MultiRename - Advanced Batch File Renaming Extension
The MultiRename Extension provides sophisticated batch renaming capabilities through a powerful rule-based system that enables users to rename multiple files and folders simultaneously using complex rename patterns, metadata extraction, and intelligent text manipulation. This advanced renaming tool supports dynamic content insertion from file properties, sequential numbering, date/time stamps, and comprehensive search-and-replace operations that transform basic filename modifications into sophisticated file organization workflows for enhanced productivity and systematic file management.
Advanced Batch Renaming System
Experience powerful batch renaming through intelligent rule creation that combines filename manipulation, metadata extraction, sequential numbering, and date/time insertion. The MultiRename extension transforms complex renaming requirements into simple rule-based operations that support undo functionality, rule templates, and comprehensive file property integration for sophisticated file organization and management workflows.
MultiRename Extension Overview
MultiRename provides comprehensive batch renaming functionality through an intuitive rule-based interface that enables complex filename transformations, metadata integration, and systematic file organization through powerful pattern matching and content insertion capabilities.
MultiRename Interface
MultiRename extension showing rule creation interface with tag insertion and preview capabilities
Core Functionality
- Rule-Based Renaming: Create complex rename patterns using tag-based rule system
- Batch Processing: Rename multiple files and folders simultaneously
- Metadata Integration: Extract and insert file properties, EXIF data, and system information
- Undo Support: Complete undo functionality for safe batch operations
Advanced Features
- Dynamic Content: Insert file properties, dates, counters, and calculated values
- Text Manipulation: Substring extraction, character replacement, and pattern matching
- Rule Templates: Save and load commonly used rename rules
- Preview Functionality: Preview results before applying changes
Safety and Reliability
Undo Protection
- Complete Undo Information: Detailed session tracking for all rename operations
- Session Recovery: Load and undo previously completed rename sessions
- Mistake Protection: Easily reverse incorrect or excessive rename operations
- Safe Operation: Confidence in performing large-scale batch operations
Preview and Validation
- Result Preview: See rename results before applying changes
- Rule Validation: Verify rule syntax and expected outcomes
- Conflict Detection: Identify potential naming conflicts before processing
- Error Prevention: Reduce mistakes through comprehensive preview functionality
Rule Templates and Reusability
Template Management
- Rule Saving: Save frequently used rename patterns as templates
- Rule Loading: Quickly apply saved rules to new file sets
- Workflow Automation: Streamline repetitive renaming tasks
- Pattern Library: Build collection of specialized rename patterns
Efficiency Benefits
- Repeated Operations: Eliminate rule recreation for common tasks
- Consistency: Maintain naming conventions across projects
- Time Savings: Rapid application of complex rename rules
- Standardization: Ensure consistent file naming across teams
Complete Tag Reference
The MultiRename tag system provides comprehensive access to file properties, system information, and dynamic content through a unified tag-based approach. All tags are accessed through button controls or can be typed directly into rename rules.
Tag Access Methods
Tag Insertion System
- Button Access: Press [<] button next to filename field for common tag list
- Extended Tags: "Plugin and more..." option provides access to complete tag library
- Direct Entry: Type tags directly using proper syntax and parameters
- Parameter Support: All tags accept parameters for content extraction and formatting
Complete Tag Library
| Tag Category | Tag | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic File Tags | [N] |
Original filename (without extension) |
[E] |
File extension | |
[P] |
Full file path | |
[F] |
Complete filename with extension | |
| Counter Tag | [C] |
Sequential counter with customizable start, increment, and digits Supports parameters: [C,start,increment,digits] |
| Current Date/Time | [Y] |
Current year (4-digit: 2024, or 2-digit with [Y,2]: 24) |
[M] |
Current month (1-12, or zero-padded with [M,2]: 01-12) | |
[D] |
Current day (1-31, or zero-padded with [D,2]: 01-31) | |
[h] |
Current hour (0-23, or zero-padded with [h,2]: 00-23) | |
[m] |
Current minutes (0-59, or zero-padded with [m,2]: 00-59) | |
[s] |
Current seconds (0-59, or zero-padded with [s,2]: 00-59) | |
| File Properties (Plugin Tags) All start with ? |
[?ExtendedProp.datecreate] |
File creation date/time Supports custom formatting: [?ExtendedProp.datecreate-{yyyy-MM-dd|HHmmss}] |
[?ExtendedProp.datemodify] |
File modification date/time Supports custom formatting like datecreate |
|
[?ExtendedProp.dateaccess] |
File last access date/time Supports custom formatting like datecreate |
|
[?ExtendedProp.size] |
File size in bytes | |
[?ExtendedProp.attributes] |
File attributes (Hidden, ReadOnly, etc.) | |
[?PictureProp.width] |
Image width in pixels | |
[?PictureProp.height] |
Image height in pixels | |
[?PictureProp.exifdate] |
EXIF date from image metadata Camera capture date |
|
[?PictureProp.camera] |
Camera make and model from EXIF | |
[?PictureProp.gps] |
GPS coordinates from EXIF data | |
| Audio Properties (Plugin Tags) |
[?MCAudioProp.artist] |
Audio file artist name |
[?MCAudioProp.album] |
Audio file album name | |
[?MCAudioProp.title] |
Audio file track title | |
[?MCAudioProp.genre] |
Audio file genre | |
[?MCAudioProp.year] |
Audio file year | |
[?MCAudioProp.duration] |
Audio file duration/length | |
| Document Properties (Plugin Tags) |
[?DocumentProp.author] |
Document author |
[?DocumentProp.title] |
Document title | |
[?DocumentProp.subject] |
Document subject | |
[?DocumentProp.keywords] |
Document keywords/tags | |
| Video Properties (Plugin Tags) |
[?VideoProp.width] |
Video width in pixels |
[?VideoProp.height] |
Video height in pixels | |
[?VideoProp.duration] |
Video duration/length | |
[?VideoProp.framerate] |
Video frame rate (FPS) |
Plugin Tag Important Notes
- Prefix Requirement: All plugin tags must start with
?prefix - Character Safety: Date/time plugin tags may return invalid filename characters (like :) - use Search/Replace section
- Custom Formatting: Date/time tags support custom formatting:
-{dateformat|timeformat} - Availability: Plugin tags only work when corresponding plugins are installed and enabled
Tag Parameters and Advanced Formatting
All tags support parameters for precise content extraction, substring manipulation, and custom formatting that enable sophisticated filename construction and content control.
