Keep your research easy to find

Use a predictable filename

Put the capture date first, followed by the subject and document type. For example, YYYY-MM-DD_SYMBOL_daily-chart.png is easier to sort than screenshot-final-2.png. Use the same pattern for related files.

Keep the source with the file

Save the source URL, publication or data date, capture time, and timezone in a short companion note. If you crop an image, retain the original so labels and surrounding context remain available.

Separate active work from the archive

Use one folder for current research and an archive organized by month or project. Move a completed research batch together, including its source notes. Avoid keeping several differently named copies of the same file.

Check backup and sharing settings

Keep a backup you can restore and try opening a saved file from it. Check who can access shared folders before adding screenshots. Remove account identifiers or other private information from copies you intend to share.

Keep the image and its context together.

Use YYYY-MM-DD_SYMBOL_daily-chart.png, then give its companion note the same filename with a .txt extension.

research/ active/ 2026-10-22_NVDA_daily-chart.png 2026-10-22_NVDA_daily-chart.txt archive/ 2026-10/

Inside the companion note

2026-10-22_NVDA_daily-chart.txt

Source: [platform or publisher + URL] Symbol: NVDA Timeframe: Daily Data through: 2026-10-22 regular close Captured: [actual capture date and time] Timezone: America/New_York Observation: [what the chart shows] Data limits: [delay, missing fields or other caveats]

Replace the bracketed fields with your actual source and capture details. The data date and capture date may differ. When the research is complete, move the image and note together into the monthly archive.