If you need to batch add prefixes to many file names, there are two approaches: one is to use a batch processing script, which can be done without installing additional tools but requires some scripting knowledge. The other is to use a file batch renaming tool, which is simpler and more suitable for general office workers. Below, I will share 5 methods for batch adding prefixes to file names, and you can choose according to your own needs.
Preview of Batch Adding Prefixes to File Names
Before processing:
After processing:
Method 1: HeSoft Doc Batch Tool
A professional batch file and document processing tool with a clean interface, simple and easy-to-understand steps, and fast processing. It offers rich features; besides batch renaming files, it also supports batch file format conversion, batch modification of document content, and more.
Steps:
1. Open HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , select File Name → Add Prefix and Suffix to File Name.
2. Add files or import them from a folder, adding all files that need a prefix to the list below.
3. Choose to add a prefix, then enter the prefix text and symbols in the text box below, for example, Prefix_.
4. Once processing is complete, click to view the save location directly; all files will have the prefix added.
Method 2: Advanced Renamer
A powerful bulk file rename tool, supporting up to 14 renaming rules to meet various complex file renaming needs. It can process tens of thousands of files or folders simultaneously, eliminating the need to modify them one by one, saving time and effort.
Steps:
1. Open Advanced Renamer, click Files, and import all files to which you want to add a prefix.
2. Click Add Scheme, choose Add, then enter the prefix text and symbols you want, for example, Prefix_. Set the index position to 1. The new file names after modification will be displayed in real-time on the right side for verification.
3. Once confirmed, click Start Batch to proceed.
Method 3: Windows Batch Script
Batch scripting is a built-in feature of the Windows system, requiring no installation of third-party software. It is ready to use and completely free; just run the script to process automatically. However, it can only handle simple requirements and is less functional compared to other scripts.
Steps:
1. Place all files to which you want to add a prefix into the same folder, then create a new text document in this folder and enter the batch code into it.
2. Save the file in .bat format, then double-click to run this script to complete the process successfully.
Method 4: PowerShell Script
Compared to traditional batch scripts, PowerShell is more powerful and flexible, easily handling complex file processing needs and also supporting regular expressions. However, PowerShell scripts are also more complex and not suitable for beginners.
Steps:
1. Hold Shift + right-click, and select Open PowerShell window here.
2. Enter the script code for batch adding prefixes in the PowerShell window to complete the process.
Method 5: Adding via Formula in Excel
In an Excel spreadsheet, list the original file names and the new file names after adding prefixes, then use a batch script to operate. This is essentially a batch method as well, but it is more intuitive, allowing you to clearly see the effect of the file name changes for easier verification.
Steps:
1. Create a new Excel spreadsheet, copy the original file names to column A, and enter the formula ="Prefix_" & A1 in column B. Replace Prefix_ with the prefix content you need. Press Enter to automatically generate the new file name with the prefix added. Drag the formula down to auto-generate all new file names.
2. Copy the newly generated file names from column B and paste them as values to clear the formulas in the cells. Then, enter the formula ="ren """ & A1 & """ """ & B1 & """" in column C, and drag down to fill the formula, auto-generating the rename commands for all files.
3. Copy the commands from column C into a text document, save it as a .bat file and place it in the folder where the files are located, then double-click to run this script.
For those with a coding background, batch adding prefixes to file names is a very simple operation, quickly accomplished using a script. Beginners, on the other hand, are better suited to using batch file rename tools, which allow for quick mastery without errors.