I recently have been trying to convert to using project files and I need a little advice. In an attempt to become more organized, I have been using the per project audio folders option because I like how I can keep audio tracks together with the project file. However, I'm really not sure how to manage the names and locations of these files to suit my workflow. Usually, I would export the mix of a project out as 2 track, 24 bit with no mastering. Then I would start a new blank project to import the mixed 2 track wav. Then I would apply mastering and then export to 2 track 16 bit for CD. Each version gets named for song and version (XXXX mixed, XXXX mastered, etc. .) I am looking for a better solution because I seem to be making it way too complicated and create too many folders and versions. I know my workflow could be more efficient and maybe I need a better understanding of project files, so I am open to suggestions for improvements. Should I bounce the mix to a single track within one project file versus exporting so I don't have different folders and versions? What process is everyone else who does their own mastering using.

It's simple. Each time you open a template of your new project, be it a master or a multi track, perform a "Save As" before you do anything else and point the file to where you want it. Make sure to check the "copy Audio with Project" box too.
 
 I work with folders within folders.
I have 2 main folders marked Sonar 32 bit and Sonar 64 bit.
Inside these are Albums or grouped projects, Example= Artist, Band, originals or Backing tracks. Inside those folders are each song ( project) folder and the template I used.
Inside those might be the Lyrics, CWP, Notes,  original MIDI file and the audio folder.
 
So if I'm going to record a band, I make a sub folder in 64 Bit and create a new Template CWP that is correct for the session. I can open this and perform a "save as" for each song either ahead of time or durring the session. You can make new folders during a "save as" and put them in the correct place. Easy.
Now this can also be transfered to another workstation by a drag and drop of the containment folder for the Album.

Have a look at what Dan Gonzales has to say on the subject with 11 useful tips.

http://blog.cakewalk.com/...-project-organization/

Thanks to both of you. Sounds like more folders/versions is a good thing after all. I guess as long as the stem mixes are located away from the tracks, and clearly named for what they are. there should be no question about which version you're working with. Johnny, I like the idea of doing "save as" when opening the template to setup the folders ahead of time. Mike, I appreciate the link to Dan's blog. It helped to explain my question and confirmed what I was already doing. Thanks again guys, I'll definitely try this.
 
Todd

Bear in mind that if you do a "Save As" in a different folder then a new Audio sub-folder with a fresh copy of all the relevant WAV files within it will be created, whereas if you "Save As" in the existing location, the new project will share the existing Audio sub-folder without duplicating the WAV files.