Batch File Renamer: Bulk Rename Files Online Free
Need to rename dozens of files with a consistent naming scheme? Our free batch file renamer helps you standardize file names in bulk. Build a custom naming pattern using tags like {date}, {dept}, {counter}, and more. Preview every result live, automatically detect duplicate names, and export ready-to-run rename commands. All processing happens in your browser: no uploads, no servers, 100% private.
1. Add your files
Drop files or click to select (any type)
Only file names are read · nothing is uploaded
2. Build your naming pattern
3. Preview & export
Add files above to see the live preview
All processing happens locally in your browser. No file or file name is ever sent to our servers.
How to batch rename files — step by step
Renaming multiple files has never been easier. Here's how to use our batch file renamer:
- Step 1: Drag and drop your files into the upload area, or click to browse and select multiple files from your computer.
- Step 2: Choose a preset pattern or build your own using the pattern builder. Click any tag button ({date}, {dept}, {desc}, {name}, {counter}, {ext}) to insert it into your pattern.
- Step 3: Fill in your Department/Label and Description values — these will replace the {dept} and {desc} tags in your pattern.
- Step 4: Customize the word separator (underscore, hyphen, or space), counter start, and padding for numbering.
- Step 5: Toggle Auto-resolve duplicate names to automatically add suffixes to duplicate file names, or Remove forbidden characters to clean up your file names.
- Step 6: Preview the new names in the table below. If everything looks right, copy the rename commands or download a shell script to execute the renaming on your computer.
No sign-up, no hidden fees, no uploads — just private, fast batch renaming.
Why use our free batch file renamer?
Our batch file renamer is designed to be the most flexible, private, and easy-to-use tool on the web. Here's what makes it stand out:
- 100% private and secure: Your files never leave your device. Only the file names are read locally — no uploads to external servers, no data collection.
- Flexible naming patterns: Build custom patterns using tags for date, department, description, original name, counter, and file extension. Choose from presets or create your own.
- Live preview: See the new names instantly as you build your pattern. No guessing — preview every rename before you commit.
- Auto-resolve duplicates: Automatically detect and fix duplicate file names by adding suffixes like -01, -02, etc.
- Remove forbidden characters: Automatically sanitize file names by removing characters that are not allowed in file names (like \ / : * ? " < > |).
- Export options: Copy rename commands to your clipboard, copy the new names, or download a ready-to-run shell script (.sh) for macOS and Linux.
When do you need to rename files in bulk?
Batch file renaming is useful in countless situations. Here are just a few examples:
- Organizing photos: Rename hundreds of photos from your camera with a consistent naming scheme like 2024-01-01_Holiday_001.jpg.
- Standardizing documents: Rename invoices, receipts, or contracts to follow your company's naming convention, e.g., Finance_Invoice_2024-01.pdf.
- Digital asset management: Keep your media library organized with consistent, searchable file names.
- Preparing files for upload: Rename files to meet the naming requirements of a specific platform or system.
- Cleaning up downloads: Rename downloaded files (like "download-1.pdf") to something meaningful and consistent.
- Archiving projects: Rename project files to include the project name, date, and version number for better organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to rename files online here?
Absolutely. Our batch file renamer works completely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to any server — we only read the file names locally on your device. This means your documents, photos, and files remain 100% private and secure. No one can access your files, and we don't store anything.
What naming tags can I use in my pattern?
You can use six tags: {date} (today's date or file's last modified date), {dept} (custom department/label), {desc} (custom description), {name} (the original file name without extension), {counter} (sequential number with padding), and {ext} (the original file extension). Click any tag button to insert it into your pattern.
What does "Auto-resolve duplicate names" do?
When enabled, the tool automatically detects if multiple files would end up with the same new name. It then adds a suffix (like -01, -02) to each duplicate to make them unique. This ensures that no two files will have the same name after renaming, which would cause conflicts when you apply the changes.
What characters are removed when "Remove forbidden characters" is enabled?
This option removes characters that are not allowed in file names on most operating systems: \ / : * ? " < > |. It also replaces multiple spaces with the selected separator to keep your file names clean and consistent. This helps prevent errors when you try to save or move files.
How do I actually apply the new file names to my files?
Our tool generates ready-to-run rename commands for you. You can copy the commands to your clipboard and paste them into your terminal/command line, or download a shell script (.sh) that you can run on macOS or Linux. The commands use the standard mv command to rename files. Just make sure you're in the correct folder when running the script.
Does this tool work on Windows, Mac, and Linux?
Yes! The tool works in any modern web browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile devices. The exported shell script (.sh) is designed for macOS and Linux users, but Windows users can use the Copy rename commands option and adapt the commands for PowerShell or Command Prompt (or use Windows Subsystem for Linux / Git Bash to run the .sh script).