Batch renaming

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Batch Renaming is the process of renaming multiple computer files and folders in an automated fashion, to save time and reduce the amount of work involved. Some sort of software is required to do this. Such software can be more or less advanced, but most have the same basic functions. Batch renaming software exists for most operating systems.

Batch renaming can also be referred to as 'mass file renaming', rename 'en masse' and 'bulk renaming'.

[edit] Common functions

Most batch renamers share a basic set of functions to manipulate the filenames:

Find a string within the filename and replace it with another, or remove it.

Setting the capitalization of the letters in the filenames.

Extracting information from the files, such as Mp3 ID3 tags, and putting it in the filename.

Add a number sequence (001,002,003,...) to a list of files.

Some batch rename software can do more than just renaming filenames. Features include changing the dates of files and changing the file attributes (such as the write protected attribute).

[edit] Common uses

There are many situations where batch renaming software can be useful. Here is a list of some common uses:

Many digital cameras store images using a base filename, such as DCSN0001 or IMG0001. Using a batch renamer the photographer can easiliy give the pictures meaningful names.

When downloading files from the Internet such as mp3 music, the files often have crude names. A batch renamer can be used to quickly change the filenames to a style that suits the person who downloaded them.

When managing large amount of files, such as a picture database, a batch renamer is more or less essential for the task of maintaining filenames without too much manual labour.