How to rename a file or group of files. Group renaming of files in Windows How to rename all files in order at once

Quite often there is a need to rename a group of files according to some general principle: for example, photographs. I’ll tell you about three ways to do this quickly, easily and conveniently.

Fast. Using the built-in Windows feature

Select all the necessary files. By the way, it is convenient to use the keys: Ctrl+A - select everything, with the Ctrl key held down - selecting several files, clicking on the first one, and holding down the Shift key, clicking on the last one - selecting several files located in a row.

Then right-click and select “Rename” (you can use the F2 key). We write the name and all selected files are renamed: “name”, “name (1)”, “name (2)” and so on.

Easily. Using the ACDSee program

Open the ACDSee program manager and select the necessary files. Then go to the menu: Edit > Rename (or the familiar F2 key).

ACDSee has clear and simple settings for batch (group) file renaming.

Comfortable. Using Total Commander

In Total Commander we also select the files selected for renaming. Then go to the menu: Files > Group renaming (there are also “hot buttons” Ctrl+M).

Basic renaming settings:

• red frame - a mask where you can customize the name, write a custom name, add a date, and so on
• blue frame - file extension, i.e. their format, what comes in the title after the dot (jpg, gif, txt and so on)
• green frame - indicate the step, origin and number of characters, if set in the mask - add a numbering counter in the new file name
• purple frame - preview of the renaming results.

Click “Run” and admire the result.

File manager Total Commander is very popular among users of screen readers because, along with rich functionality for working with files and directories, it has good accessibility for assistive technologies. In this article we will explain and show with specific examples how to use Total Commander to perform various options for group renaming of files .

To rename a group of files, select them, either by pressing Spacebar on the files you want, or by selecting all the files in the folder using Control+A and pressing Control+M. The "Batch file renaming" dialog will open. To rename files in the "Group Rename" dialog, special characters and commands are used. All such characters are enclosed in square brackets.

Attention! All service characters must be entered case-sensitive. For example, the [N] and [n] commands perform different actions.

description of dialogue and commands

There are many elements in the "Batch Renaming" dialog, but we will only need those that are directly involved in the renaming.

1. The "Name" field indicates a template for the new file name without extension.
2. Field "Extension", here the extension of the new name is indicated.
3. The "Find" field, here you can enter text in the file name that you want to replace with another.
4. The "Replace" field, here you can enter the text with which you want to replace the text from the "Find" field.

The "Run" button starts the renaming process. In front of this button there is a list in which, even before renaming begins, the results of renaming are displayed in the format old file name -> new file name. To check whether you entered the rename conditions correctly, review this list before clicking the "Run" button. If you entered everything correctly, then after the -> symbol the exact file names that you want to receive should be displayed.

In the "Name" field you can enter special characters and commands to form a new file name. Let's look at the main ones of these commands.

[N] - indicates the name of the old file. If you enter only [N] in the "Name" field, the new file name will be the same as the old one. That is, the [N] command replaces the entire file name without extension.

The first character of the old file name. Similarly, the commands or represent the second or fifth character in the old file name.

Four characters from the old file name from the second to the fifth.

All characters of the file name, starting from the second.

Five characters of the file name, starting with the second.

The fifth character from the end in the file name.

Characters of the file name, starting from the second to the fifth character from the end.

[E] - file extension. fits only in the "Extension" field, or in the "Name" field if you need to insert the extension of the source file into the name.

A counter that starts with the number 01, changes by one when moving to the next file, and always has a number consisting of two digits. Similarly, the command assigns a counter of three digits and in increments of two to the new file name. That is, 001, 003, 005 and so on. The counter is written into the new file name where you put this command in the "Name" field. For example, if you write a track or just a track, then all the files selected in the folder will be renamed to track 01, track 02, and so on.

[F] - all words after the position of this command in the new name will begin with a capital letter. For example, we want all track names in a folder to have words with first capital letters after the number. then in the “Name” field we write [f][N] and in the “Extension” field we enter [E]. then the new files will be named the same as the old ones, but each word in their names will begin with a capital letter.

[d] - adds the current date to the new name.

[t] - adds the current time to the new name.

Instead of the full date, you can add only the year (command [Y]), day (command [D]) or month (command [M]). The [y] command inserts the year not as four digits, but only as the last two digits of the year.

