User Guide

Learn how to build naming templates, map values dynamically, and batch rename files cleanly using FileNamer.

FileNamer is a browser-based template builder and batch file renamer that helps structure files according to consistent file naming standards.

Built with a privacy-first approach, all processing occurs entirely within your web browser. No accounts are required, no invasive tracking, and no data is uploaded to remote servers.

Template Picker

The Template Picker allows you to manage and back up your file naming templates. Choose from included presets or create and name your own custom templates. Once you create a template, you can export, share, and import at any time.

Field Builder

The Field Builder lets you design the custom sequence of structural segments to form your filenames. You can add new fields, configure their options, and drag and drop fields to change their sequence.

Field Segment Options

Add, reorder, and configure individual structural components:

• TXT
  Text: Create text inputs. Configure as a default value (pre-populated) or as a placeholder (blank by default).
• DRP
  Dropdown: Enforce strict classification values. Enter options as a comma-separated list to render a picker menu in the preview form.
• DAT
  Date: Enforce standardized dates. Select output formats like YYYYMMDD, YYYY-MM-DD, YYYY, or HHMMSS. Supports Custom Format using standard tokens:

  • YYYY / YY (Year, e.g. 2026 / 26)
  • MM / M (Month, e.g. 07 / 7)
  • DD / D (Day, e.g. 08 / 8)
  • HH / H (24h Hour, e.g. 15 / 15)
  • hh / h (12h Hour, e.g. 03 / 3)
  • mm / m (Minute, e.g. 42 / 42)
  • ss / s (Second, e.g. 12 / 12)
  • A / a (AM/PM or am/pm)
• IDX
  Index: Add sequential numbers to each file. Configure numerical digit padding (e.g. set digits to 3 to output 001, 002, etc.).
• EXT
  Extension: Control output extension behaviors. Choose to keep the original file extension, force case styles, supply a custom suffix (e.g. pdf), or strip the extension entirely.

Format Settings

Configure core rules at the bottom of the column that apply across the entire template:

• Separator: Choose how segments are separated. Options include Underscores (_), Hyphens (-), Dots (.), or None.
• Case Styling: Force capitalization styles across all text segments instantly (lowercase, UPPERCASE, snake_case, camelCase, or As Entered).

Preview & Rename

The Preview & Rename panel automatically creates a form based on the rules you create in the Field Builder. As you type, the preview window builds the output string in real-time.

• Dynamic Fields: Text strings, dropdown lists, and calendar date selectors align to your active template segments.
• Sequence Start Control: If an Index segment exists, a "Start Index" counter box lets you choose the initial value of your numbering sequence.
• Quick Copy: Click the "Copy" button to grab a single previewed filename directly to your clipboard.

Batch Renaming

FileNamer can rename folders of files sequentially in a single click. Simply drag files from your file explorer and drop them directly onto the workspace dropzone.

Original vs Target Previews

Once files are dropped, a side-by-side verification log list displays:

• Original Filename: Shows the filename and file size (KB/MB).
• Renamed Output: Displays the target output, verifying that the separators, formatting, date strings, and sequence offsets apply correctly.
• Remove Files: Click the minus icon on individual rows to remove any files from the renaming batch list.

Downloading Files

Download renamed files securely:

• ZIP Download: Bundles your newly named files into a single .zip archive.
• Sequential Fallback: If needed, files download individually in sequence to your browser's downloads directory.

Renaming with CSV Data

For advanced cataloging workflows, you can import external CSV spreadsheets to populate varying template fields automatically instead of typing them out manually for each file.

• Prerequisite: Drag Files First. You must drag your actual files into the dropzone first. A CSV import only works when files are present, as the spreadsheet rows map directly to your file queue.
• Row-to-File Mapping: Row 1 in your CSV applies to the first file in the list, Row 2 to the second, and so on. If you have more files than CSV rows, remaining files fall back to manual form entries.
• Column-to-Field Mapping: Columns are mapped automatically to the active template:
  • By Label Match: If your CSV headers match the exact names of your template's field labels (e.g., SKU, Product Name), those columns will map directly.
  • By Position (Fallback): If headers don't match, column 1 maps to field 1, column 2 to field 2, etc.
• Get CSV Template: Download a pre-formatted CSV template tailored exactly to your active template's field labels, complete with a sample row to get you started.
• Export Log (CSV): Export a complete translation sheet mapping original filenames to their renamed outputs and file sizes for database records or audit trails or other uses. Exported CSVs can be opened and edited in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, Google Sheets, and more.

Offline & PWA Support

FileNamer can be installed to run as a local, standalone application on both desktop and mobile devices. It remains fully functional offline and all data processing happens locally.