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rrogers444
Participating Frequently
February 8, 2020
Answered

Batch Rename with a Twist - Impossible task?

  • February 8, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 1371 views

Hello,

My naming convention for importing files consists of the short date, custom text, sequence #. 

   Example 020207 - State Fair - 1

Apparently in 2011 amd prior, I was using 02 02 07 - State Fair - 1.   So, if I am working on a project and export I don't have chronological order of the export.  Plus it drives my OCD nuts!  I use keywords liberally, so finding the pics I am looking for is easy, but I still want to standardize my catalog naming convention.  I cannot figure out a way in Batch Rename to change the date format while preserving the custom text and sequence number.  I could just append the new date at the front by using the "YYMMDD - Filename"  but this is kinda hokie.  I also cannot use Original Filename, because many of them were imported with custom text other than what they have currently.

 

Looking forward to your thoughts.

 

Thanks,

Rich

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer john beardsworth

Hi John,

I must be dense today.  I do not see the slice option that shows on the screenshot on your site.  I was looking for a tutorial on how to use "char" to slice, but cannot find one.  What I see is below.

 


When you switch to Chars (which I'm renaming!), you see two boxes appear in Search For. From Character and To Character.

 

3 replies

johnrellis
johnrellis
Legend
February 8, 2020

To test my understanding, you want to rename a large number of files from your old format "02 02 07 - State Fair - 1" to your new format "020207 - State Fair - 1"? If that's correct, then I think you'll have to use a plugin:

 

1. Use the LR/Transporter plugin to export a CSV file with two columns, the full path of the old-format files and the filename of those files.

 

2. Use a text editor with pattern-matching find-replace or with keystroke macros to change the filename column in the CSV file to the new format.

 

3. Use the LR/Transporter plugin to import the edited CSV file, loading the filename column into an unused metadata field, e.g. Headline.;

 

4. Do Library > Rename Photos with a renaming template that renames the photos using the contents of the metadata field Headline.

 

[Use the reply button under the first post to ensure replies sort properly.]

R
rrogers444Author
Participating Frequently
February 8, 2020

John,

This looks like the ticket!  I need to research a little on pattern matching text editors, unless you have a suggestion.  But your solution seems to be completely feasible.  Some work involved but MUCH less than the alternative.  I will try it out on a test folder once I have found a text editor.  Thanks for your thoughtful response.

Rich

john beardsworth
Community Expert
john beardsworthCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 8, 2020

See this article http://lightroomsolutions.com/articles/complex-file-renaming-in-lightroom-made-simpler/

Ussnorway7605025
Ussnorway7605025
Legend
February 8, 2020

so is your workflow; Bridge 1st then Lightroom or just Lightroom?

R
rrogers444Author
Participating Frequently
February 8, 2020

Direct to Lightroom, but when I was young and not quite as bright sometimes I would forget to change the import name.  Plus prior to Lightroom I used Photoshop Elements.  That is why the original filename does not help me.

 

Rich

Tony_See
Tony_See
Inspiring
February 8, 2020

Are you saying that the spaces in the naming convention template (as written above) are breaking your ability to chronologically Export?

I don't get the link you make between the Import naming template you are using and your loss of Export control chronologically as you say . . .

I don't believe LR Classic (if that's what you are using) has a Batch rename ability of the degree you are seeking.

But I get the wish to have that as useful.

R
rrogers444Author
Participating Frequently
February 8, 2020

Yes, it impacts how the pics are sorted in 3rd party programs I use to build slideshows.  For instance 020202 is a higher number than 03 02 02, because it just counts the second number as 3 for sorting purposes, where the other is counted as 20,202.

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