This is where you can finish with the basic commands and move on to specific examples.

Example 1

Suppose we have files in a folder with the extension .html and we want to change the extension of all these files to .txt in order to edit them in a text editor. Then, select all the files, press Control+M, enter [N] in the “Name” field, and enter txt in the “Extension” field. check the result in the list next to the “Run” button and click this button.

Example 2

Let's say we downloaded an audiobook in the form of a folder with mp3 files, but the name of each file is signed "", and we want to remove this fragment from all files. then, in the group renaming dialog, enter [N] in the “Name” field, enter [E] in the “Extension” field, write in the “Find” field, and leave the “Replace” field empty. Note that the left and right bracket characters must be enclosed in square brackets so that they are not interpreted as the start and end of a service command. We check the result in the list in front of the “Run” button and click this button. The "Substitution" checkbox must be unchecked, otherwise the entire file name will be replaced with an empty name, and not just the piece we need.

Example 3

Let us have a folder with music tracks whose names look like 01 - Song1.mp3, 02 - song2.mp3 and so on. We want to remove the - followed by a space from all file names, so that only 01 Song1.mp3, 02 Song2.mp3, and so on remain. Then in the “Name” field we write [N], in the “Extension” field we write [E], in the “Find” field we enter “-” without quotes, and leave the “Replace” field empty. You can leave the “Find” and “Replace” fields empty, and in the "Name" field enter the counter and part of the old file name without the first five characters, which includes the track number with a dash and a space after it. That is, we write like this: From the old file name only the part starting with the sixth character, that is, the track name itself.

Example 4

Let's say we have a folder with music tracks whose names consist of words separated by the _ symbol without spaces, and we want to remove the _ symbol from all the names and replace it with a space. Then fill in the “Name” and “Extension” fields as in the first two examples, write _ in the “Find” field, and enter one space in the “Replace” field. In this case, the numbers at the beginning of the tracks will remain unchanged. That is, files like 01_song_about_love.mp3 will be renamed to 01 song about love.mp3.

Example 5

Let's say that in a folder with music tracks from an album, after the number of each composition, before the name of the song, we also want to add the name of the album to each file. Let's say our album is called "Best of". Then in the “Name” field we enter: Best of. Here we remove the first 2 characters from the old name of each file, which contain the track number, and assign the numbering ourselves. if there are more than 100 tracks in a folder, then instead we write , and instead we write already .

Example 6

Let's say that we are writing a coursework and we want the year to be added to the name of each file in the folder with the coursework at the end of the name, so that after many years we know in what year we wrote it. then in the “Name” field we write [N] [Y] Then, for example, the file goals and methods.doc will be renamed to Goals and Methods 2012.doc, and the file Conclusion.doc to Conclusion 2012.doc.

Example 7

Here's a good example of counters. Suppose we have two folders, the “even” folder contains only all the scanned even pages of the book, and the “odd” folder contains only the scanned odd pages. Moreover, in both folders the files are numbered the same Page001.jpg and so on. we want to combine scanned pages from two folders into one so that all pages are strictly one after another, even after odd. Then, in the “Odd” folder, select all the files and enter . Here we cut off the last three characters with the file number at the end of the name of each file, but add our own counter, which assigns only odd numbers. we get the files Page001.jpg, Page003.jpg and so on.

In the “Even” folder we also select all the files, but since the first even page is page number 2, we enter already in the “Name” field. After renaming, we will get the files Page002.jpg, Page004.jpg, and so on in this folder. Now, we copy all the files from both folders into one common folder, and we get correctly sorted scanned pages.

Example 8

Finally, one last example. Let us have sound files in our folder called 01-song1.mp3, 02-song2.mp3 and so on. we want each file name to have a space before and after the dash. if there are no more than 100 tracks in the folder, then enter - or in the “Name” field and get the required result. Since the dash is always in the third place in the name of each file, the command will always give the dash in the new name.

