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Renaming many files

The Multi-Rename Tool renames a whole batch of files in one pass. Instead of editing names one at a time, you describe the change once — a naming pattern, a search-and-replace, a numbering scheme, or a change of letter case — and Peach Commander applies it to every selected file. A live preview shows exactly what each file will be called before anything happens, and a single Undo puts the original names back if the result is not what you wanted.

Rename a batch of files

  1. Select the files you want to rename (see Selecting files). Only the selected items are affected.
  2. Choose Commands > Multi-Rename Tool…, or press Ctrl+M.
  3. Build your rename rule using the fields described below. The preview grid updates as you type, showing each Old name next to its New name.
  4. Check the preview. A row shown in a highlight color flags a name that cannot be used (for example, a duplicate or an illegal name) so you can adjust the rule.
  5. When the preview looks right, click Start. If you change your mind, click Undo to restore the original names.

The Multi-Rename window with the mask fields, options, and the old-to-new preview grid (Figure: The preview grid updates live as you edit the rename rule; nothing is changed on disk until you click Start.)

Building the rename rule

  • Rename mask and Extension — patterns that build the new name and extension. Use the quick-insert buttons, or type placeholders directly: [N] for the original name, [N1-9] for a range of characters from it, [C] for the counter, [d] for date and time parts, and [P] for the parent folder name.
  • Search for / Replace with — replace text inside the names. Turn on Regex for pattern matching, Case sensitive to match exact letter case, and Repeat to replace every occurrence.
  • Case — convert names to lowercase, UPPERCASE, First letter capitalized, or Every Word capitalized.
  • Counter — set the Start number, the Step between files, and how many Digits to pad to (for example, 001, 002, 003) wherever [C] appears.

Shortcuts

Action Shortcut
Open the Multi-Rename Tool Ctrl+M
Apply the rename Return
Close the window Esc

Tips

  • Nothing is written to disk until you click Start, so you can experiment freely with the rule and watch the preview.
  • After a run, Undo reverses the rename in one step.
  • Save a rule you use often as a Preset, then pick it from the preset menu next time to fill in all the fields at once.
  • To rename a single file, or to rename files as you move them, use in-place rename or the move dialog instead (see Moving & renaming).