Change multiple file names with Batch Rename in Bridge

Renaming multiple files can be an extremely tedious task. Bridge can dramatically simplify and automate this process. Renaming methods include appending text, number sequences, incorporating Metadata and complex string substitutions. Bridge can also preserve the original file name within the Metadata.

TIMELINE

0:00 – Intro

Select at least one file and select Batch Rename from the Tools menu inside Bridge.

0:47 – Destination Folder

The examples used in this video all rename the original files. Batch Rename also allows renamed files to either be moved or copied to another folder.

1:14 – Simplifying the default options

1:37 – Append text to a file name

In this example all file names remain the same except for the addition of the text “-1000px”. The Preview section at the base of the panel shows how a single file will be renamed while pressing the Preview button opens another window that shows how all files will be renamed.

3:31 – Text + Sequence Number

All file names are replaced with the text “Bob-Smith-” followed by a three digit sequence number starting at one. eg “Bob-Smith-001”.

5:05 – Text + Sequence Letter

All file names are replaced with the text “George-Glass-” followed by a sequence letter starting at “A”. eg “George-Glass-A”.

5:43 – Rename based on Metadata

Metadata is information stored within a file such as its dimensions and resolution. Some, but not all, of this metadata can be changed within Bridge. In this example a name is added to the Title field inside the IPTC Core section of the Metadata panel. This metadata field is then accessed from within the Batch Rename panel to rename the respective files. This example renames the files Bert, Ernie and Cookie Monster and then in a second rename the text “The Street – ” is prepended to the file names.

8:34 – String Substitution

Specific parts of a file name can be replaced while allowing other parts to remain unchanged. In this example “ZIMG” is replaced with “Claire”.

9:36 – Preserve current filename in XMP Metadata

Ticking this option saves the original file name to that file’s metadata while changing the name. This original file name can be accessed from the File Properties section in the Metadata panel.

10:59 – Save a Preset

With a series of file renaming options set, they can be saved as a Preset via the Save button.

12:15 – Export to CSV

The Preview button shows the before and after of the file name change. This information can be exported out as a CSV file.