Rename Images

Batch rename files with patterns, numbering and prefixes before download.

Rename a batch of files with patterns, sequential numbering and prefixes before you download them. Turns a folder of camera filenames into something you can actually work with.

Why this matters more than it sounds

Camera filenames — `IMG_20260714_093122(1).jpg` — carry no useful information about what the file contains. When you are uploading a dozen documents to an application portal under time pressure, hunting through a list of those is exactly how the wrong file ends up in the wrong field.

Renaming before you start is a two-minute investment that prevents that whole class of error.

How to use it

1. Add the files you want to rename.
2. Set a base name, a prefix or suffix, and a numbering pattern.
3. Drag files into the order you want them numbered.
4. Preview the resulting names, then download as a ZIP.

Naming conventions worth adopting

What to avoid in filenames

• Spaces — they break URLs and complicate command-line work. Use underscores or hyphens.
• Special characters — `/ \ : * ? " < > |` are illegal or problematic on at least one major platform.
• Very long names — some systems still cap the full path length.
• Non-ASCII characters — safe on modern systems, but older upload portals occasionally mangle them.
• Leading dots — these hide the file on Unix-like systems.

Frequently asked questions

Does renaming change the image itself?

No. Only the filename changes — the pixel data, format and quality are untouched. Renaming is not a conversion.

Can I change the file extension this way?

You should not. Renaming `photo.png` to `photo.jpg` does not convert it, and upload validators read the file contents rather than the name — so the file will be rejected. Use the Image Converter for a real conversion.

How do I control the numbering order?

Drag the files into the order you want before applying the pattern. The numbering follows the list order, not the order you added them.

Can I add the original name as part of the new one?

Yes — prefixes and suffixes can be combined with the existing name, which is useful when the original carries information you want to keep.

Are the files uploaded anywhere?

No. Renaming happens entirely in your browser and the ZIP is assembled locally before download.

Why not just rename them in my file manager?

You can, and for a couple of files that is quicker. This is for batches where you want consistent patterns and sequential numbering applied in a specific order.

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