Universal Tag Parameter System
| Parameter Format | Description and Examples |
|---|---|
[<tag>] |
Insert the complete text from the tag Example: [N] inserts full filename |
[<tag><num>] |
Insert the first specified number of characters from the tag Example: [N4] inserts first 4 letters of filename |
[<tag>,<num>] |
Alternative syntax for first N characters Example: [N,4] same as [N4] |
[<tag>,<FromPos>,<Length>] |
Insert text from specific position with maximum length Example: [N,3,4] from "MyFile" returns "File" |
Counter Tag Special Parameters
| Counter Format | Result |
|---|---|
[C] |
Default counter settings |
[C,10,2] |
Start: 10, Increment: 2 10, 12, 14, 16... |
[C,10,2,3] |
Start: 10, Increment: 2, 3 digits 010, 012, 014, 016... |
Counter Applications
- Sequential Files: Number file series systematically
- Batch Processing: Track processing order
- Archive Organization: Version and backup numbering
- Zero Padding: Maintain consistent filename lengths
Date/Time Custom Formatting
Plugin Date/Time Custom Formatting
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
[?ExtendedProp.datecreate-{yyyy-MM-dd}] |
2024-03-15 |
[?ExtendedProp.datecreate-{|HHmmss}] |
143022 |
[?ExtendedProp.datecreate-{yyyyMMdd|HHmmss}] |
20240315 143022 |
Format Pattern References
- Date Patterns: yyyy, yy, MM, dd, MMM, MMMM
- Time Patterns: HH, hh, mm, ss, tt
- External References: Date Formatting, Time Formatting
Practical Examples and Use Cases
Real-world examples demonstrate how MultiRename rules combine multiple tags, parameters, and formatting options to achieve sophisticated filename transformations for various file organization and management scenarios.
Comprehensive Rename Examples
| Rename Rules | Original Filenames | Renamed Results |
|---|---|---|
File: Pre-[N,2,4]-[C,1,2,3]-XExt: [E] |
Done.txtMyFile.txtTodo.txt |
Pre-one-001-X.txtPre-yFil-003-X.txtPre-odo-005-X.txt |
File: [C] - [N] - [?MCAudioProp.genre]Ext: [E] |
Song A.mp3Song B.mp3Song C.mp3 |
01 - Song A - Trance.mp302 - Song B - Pop.mp303 - Song C - House.mp3 |
File: [?ExtendedProp.datecreate-{yyyyMMdd}]_[C,1,1,3]_[?PictureProp.width]x[?PictureProp.height]Ext: [E] |
IMG_1234.jpgDSC_5678.jpg |
20240315_001_1920x1080.jpg20240315_002_3840x2160.jpg |
File: [Y][M,2][D,2]_[h,2][m,2]_[N,1,20]_processedExt: [E] |
invoice.pdfcontract.docx |
20240315_1430_invoice_processed.pdf20240315_1431_contract_processed.docx |
Example Analysis
Text Manipulation Example:
[N,2,4]- Extract 4 characters starting from position 2[C,1,2,3]- Counter: start 1, increment 2, 3 digits- Fixed text "Pre-" and "-X" for consistent formatting
Metadata Integration Example:
[C]- Default counter with zero-padding[N]- Complete original filename[?MCAudioProp.genre]- Audio file genre metadata
Advanced Photo Organization
EXIF-Based Photo Naming with GPS
Complex Rule Example:
File: [?PictureProp.exifdate-{yyyyMMdd_HHmmss}]_[?PictureProp.camera,1,10]_[?PictureProp.width]x[?PictureProp.height]_[C,1,1,3]
Ext: [E]
Benefits:
- EXIF Date: Actual photo capture time from camera
- Camera Info: Camera model identification
- Resolution: Image dimensions for organization
- Sequence Number: Unique identifier for burst photos
Professional Music Library
Complete Music Metadata Integration
Professional Rule Example:
File: [?MCAudioProp.artist,1,20] - [?MCAudioProp.year] - [?MCAudioProp.album,1,25] - [C,1,1,2] - [?MCAudioProp.title,1,40] Ext: [E]
Professional Features:
- Artist Name: Limited to 20 characters
- Release Year: For chronological organization
- Album Title: Limited to 25 characters
- Track Number: Sequential album organization
- Song Title: Limited to 40 characters
MultiRename Mastery
Master MultiRename by understanding the comprehensive tag system that includes basic file tags [N], [E], [P], special function tags like counter [C] and current date/time [Y], [M], [D], [h], [m], [s], and extensive plugin tags for file properties, audio metadata, image EXIF data, and document information. Remember that all tags support parameter-based content extraction [tag,position,length], plugin date/time tags require custom formatting for filename safety, and the preview functionality prevents mistakes in complex batch operations. Utilize the complete tag reference for building sophisticated rename rules that combine multiple metadata sources for professional file organization and naming consistency.
Related File Management Documentation
Enhance your file organization capabilities with related Multi Commander features: Rename Tools, File Selection, Change File Properties, Extensions, Custom Commands, and MultiTags.