It is false to assume, as it happens with you, but personally, I constantly have a slight feeling of surprise and satisfaction when I again and again discover some new functions and possibilities when working with a computer. It’s especially interesting when you’ve been performing some monotonous operation for years, and then suddenly it turns out that all the work could have been done much faster, saving time and nerves. This is exactly the situation today. Due to the fact that I am an ordinary user and do not delve into the intricacies of computer hardware, the ability to edit the registry (although sometimes I have to do this), I am interested in precisely such capabilities and subtleties when working on a PC that would meet the following requirements:

• Were easy to use

• Would really save time

• So that when using them, the possibility and danger of damaging the PC is eliminated and its settings (this is important, because if there are problems with the computer, not each of us can fix the problem or breakdown on our own).

• Easy to remember, since there are key combinations that are not so easy to remember, and in the future, pressing three or four fingers on the keyboard to perform an action is a dubious saving of time and effort.

This is far from a complete list of criteria that guide me, but I think you understand the idea itself. So, today I would like to tell you about such a simple and well-known computer operation as “ change of name (name)» file or folder. At first glance, as many people think, it seems that everything is clear and very simple, but when you need to assign a name to a hundred or a thousand files, name them somehow, or change the name, this is where you understand the beauty of this work.

Let's look at the methods most of us use:

1. We make one right-click on the file we need and select Rename. A field appears where you can enter the desired file name. The method is really good and convenient, especially when you need to rename just a couple of files. If you need to assign new names to hundreds of files - this monotonous work will bear fruit, you will start making mistakes. This has been verified, if in doubt, try sitting down with this case. In addition, with this type of file name change, the user wastes time, sometimes mistakenly clicks on other menu items, etc. By the way, sometimes network administrators hide the Rename option from the user.

2. You can select a file (just click on it once with the mouse, left button), and then move the mouse cursor to it, press the left button, hold it down for a few seconds and release. Miracle, you can change your name again. The method is convenient when a person acquires a certain skill. The negative aspects include the fact that sometimes a file opens and you have to waste time closing it again, etc.

3. If you need to assign serial names to a number of files so that the names look like “name (1), name (2)”, etc., you need to select a group of files with the left button, then on the file from which the numbering will begin (or name ) right-click, Rename, and enter the desired name. As a result, all selected files will be renamed, but they will have the same name, and the numbering will be visible in brackets. The method is very convenient, I often use it when I need to bring together a common group of files. Thus, you can rename hundreds of files in just a few seconds. I recommend trying this method.

4. And one of my favorite methods is when I select a file with the left mouse button and then press the F2 key. This method is inferior in speed to the third option, but it allows you to assign different names to files, which is sometimes necessary.

These are the possibilities the computer provides us with. Naturally, if you wish, you can give several more ways to rename a file or folder. Some programs have even been created for these purposes, but for ordinary life, for everyday work, the above actions are more than enough, so use it and all the best to you.

Many people often have to rename many files and this is a time-consuming process, especially if there are really a lot of files or folders. Therefore, it is worth using the ability to batch rename files in Windows, which perhaps not everyone knows about.

In this article we will look at how to rename many files at once. Namely, group renaming of files in Windows, both using the operating system itself and using Total Commander or Bulk Rename Utility. Bulk renaming of files will simplify your life and save time.

Using the Windows operating system, you can easily rename many files at once. This method appeared in the first Windows operating systems and works without problems in Windows 10.

I think everyone is familiar with the Total Commander program. But not everyone knows that Total Commander allows you to rename a group of files at once.

In the Total Commander group file renaming window, you can not only simply rename files, but also immediately see the name you want to set. And here you can change the extension of the group of files that is currently selected. To do this, in the same window, enter the desired file extension.

Bulk Rename Utility is a utility that is specially created to perform bulk file renaming. First, you will need to download it, since I think you have not encountered it before. When you first launch the program, it may seem that the interface is complicated, but believe me, using the Bulk Rename Utility program is much easier than carrying out bulk renaming using the command line.

The advantage of this program is that it has many options for batch renaming files and the ability to use a portable version of the program. The downside is that the interface is in English, and the interface itself is complex.

conclusions

In this article, we looked at how to rename many files at once and simultaneously. Although we did group renaming of files in Windows 10, this method will work without problems in Windows 7. The most effective, in our opinion, is group renaming of files using Total Commander, since you can change both the name and extension there without any problems.

If these methods do not suit you, then you can use special programs for mass file renaming, for example, Bulk Rename Utility.

