Batch File Renaming Tool
The Batch File Renaming Tool is a browser-based file management utility supporting bulk file and folder renaming using search-replace, regular expressions, case conversion, and other rules. The tool implements batch operations by generating rename scripts, ensuring safety and control. Supports desktop devices and Chromium-based browsers only (Chrome, Edge, Opera, etc.).
Key Features
After selecting a folder, the tool scans all files and folders, displaying real-time rename previews based on set rules. You can clearly see original and modified names for each file before execution.
Supports simple text search-replace and complex pattern matching with regular expressions. Can choose whether to match case sensitivity and whether to match all occurrences. Can apply rules to full filename, filename only, or extension only, supporting separate processing for files, folders, and subfolders.
Beyond search-replace, can also convert filenames to lowercase, uppercase, or capitalize format to unify naming styles. Tool doesn't directly modify files but generates executable batch scripts. Users download scripts to target folder and double-click to run for renaming, making this approach safer and more controllable.
How to Use
Click "Select Folder" button to choose folder to process; tool scans and displays all files and folders inside. In "Search" box, enter text or regular expression to find; in "Replace" box, enter replacement content. Check case sensitivity, match all, and other options as needed; select application scope and object types. View rename effects in preview area, click "Generate Script" to save rename script to target folder, open folder and double-click script to complete renaming.
When using regular expressions, check "Use Regular Expression" option, enter regex pattern in search box, use $1, $2, etc. to reference capture groups in replace box. Example: To change photo_001.jpg to 001-photo.jpg, search ^(.+)_(\d+)\.(.+)$, replace $2-$1.$3.
Application Scenarios
When organizing downloaded files or photos, batch modify irregular filenames to unified format. Add unified prefix or suffix to batch of files. Batch remove spaces, special characters, or useless text from filenames. Batch modify file extensions. Reformat numbering portions in filenames. Batch modify subfolder names to unify naming conventions.
Scope Description
Full Filename: Rules apply to entire filename including name and extension. Example: photo.JPG → Using search JPG replace with jpg → photo.jpg.
Filename Only: Rules apply to filename portion only, not affecting extension. Example: Photo_IMG.jpg → Using search _ replace with - → Photo-IMG.jpg.
Extension Only: Rules apply to extension portion only, not affecting filename. Example: document.DOCX → Convert to lowercase → document.docx.
Regular Expression Examples
Remove parentheses and content: Search \s*\([^)]*\), replace with empty, effect: filename (copy).txt → filename.txt.
Extract number sequence: Search ^.*$1(\d+).*$, replace $1, effect: photo_abc_123_def.jpg → 123.jpg.
Swap parts: Search ^(.+)-(.+)\.(.+)$, replace $2-$1.$3, effect: name-date.txt → date-name.txt.
Add fixed prefix: Search ^(.+)$, replace prefix_$1, effect: file.txt → prefix_file.txt.
Usage Recommendations
For first-time use, recommend trying in test folder with few files first, confirming rules are correct before applying to important folders. Before generating script, carefully check preview results to ensure each file's new name meets expectations. For important files, recommend backing up before executing batch rename.
Avoid characters not supported by operating system in filenames; tool automatically replaces these characters with underscores. If file count is huge, process in batches to reduce error risk.
Important Notes
Due to using browser's File System Access API, this tool supports desktop browsers only and requires recent Chromium-based browser versions. Firefox and Safari currently don't support this API. Mobile devices cannot use this tool.
Generated scripts require manual user execution to perform rename operations. Windows double-click .bat file; macOS/Linux may need to add execute permissions first. Scripts auto-delete themselves after rename completion; copy before running if you want to keep script for future use.
If renamed files have duplicate names, operating system will prompt or overwrite; ensure rename rules don't produce duplicate filenames. All processing completes locally in browser; file lists and rename rules don't upload to servers.
Common Issues
Why doesn't selecting folder respond$2 Ensure using browser supporting File System Access API (latest Chrome, Edge, Opera versions).
Generated script won't execute$3 Windows ensure double-clicking .bat file. macOS/Linux need to add execute permissions in terminal.
How to undo rename operation$4 Tool doesn't provide undo function; if undo needed, manually modify filenames or restore from backup. Recommend backing up important files before operations.
Tool Comparison
Similar batch rename tools include Bulk Rename Utility (Windows), NameChanger (macOS), Ant Renamer, ReNamer, and other desktop software.
Compared to desktop software, this tool's advantages include no installation required, browser-based operation, cross-platform, and privacy-safe. Through script generation approach, users can review script content before execution for greater transparency and control. Desktop software advantages include richer functionality supporting more complex rename rules, batch undo, metadata processing, and other advanced features.
