Managing Student Files
When students use Brush Ninja without accounts, their work is saved as files on their own devices. This keeps things simple and private, but it also means students must manage their files carefully.
This guide explains how saving works, when students should export, and how to avoid the most common file-related problems.
Who this is for
This guide is useful if you collect work digitally, use shared or managed devices, run projects across multiple lessons, or regularly hear “I’ve lost my file”.
It applies to all Brush Ninja tools.
How saving works in Brush Ninja
Brush Ninja does not store student work on its servers.
While students are working, their project exists temporarily in the browser. When they export, a file is downloaded to the device being used. Until then, the work is temporary.
When students export regularly, file problems are much easier to avoid.
For guidance on when and how students should export work, see Exporting and Submitting Work.
File names and why they matter
Different Brush Ninja tools handle file names in different ways.
In the Animation Maker, students can usually choose a file name before downloading. In other tools, the file name is created automatically, often using a generic name.
Generic names make files hard to recognise, easy to overwrite, and difficult to organise. Renaming files is an important part of finishing work.
Teaching students to rename files
Explain that renaming a file is like adding a title to written work. It makes the file identifiable and easier to submit.
A clear sequence helps:
Export first. Rename second. Upload last.
Show students how to rename files on your devices. On most systems, this involves right-clicking or tapping and holding the file, then choosing “Rename”.
A simple naming format
Give students one format and reuse it consistently.
For example: class-topic-name.ext
Such as:
- 6B-watercycle-sam.gif
- 8A-volcano-alex.png
- club-story-maya.pdf
Display this format on the board and include it in assignment instructions. Consistent naming saves time when collecting and marking work.
Where files are saved
On most devices, downloaded files go into a Downloads folder.
Students should know where this folder is, how to open it, and how to rename files inside it. Spending two minutes demonstrating this early in a project will save much more time later.
If students use cloud storage, show them how to upload files from Downloads into their usual folders.
Working across multiple lessons
For projects that span more than one session, organisation becomes more important.
Encourage students to keep related files together and use version names or dates if they export multiple drafts. Browsers often add “(1)”, “(2)”, and similar suffixes automatically, which helps prevent overwriting.
Clear file names make it easier to reflect on progress and compare early and final work.
Shared and managed devices
On shared computers and Chromebooks, files may be removed automatically when users log out or devices reset.
On these systems, students should export and submit work during the lesson whenever possible. Do not rely on files remaining on the device between sessions. Shared folders or cloud uploads are the safest option.
Collecting student work
This guide focuses on managing files once they exist on a device.
For advice on collecting, sharing, and reviewing work using LMS tools, folders, or noticeboards, see Collecting and Sharing Student Work.
When files seem to be lost
When a student cannot find their work, the first question is always:
Did you export it?
Most missing files are either still in the Downloads folder, waiting to be uploaded, or were never exported at all. Searching by file name often helps.
If work is missing on a shared device, it may have been cleared automatically.
Supporting younger students
Younger learners may struggle with file systems.
For these groups, paired work, clear demonstrations, and simplified expectations help. In some cases, accepting screenshots or a single final export is more appropriate than managing multiple files.
Focus on the creative task first, and introduce file skills gradually.
