Batch rename two sided documents

Question

Hello all,

I have a folder of around 800 files that have a sequence number, but they are documents with front and back pages. For example, file 001.tif is the front side of the document, and file 002.tif is the back.

I'd like to name these files where the even filenames (back sides) looks like 001_a.tif, or some variation that would make it known that the image is part of the previous file. That way I would have 001 and 001_a. I'm guessing a work around would be selecting every other file then batch renaming those with a sequence number and adding the _a? But is there any way to do this rename without manually selecting every other file?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Jen

Stephen Marsh · Accepted Answer

@jp-tn

There may be other, indirect methods... Can you provide current, real filename examples of say 4 images (2 x 2 sets)?

And also how do you wish for the final names to be after batch renaming?

Is the filename pattern consistent?

And if an OS level method is needed, are you Mac or Windows?

EDIT:

Work on copies of the originals so that you can easily return them!

Here is a low-tech, non-scripted solution. In the following screenshot, Bridge is sorting in filename ascending order in the grid "thumbnail" view, with the preview size and window content set to force a 2-column view. All one has to do is drag a selection marquee over all files in the right-hand column to select the even-numbered files (yes, dragging down to scroll over 400 odd files). I'd suggest adding a colour label before or directly after renaming the first set, then you can use the filter panel to hide these labelled files (as the sort order will likely change). Afterwards, one can Edit > Invert selection to select all odd-numbered files and reset and run the sequential rename again with a different prefix or suffix.

Example of selecting the even-numbered files:

Final result after both batch renames:

Lumigraphics · Answer

This would require writing a script.

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