kick_coldcut -> SM_DP_kick_dusty_coldcut

  • MG_OP_70_synth_cosmic_Amaj -> MG_OP_70_synth_chords_cosmic_Amaj

  • VOX_PV_80_vocal_fire_Fmaj -> VOX_PV_80_vocal_fire_wet_Fmaj

When adding descriptors consider what makes sense to the user. Descriptors like arp, melody, strum, pluck, chords, make sense after the instrument category ( synth, piano, electric_guitar, drum). Wet or Alt however can go at the end of the name before the keytag. This implies multiple versions. With vocal loops specifically it is common to have a wet and dry version of the loops.

Naming Stems

Drum Loops, Melodic Loops, and Songstarters can often have multiple stems attached to the “full” file. Below are some examples of one would name them.

Drum Loop Naming

  • SM_DP_90_drum_rocker.wav (this would be the mixed version of all the stems below)

  • SM_DP_90_kick_rocker.wav

  • SM_DP_90_snare_rocker.wav

  • SM_DP_90_hat_rocker.wav

  • SM_DP_90_percussion_rocker.wav

Melodic Loop Naming

  • FF_MT_100_melodic_silk_Cmaj.wav (this would be the mixed version of all the stems below)

  • FF_MT_100_electric_guitar_silk_Cmaj.wav

  • FF_MT_100_synth_lead_silk_Cmaj.wav

  • FF_MT_100_piano_silk_Cmaj.wav

Songstarter Loop Naming

  • X10_UKG_140_songstarter_fresh_Dmin.wav (this would be the mixed version of all the stems below)

  • X10_UKG_140_808_fresh_Dmin.wav

  • X10_UKG_140_synth_bass_fresh_Dmin.wav

  • X10_UKG_140_vocal_fresh_Dmin.wav

  • X10_UKG_140_electric_piano_fresh_Dmin.wav

File Names - Midi

The table above shows example file names that follow our file naming conventions, and explains the various components that make up a full file name. If written out more simply, the files would like this:

  • X10_FG_120_bass_heavy_Cmin.mid

  • FF_DS_90_arp_angel_Dmaj.mid

  • SM_DP_117_chords_grandpa_Fmin.mid

  • SO_SW_100_drums_pristine.mid

  • WMN_GP_75_melody_beauty_Dmin.mid

  • PLX_AA_140_chords_power_Gmaj.mid

When adding midi to your pack be sure the midi itself is useful. For example, a single sustained note over 4 bars may not be useful where as unique chords or a written out arp would be very desirable.

Each midi file requires an mp3 preview normalized to -1db. Please make sure the preview name and midi name match exactly with the exception of the .mid/.mp3 extensions.

File Names - Presets

The table above shows example file names that follow our file naming conventions, and explains the various components that make up a full file name. If written out more simply, the files would like this:

  • SM_NP_808_heavy

  • FF_RS_keys_beauty

  • X10_CRS_chord_minimal

  • SC_LO_pad_darling

Each preset file requires an mp3 preview normalized to -1db. Please make sure the preview name and preset name match exactly with the exception of the extensions.

  • Most sounds will be either a one shot, a loop, or a fill.

  • You do not need to include the words “one shot”, “loop”, or “fill” in a file name. We express which is which by having tempo added in addition to if it is in a “loop” folder or “one-shot” folder.

  • Your artist (or label) name and pack prefix go right at the front of the file name in CAPS. Everything else is lowercase.

  • There are no blank spaces allowed in the file names - always use an underscore (_) to separate the various elements.

  • Every periodic file with a rhythm - think loops, fills, and any one shots with a delay effect - gets a TEMPO (BPM). This goes right after the artist name and pack code.

  • Every tonal file - (anything that has notes) like a bass one shot or melodic loop - gets either a ROOT NOTE or a full KEY SIGNATURE.

  • Though we do allow alternate versions, we discourage from filling the pack with too many versions of the same loop or one-shot. If you would like to make an alternate version, please use a descriptor to express the difference IE wet, dry, distorted.