Batch Rename Feature
Overview
The batch rename feature allows you to rename multiple files at once using regex patterns and destination templates with special macros.
How to Use
- Select Multiple Files: Use the space bar to select multiple files in the file manager
- Trigger Batch Rename: Press ‘R’ key when multiple files are selected
- Enter Patterns: The batch rename dialog will appear with two input fields:
- Regex Pattern: A regular expression to match parts of the original filenames
- Destination Pattern: A template for the new filenames using special macros
Special Macros
The destination pattern supports the following macros:
\0 - The entire original filename\1 to \9 - Regex capture groups from the pattern match\d - Index number (1, 2, 3, etc.)
Examples
Example 1: Add Prefix
- Files:
file1.txt, file2.txt, file3.txt
- Regex Pattern:
(.*)
- Destination Pattern:
backup_\1
- Result:
backup_file1.txt, backup_file2.txt, backup_file3.txt
Example 2: Change Extension
- Files:
document.txt, readme.txt, notes.txt
- Regex Pattern:
(.*)\.txt
- Destination Pattern:
\1.md
- Result:
document.md, readme.md, notes.md
Example 3: Add Sequential Numbers
- Files:
photo.jpg, image.jpg, picture.jpg
- Regex Pattern:
(.*)\.(jpg)
- Destination Pattern:
\1_\d.\2
- Result:
photo_1.jpg, image_2.jpg, picture_3.jpg
Example 4: Extract and Reorder Parts
- Files:
2023-01-15_report.pdf, 2023-02-20_summary.pdf
- Regex Pattern:
(\d{4})-(\d{2})-(\d{2})_(.*)
- Destination Pattern:
\4_\1\2\3
- Result:
report_20230115.pdf, summary_20230220.pdf
Dialog Controls
- Tab: Switch between regex pattern and destination pattern input fields
- Enter: Execute the batch rename operation
- ESC: Cancel and exit batch rename mode
- ↑/↓: Scroll through the preview list
- ←/→: Move text cursor left/right within the current input field
- Home/End: Move cursor to beginning/end of the current input field
- Backspace: Delete character before cursor
- Delete: Delete character at cursor position
Preview
The dialog shows a real-time preview of the rename operation:
- Original Name: The current filename
- New Name: The proposed new filename
- Status:
OK - Rename will succeedUNCHANGED - No change neededCONFLICT! - Target filename already existsINVALID! - Invalid filename (contains illegal characters)
Safety Features
- Conflict Detection: The system checks for existing files and prevents overwrites
- Validation: Filenames are validated for illegal characters
- Preview: See all changes before executing
- Selective Rename: Only files that actually change are renamed
Notes
- Only regular files are included in batch rename (directories are excluded for safety)
- The regex pattern must match the filename for the rename to occur
- If no match is found, the original filename is preserved
- Empty or invalid destination patterns will prevent the operation