Renaming files can be a very time-consuming task. Always faced with the dilemma of downloading tons of files and being faced with the prospect of looking for your documents, your music, photos among heaps of garbage.

Especially when you have a bunch of data from a similar source, say, images of your phone, all labeled IMG_20170102_xyz.jpg, in a total haphazard sequence.

Curious to learn how to sort your data, rename it, organize it so you don't have to deal with clutter, and be able to easily find among it.

Well then you've hit the right spot. Let's take a look at one of the simplest but most wanted aspects of personal computers. How to rename multiple files and organize them the way you want?

What to do?

There are many ways to rename files, including

• Right click -> Rename: too tedious, cannot be applied to the correct sequence. This method only works for individual files or batches you register, which do not need to be specially organized.

• Using Command Line/Power Shell/Terminal: This method allows a lot of control, including searching and replacing specific terms, specific sequencing, and generally good file organization. But this is a manual method, and those who do not know the commands at heart may face a lot of headaches to actually get any work done.

• Using third party software: By far the best solution available, there are many free and paid third party software with which you can batch rename files sorted by folder, extension, name, just say what you want and it's probably done. Not only are these apps a lot of powerful in how much control you can have over your filename as well.

Today, let's look at some handy free apps that can get the job done.

For this purpose, we will look at one application each, for Linux, Windows and Mac OS

• Linux: pyRenamer
• Windows: Bulk Rename Utility
• Mac OS: Name Changer

Setting it up

Installing the app is the proverbial first step, and it's quite simple for all 3 platforms.

• Linux

1. Open a terminal window
2. Sudo APT - get install pyRenamer
3. Wait for the files to download and install and you are done.

• Windows

1. Download Bulk Rename Utility from this link
2. http://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk/Download.php
3. Just double-click the executable file, install the application, and you're done.

• MacOS

1. Download Name Changer from given link
2. https://mrrsoftware.com/namechanger/
3. Unzip the file, drag it into your Applications folder, and you're done.

Renaming files

Once the application is installed, let's open the application and take it for a spin.

• Linux

Opening pyRenamer, we presented with a blank screen as such.

Sitting in the folder, the files you want to rename, you will see a preview of the files, their original names and renamed versions according to the options.

pyRenamer includes quite a few features, including

• Substitutions
• Spaces / Underscores
• Substitutions
• capitalization
• Patterns
• Insertion and Deletion
• space
• Text
• Metadata
• Music Metadata for File Name
• Image data for FilenamepyRenamer is quite easy to use. You select all the files you choose to rename, select options, and simply click rename. Yes, its that simple.

• Windows

For Windows, we use Bulk Rename Utility. Upon opening it, we are presented with what we must admit is an incredible user interface.

Bulk Rename Utility looks very complicated, but trust us, it is actually quite simple when you look at it well. This is one of the best packaged alternatives available.

• Bulk Rename Utility packages everything from adding symbols to the replacement folder.
• Regular expression
• Replace text
• Removing characters
• Add a character
• Date Time
• numbering
• Sequencing
• Naming Guide
• Letter Case
• Add folder name
• change Extension
• Moving parts/copying
• filter text
• Move/copy files according to their name

Using the application is simple. You browse to the file directory, select the options you want and click the big blue rename button.

• MacOS

On Mac OS, we use Name Changer. This has to be one of the easiest applications to bulk rename files. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing as the app still serves its purpose perfectly.

Discovery, we were treated to an interface that screams simple. We can drag all the files we require into this menu from File Explorer (or Finder, as Apple likes to call it).

Name Changer is a very convenient option, but still manages to pack in most of the useful features we saw in pyRenamer and Bulk Rename Utility.

• Replace first occurrence of C
• Replace last occurrence of C
• Replace all occurrences of C
• Add text
• Prepend Text
• Wildcard entry
• Change case
• Sequencing
• Date/time based
• Regular expression based

Using the app is as simple as dragging and dropping files, selecting options and hitting the rename button.

Conclusion

Today's discussion was purely about organization and aesthetics. It's true that you don't need to rename files necessarily. This helps your computer to be de-cluttered as the files are located in the appropriate folder named correctly so that you get rid of the unwanted ones you don't need anymore.

Overall, keeping your files well organized is just one step to being more productive on a daily basis.