When we need to rename files, it's mostly at work or in scenarios where files are managed chaotically on a computer; too many files have accumulated and must all be unified. We can replace old keywords in the original file names by entering new text, numbers, or symbols ourselves, making the renamed files easier to find and search. Some file names contain drafts, final versions, or require changing names within the file names, all of which need our active adjustment. However, manually right-clicking to rename not only takes a long time but is also highly repetitive, which can easily lead to numbness and errors, wasting our precious time and energy.
Today, Iâll introduce three of the simplest renaming methods. You only need three steps to get it done easily. Whether youâre managing documents or organizing photos and videos, youâll be able to use it right after learning! Letâs learn and give it a try together!
In what scenarios do you need to batch replace text or numbers in file names?
Organizing file names
In the process of organizing file names for businesses or individuals, the number of files is very large, and the file names are not yet standardized. Many created file names contain incorrect dates, duplicate numbers, and some old codes. To improve our subsequent file retrieval, we can use batch replacement of text or numbers in file names to standardize the entire document system.
File name time adjustment
In scenarios like software development, product management, or experiments, as staff or assistants, we may need to save multiple versions of files at various stages, such as V.1, V.2, V.3. As file versions update gradually, the numbers and times in old file names may need to be updated uniformly. We can batch replace a single text or number in file names with another, avoiding errors and low efficiency from manual modification.
Meeting file import standards
When files need to be batch-imported into a database or system, there are usually very strict format rules for file naming. For example, they cannot contain spaces, special symbols, etc. To meet the import standards, we can replace non-standard characters or keywords in file names.
Effect preview of batch replacing keywords in file names
Before processing:
After processing:
Method 1: Use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool to batch replace single text in file names
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Advantages:
- Supports importing all files from a large number of folders for batch operations, and there is no limit to the number of replacement keywords; you can use a single one or countless ones. The whole process has simple and intuitive steps, making it easy even for beginners to get started.
- All files are processed locally, without involving any upload nature, focusing on user privacy security.
Disadvantages:
- The software can only be installed and operated on a computer.
Operation Steps:
1. Open the [ HeSoft Document Batch Processing Tool], select [File Name] - [Find and Replace Keywords in File Names].
2. Choose a method from [Add Files] or [Import Files from Folder] to add the files that need to be renamed, or drag them into the area below to add them. After confirming the files are correct, click Next.
3. Enter the settings page, select [Exact Text Search]. Below the search keyword list, enter the keywords that need to be replaced in the file names. You can enter a single one or multiple ones here, with one word or phrase per line. Below the replacement keyword list, enter the new replacement keywords, then click Next again. Then click Browse and choose the save location for the new files.
4. Wait a few seconds for the processing to complete, then open the folder to see that all file names have been replaced!
Method 2: Windows bulk rename files using right-click
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Advantages:
- Usable on all Windows computers.
- Gets it done simply in a few seconds, suitable for relatively simple renaming.
Disadvantages:
- Can only add sequence numbers, cannot replace keywords in file names.
- All file names will be changed after renaming.
Operation Steps:
1. Select the files you want to rename and press F2 to rename.
2. Then enter the new name.
3. Finally, press Enter to automatically generate the sequence.
Method 3: Use Windows Command Prompt to batch replace file names
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Advantages:
- Gets all files done with just one line of command, suitable for technical staff.
- Processing speed is very fast.
Disadvantages:
- Not very friendly for beginners.
- Difficult to recover if errors occur.
Operation Steps:
1. Hold Shift + right-click in the folder where the files are located, and select Open command window here.
2. Enter the following command:
3. Press the Enter key, and all old keywords in the file names will be instantly replaced with the new keywords!
