Field entries autosave privately in this browser after changes. Wait for the “Saved locally” confirmation before closing the page.
Free preservation tool
Digital Preservation Plan
Create a sustainable file-naming, format, backup, access, rights, and review system for photographs, audio, video, documents, and research records.
PlanPreservation & stewardship20–30 min
Illustrated step-by-step guide · Working tool
How to use this tool
Create a sustainable file-naming, format, backup, access, rights, and review system for photographs, audio, video, documents, and research records.
1Why: Create a sustainable file-naming, format, backup, access, rights, and review system for photographs, audio, video, documents, and research records.
2Steps: 6 illustrated directions using this tool’s actual fields and controls.
3Finish: Print / Save PDF and Save / export.
Why use it
Create a sustainable file-naming, format, backup, access, rights, and review system for photographs, audio, video, documents, and research records.
It turns digital preservation plan into a repeatable process that another worker can understand and use.
Have these ready
- Collection, project, or venue name
- Responsible steward
- Plan review date
- Digital materials included: photographs, scans, audio, video, documents, spreadsheets, web captures, or databases
- Materials not included and why
- Folder structure and file-naming convention
- Preferred preservation-master formats and access-copy formats
- Required metadata: names, dates, location, creator, rights, source, description, and restrictions
Follow these steps
1 Understand the purpose
Read what the tool is for, when it should be used, and any important use information before entering data.
2 Enter the starting information
Complete the first fields using current, specific information rather than guesses whenever verified information is available.
3 Complete the working details
Move through the next section and enter the operational, financial, staffing, timing, or descriptive details the tool requests.
4 Finish the remaining sections
Complete the final fields, notes, approvals, follow-up items, or comparisons needed for a usable finished record.
5 Review and revise the result
Read the completed form, calculation, preview, or working record. Correct missing details and test different entries when the tool supports live results.
6 Save and finish the work
Wait for the local save confirmation. Then use the available print, PDF, export, copy, or save controls to keep the finished version.
Everything this tool can do
- Capture Collection, project, or venue name, Responsible steward, Plan review date, and Digital materials included: photographs, scans, audio, video, documents, spreadsheets, web captures, or databases
- Document Materials not included and why, Folder structure and file-naming convention, Preferred preservation-master formats and access-copy formats, and Required metadata: names, dates, location, creator, rights, source, description, and restrictions
- Organize Primary storage location, Second local or organizational copy, Offsite or cloud backup, and Backup frequency and person responsible
- Review How file integrity, readable formats, and broken links will be checked, Access rules, privacy limits, and permission records, The plan keeps original files and does not rely on social media as the only archive, and At least three copies are planned, using two storage types with one copy offsite
- Record Migration, transfer, or succession instructions
- Use the tool’s finishing controls: Print / Save PDF, Save / export, and Clear form
- Autosave the tool’s field entries privately in the current browser after changes
- Reopen the local draft on the same browser and device through Saved Work or the tool page
- Reopen the saved field entries on the same browser and device, then review or regenerate the finished result
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting without the source information, current prices, dates, names, or policies needed for the fields.
- Treating an estimate, draft, or planning result as a verified fact without checking the underlying information.
- Leaving required sections blank when the finished record will be used by another person or shift.
- Closing the page before the local save confirmation appears.
- Using the clear, reset, or new-copy control before saving the current finished work.
How saving, reopening, exporting, and printing work
Reopen this tool on the same browser and device through Saved Work. Browser drafts are not automatically synchronized to another phone or computer.
Opens the polished print workflow. In the browser print window, choose Save as PDF or select a printer.
Creates a separate portable completed copy through the browser or device save workflow. The exported copy will not update when the browser draft changes.
Removes or resets working entries. Save, export, copy, or print the current work before using this control.
Tool-specific note: The working fields save locally after changes. Reopen this tool on the same browser and device—or open it through Saved Work—to continue. A printed, exported, copied, or PDF version is a separate finished copy and does not update automatically when the browser draft changes.
What the browser draft keeps: the entries in the tool fields. A generated calculation, preview, copied summary, exported file, or PDF is a separate result and may need to be reviewed or regenerated after reopening.
After reopening: review the restored fields, confirm dates and assumptions are still current, and regenerate or recheck the finished result before using it.
Browser-local drafts remain on this browser and device unless a separate synchronization feature explicitly says otherwise. Do not place sensitive or confidential information in a shared browser.
Before you print or use this Tool
Step 1
Complete the preservation record
Work from observation and documented sources. Label memories, estimates, and unresolved questions clearly.
Finished?
Print or save this form
From the Preservation Field Center
Use the complete field method.
This practical form belongs to the selective Preservation Toolkit. Review the field center for oral history, evidence, rights, safety, stewardship, and responsible storytelling context.
Permitted use
You may complete, print, and use this tool for your own venue, act, teaching practice, organization, or personal planning. Free access does not place the content in the public domain. Do not resell, republish, scrape, or distribute the blank templates as your own product.