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Batch Rename

Use Multi Rename to standardize naming across large sets. Build new names from tokens, add counters or dates, optionally run a simple find/replace, preview every change, then apply.

Legend: ⌘ Command · ⌥ Option · ⌃ Control · ⇧ Shift

Open the tool​

Multi Rename Tool
  1. In a pane, select the files/folders you want to rename.
  2. Click Multi Rename on the toolbar (or Commands menu → Multi-Rename Tool).

You’ll see fields for Rename mask (name), Extension mask, Search/Replace, Counter, Case, and a Preview table.

Masks & tokens (name and extension)​

Build new names from tokens (placeholders) and your own text.

Available tokens​

  • [N] — original name (without extension)
    Note: partial ranges like [N1-2] are not supported.
  • [E] — original extension (without dot)
  • [C] — counter (configured below)
  • Dates — taken from file timestamps:
    • [Y] year (e.g., 2025), [M] month (01–12), [D] day (01–31)
    • [h] hour (00–23), [m] minute (00–59), [s] second (00–59)

You can mix tokens and text, e.g. Project_[Y]-[M]-[D]_[C]_[N].

Examples​

  • Mask: IMG_[C] · Ext: [E] → IMG_0001.jpg
  • Mask: [Y]-[M]-[D]_[N] → 2025-11-10_Report
  • Mask: Sample_[N]_[C] → Sample_MeetingNotes_0001

Counter​

Insert a running number with [C] in your mask.

Configure:

  • Start — first number (e.g., 1 or 100)
  • Step — increment (e.g., 1, 10)
  • Pad width — digits (e.g., 4 → 0001)
tip

Order matters. The counter follows the current order of your selection.

note

The Preview table cannot be sorted here; if you need a different order, sort in the file pane first (by Name/Date/etc.), then re-open Multi Rename.

Search & Replace​

Optionally transform the original name ([N]) before applying the mask.

  • Find / Replace — simple plain-text replacement (no regular expressions).
  • (If available in your build) Match case — toggle case sensitivity.

Examples:

  • Find: draft → Replace: final
  • Find: (space) → Replace: _ (collapse spaces to underscores)

Case rules​

Normalize letter case after other transforms:

  • Unchanged
  • lowercase
  • UPPERCASE
  • Title Case
  • Sentence case

Extension handling​

  • Keep the original extension with Extension mask = [E]
  • Force a new extension (e.g., txt)
  • Remove the extension by leaving Extension mask empty (use carefully)

Preview & apply (safe by design)​

  • The Preview shows Old name → New name for every item.
  • Click Apply to execute.

Practical recipes​

1) Add zero-padded numbers​

  • Mask: Photo_[C]
  • Counter: Start 1, Step 1, Pad 4 → Photo_0001, Photo_0002, …

2) Prefix with date (from file’s modified time)​

  • Mask: [Y]-[M]-[D]_[N] · Ext: [E] → 2025-11-10_MyFile.pdf

3) Normalize and sanitize​

  • Search: space → Replace: _
  • Case: lowercase
  • Mask: [N] · Ext: [E] → Annual Report.pdf → annual_report.pdf

4) Swap extension to .txt​

  • Mask: [N] · Ext: txt → notes.md → notes.txt

5) Keep the original name but add a counter​

  • Mask: [N]_[C] · Ext: [E] → clip_0001.mov, clip_0002.mov
Tips
  • Stage the order first: Sort in the file pane, then open Multi Rename so the counter sequence matches your intent.
  • Test on a subset: Run a small selection to validate the mask and preview.
  • Avoid collisions: Include [C] or a date token when names may repeat.
  • Keep [N] during transitions: Append the original name temporarily (e.g., _orig_[N]) until you’re confident, then run a second pass to remove it.

Troubleshooting​

  • Preview shows duplicates — Add [C], include more uniqueness (e.g., dates), or tweak the mask.
  • Numbers not in the order I want — Change the sort in the file pane, reselect, and reopen Multi Rename.
  • Unexpected extensions — Set Extension mask to [E] to preserve the original extension.
  • Search didn’t change anything — Ensure your Find text matches exactly (no regex); check Match case if present.