Any suggestions for a more robust file renaming plugin for Lightroom Classic?

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
April 6, 2023
3 replies
472 views

LR's file renaming options are pathetic and I always end up having to work outside of the program for certain renaming options. No matter how careful I am, this always results in issues with the file inside the catalog.

So does anyone know of a good plugin or something to bring more robust renaming options into LR?

Thanks!

macOS

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer Conrad_C

So does anyone know of a good plugin or something to bring more robust renaming options into LR?
By @RRowe

You might look into a workaround involving the Search Replace Transfer plug-in. This method involves using the plug-in to temporarily hijack another metadata field to hold a copy of the filename, do a search and replace operation on that field, then transfer those characters back into the File Name field.

Yes, it’s a big mystery why Lightroom Classic can’t search and replace text in filenames, years after Adobe Bridge (and more recently the macOS Finder) added that capability. It is sorely needed, and many users have submitted feature requests about it over the years.

Conrad_C

Correct answer

Community Expert

So does anyone know of a good plugin or something to bring more robust renaming options into LR?
By @RRowe

You might look into a workaround involving the Search Replace Transfer plug-in. This method involves using the plug-in to temporarily hijack another metadata field to hold a copy of the filename, do a search and replace operation on that field, then transfer those characters back into the File Name field.

Yes, it’s a big mystery why Lightroom Classic can’t search and replace text in filenames, years after Adobe Bridge (and more recently the macOS Finder) added that capability. It is sorely needed, and many users have submitted feature requests about it over the years.

GoldingD

Legend

What syntax are you trying to rename to?

Do you create rename presets to suit your desires?

RRoweAuthor

Inspiring

There are some starting syntax guidelines, but again, each project varies and can be unique. We do our best to consider known-variables that are put into the name when captured, but there will always be changes after that.

JohanElzenga

Community Expert

Renaming files outside of Lightroom will lead to a 'missing image' problem, regardless of how careful you are. And AFAIK, plugins cannot rename files. You should probably rename them before you import them in Lightroom Classic. What's so pathetic about Lightroom's built-in options? How are you trying to rename the files?

-- Johan W. Elzenga

RRoweAuthor

Inspiring

@JohanElzenga I shoot tethered to LR and capture thousands of images. No matter the preparation/organization, there will always be a vast variety of changes that need to be made. Renaming everything before LR is not an option at all. Of 1,000 images, perhaps 247 images had an error in the SKU that is in the file name. Now all those need to be renamed, search and replace style. X amount of images need an additional qualifier in the name. ALWAYS a variety of things.

LR is pathetic (unless there are options I'm unaware of) in the sense that all you have to do is look at the options Bridge has, or my OS has, each is unique and has its advantages, but LR's options are the most limiting. Search and replace alone would be an amazing addition.

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