newvid — Global Video Project Folder Generator

A powerful global Bash command to instantly create a clean, professional folder structure for new video editing projects — with automatic date prefixing, auto‑generated project README, and workflow presets.

Inspired by David Lindgren’s recommended editing workflow: https://www.david-lindgren.com/blog/the-best-file-structure-for-video-editing

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✨ Key Features

• ✅ Global command (newvid)
• ✅ Automatic date‑prefixed project naming
• ✅ Professional nested folder structure
• ✅ Auto‑generated project README.md
• ✅ Built‑in workflow presets
• ✅ Clean numeric folder ordering
• ✅ Cross‑platform support (macOS, Linux, Windows)

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📁 Default Folder Structure

When you run:

newvid MyProject

It generates:

YYYY-MM-DD_MyProject/
├── 01_Footage/
│   ├── Raw/
│   ├── BRoll/
│   └── Interviews/
├── 02_Projects/
├── 03_Assets/
│   ├── Audio/
│   ├── Graphics/
│   └── Stills/
├── 04_Export/
│   ├── Web/
│   ├── Social/
│   └── Client_Review/
└── README.md

Folder Purpose

• 01_Footage – Camera originals, sound, B‑roll, interviews
• 02_Projects – Premiere Pro, Final Cut, Resolve project files
• 03_Assets – Music, graphics, stills, sound design, LUTs
• 04_Export – All final deliveries and review cuts

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🧠 Workflow Presets

You can extend the export structure using presets:

newvid MyFilm --film
newvid MyVideo --yt
newvid MyReel --reel
newvid MyAd --ad

Preset Behavior

• --film → Adds DCP/ and ProRes/ to 04_Export
• --yt → Adds YouTube_4K/, YouTube_1080p/, Thumbnails/
• --reel → Adds Vertical/, Square/
• --ad → Adds Client_Final/, Agency_Preview/

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📝 Auto‑Generated Project README

Each project includes a built‑in README.md with:

• Project name
• Creation date
• Preset used
• Client & platform info
• Deadlines
• Deliverables checklist
• Assets checklist
• Notes section

This helps with hand‑offs, long‑term archiving, and client communication.

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🚀 Global Installation

✅ macOS & Linux (Bash / Zsh)

1. Save the Script

Create a file named:

newvid

Paste the provided Bash script inside.

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2. Make It Executable

chmod +x newvid

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3. Move It to a Global Path

sudo mv newvid /usr/local/bin/

✅ You can now run newvid from any folder on your system.

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Windows Support

✅ Windows (PowerShell — Native)

1. Create a file called:

newvid.ps1

2. Paste the PowerShell version of the script inside.

3. Allow script execution (one‑time):

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

4. Move the file to:

C:\Users\<YourName>\bin

5. Add this directory to your PATH via:

System Properties → Environment Variables → Path

6. Use globally:

newvid MyProject

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✅ Windows (Git Bash / WSL — Recommended for Bash Users)

If you use Git Bash or WSL, follow the macOS/Linux steps exactly:

chmod +x newvid
sudo mv newvid /usr/local/bin/

Then:

newvid MyProject

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✅ Usage Examples

Standard:

newvid ClientFilm

With presets:

newvid FeatureFilm --film
newvid DailyVlog --yt
newvid BrandReel --reel
newvid ProductAd --ad

Help:

newvid --help

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💻 Editing the Global Script

Open the global script:

sudo nano /usr/local/bin/newvid

Save in Nano

• Ctrl + O → Save
• Enter → Confirm filename
• Ctrl + X → Exit

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Windows (PowerShell)

If using PowerShell, edit the script with a text editor like Notepad or VS Code:

notepad C:\Users<YourName>\bin\newvid.ps1
pgsql

Copy code Save and close the editor as usual.

💡 Why This Exists

Messy folders kill editing momentum. This tool ensures:

• Faster editing workflow
• Easier backups
• Cleaner client hand‑offs
• Consistent studio‑grade organization
• Zero “where did that file go?” stress

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💻 Requirements

• macOS, Linux, or Windows
• Bash, Zsh, PowerShell, or WSL
• Terminal access

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📜 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License — a permissive open‑source license that allows free use, modification, and distribution for personal and commercial projects.