There isn’t a native Linux version is available yet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nUsage Example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Let’s suppose you have a folder of images with the names IMG_001.JPG<\/code> through IMG_100.JPG<\/code>, and you want to change the name of them to ParisTrip_001.JPG<\/code> and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Start Renamer.io and drag the folder to the workspace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Add Rule – choose Add Text – select “Prefix” and type
ParisTrip_<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Another rule to consider is Numbering – set the start point to 1, and digits up to 3.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Review the changes in real time to verify.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select Rename Files and let it run.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Done! Your files will be changed in a matter of minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Renamer.io does not support command-line automation, which can be a disappointment to advanced users who need control of scripts. It also is able to handle large batch files, very large directories (100,000plus files) might be slower to index in the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Bulk Rename Utility (Windows)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you’re running Windows and require a lot of power, Bulk Rename Utility is the most experienced in this field. It’s not the most attractive but it’s a complete beast once you understand how to make use of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The program has almost every renaming option you can imagine: prefixes suffixes, regex, conversion numbers, timestamping and JavaScript scripting too. It is able to rename folders and files, and allows you to save presets for repetitive tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The preview window is constantly updated so you know what’s coming before you click Rename.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It’s one of the most efficient tools I’ve ever used. I tried it with a directory containing more than 20,000 files and it finished within 45 minutes. It consumes a little of memory while loading large folders however once it begins changing names, it doesn’t slow down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Extremely comprehensive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can handle a large number of files.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Support for scripting and Regex.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is completely available for use by anyone at any time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strong undo capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The interface looks old.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The steep learning curve for new users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Windows only.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-Step Example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you have a folder of invoices named INV2024_001.pdf<\/code> and you want to change them to Invoice_2024_001.pdf<\/code>, here’s what to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Launch the Bulk Rename Utility, then open the folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the “Add” section, enter
Invoice_<\/code> as a prefix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Click Preview to view the outcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Rename to implement the new name immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Once you’ve gotten used to the overwhelming interface it’s difficult to find a different tool that has the same depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The novices may feel overwhelmed initially due to numerous options and panels. It’s not the best choice for quick renaming if you’re looking for something simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Advanced Renamer (Windows, macOS)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another one of my favorite programs of mine. Advanced Renamer provides flexibility similar to Bulk Rename Utility but with a more streamlined, user-friendly layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It employs a method-based approach that lets you stack different actions to rename. It can handle everything from simple replacing text to metadata-driven renaming. You can rename folders and files, preview changes and even undo completed batches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s also a robust tag system that lets you utilize things such as or to name files automatically based on metadata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I had to rename 5,000 photographs to reflect EXIF-based date patterns and the process was completed within 30 minutes. The interface was fluid, and did not consume a lot of CPU. You can also stop and restart long sessions that you rename.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- User-friendly design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extensive tagging system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excellent performance with large data sets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Work on Windows as well as macOS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Certain advanced methods require familiarity with tags.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Mac version is slightly slower than the Windows version in updates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Usage Example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You have MP3 files such as track01.mp3<\/code>, track02.mp3<\/code>, and you want to change the name to ArtistName - 01.mp3<\/code>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Upload the files you want into Advanced Renamer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select “New Name” as the method.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enter
ArtistName - .mp3<\/code> as your template.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Click Start Batch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verify the preview prior to running.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even though Advanced Renamer is extremely capable but it can also overwhelm novice users who need to add a prefix or suffix fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. PowerRename (Windows)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This feature is integrated into Microsoft PowerToys. This makes it a fast and simple option for Windows users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
PowerRename incorporates directly into File Explorer’s right click menu. It allows search and replace, wildcards as well as regular expressions. It’s not as powerful as dedicated renamers but it’s perfect for the most basic operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Since it’s light and is integrated with Explorer the performance is quick and reliable for daily tasks. I’ve used it to change the names of hundreds of files in less than 10 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Free, and integrated into Windows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Easy for quick renames.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Supports regex and case-sensitivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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