If you have spent hours manually renaming hundreds of files, you definitely know the pain. Sometimes, even simple tasks like organizing work documents, screenshots, and images can become a frustrating slog. I also found myself in such situations a lot of the time. That’s why I started looking for tools that could rename my files sensibly and consistently. After testing a few options, I finally found an app that does the job perfectly. After trying it, I realized how much time and mental energy on manual renaming. Now, I set up a rule once and let the app do that tedious work in seconds.
Meet Advanced Renamer
It stands out from other apps
When I was looking for a capable file renaming app, I came across several options. Some tools were either clunky or required a scripting background. After trying a bunch of them, Advanced Renamer finally clicked with me. It’s fast, flexible, and reliable. Advanced Renamer is available for both Windows and macOS. It strikes a perfect balance between functionality. The app is easy to use and approachable for beginners, and also powerful enough to handle complex renaming tasks.
Advanced Renamer lets you rename multiple files and folders in one go. You can apply 13+ unique renaming methods, like changing case, removing characters, replacing filenames, using metadata, and more. It also offers a live preview to verify your changes and undo functionality to revert changes in case of any mistakes. So, you don’t have to worry about accidental changes ruining your organization.
How Advanced Renamer renames files like a pro
It turns messy filenames into a clean system
Advanced Renamer applies a “method-based” batch process to rename a list of files. Rather than renaming your files one by one, you can create a list of rules to change the filenames.
Here are some of the common renaming methods Advanced Renamer offers:
- New name Method: You can use this method when you want to change the entire filename. It uses a tag to give a unique name to each file or folder in the list.
- New Case method: It helps you change the case of the filename. You can go for lowercase, uppercase, title case, or inverted case. This is helpful for renaming files downloaded from the web. You can choose to apply the changes to the name, extension, or both.
- Replace method: You can change some words or letters in a filename with something else. You just have to mention the text you wish to replace and what you want to replace it with.
- Remove method: You can remove a part of the filename, like a number of characters (from start, end, or specific position) or a part that matches a search term.
- Move method: It allows you to move specific characters from one place to another.
- Renumber method: This method lets you change existing numbers in a filename. It’s helpful when you wish to change a sequence.
The app also offers other methods, but these are the most common ones. Once you’ve selected the method and added your files, hit the Start Batch button in the top-right corner.
Some tips to use Advanced Renamer
Smart ways to get the most out of it
When you open the app for the first time, you might find it too boring, complex, or technical. Frankly, I felt the same. That being said, once I started using it, I found it pretty straightforward and fast.
Here are a few tips that I’ve learned:
- Use drag-and-drop to add multiple files or folders to the list.
- Before you go for batch processing, double-check the output in the New Filename column to make sure that the results look the way you want them.
- The preview feature is a lifesaver. It’s a great idea to make sure that everything looks right before you save the changes.
- You can stack multiple methods, like removing text and renumbering in one go.
- To sort your messy photo library or music downloads, you can make use of ID3 or EXIF tags. This will make your filenames more informative without any extra effort.
These are some of the tips that will help you get started and make the most out of Advanced Renamer from day one.
Where it excels and where it feels tricky
There are a few hiccups
Advanced Renamer is a free, fast, and flexible tool for renaming your files in a sensible way. That being said, it’s not flawless. First, let’s talk about the areas where the app shines. For me, number one is speed. Advanced Renamer can rename hundreds of files in just seconds. Second is its live preview functionality, which ensures you get exactly what you see. And third has to be flexibility. Advanced Renamer can handle all your needs, from simple sequence changes to complex multi-rule renames.
If you ask me what I don’t like about Advanced Renamer, I would definitely say its interface. It can feel extremely overwhelming for first-time users. Also, since a lot is going on, the interface may feel overly cluttered at times. Also, the app absolutely involves a steep learning curve for users who wish to dive deeper into scripting or complex renaming.
That said, these minor quirks do not outweigh the flexibility and functionality the app offers.
I’m never renaming files manually
I have realized that manual renaming is one of those habits that you don’t question until you find a smarter and quicker way to do it. Now that I’ve used Advanced Renamer, I can surely say that I can’t deal with manual renaming anymore. This app helps me save time, keep my files organized, and reduce mistakes. Whether you’re a student, photographer, or someone like me who just hates messy folders, this tool deserves a permanent spot on your device. It will make bulk file renaming painless.
For me, Advanced Renamer turned out to be a lifesaver I didn’t know I needed. It has turned my everyday tedious chores into a few simple clicks. The app didn’t just improve my workflow, it changed the way I used to manage files on my computer.
