Preserve Filename

[SRPcashie]

Hi, 

I've seen a lot of posts about preserving the original filename but I don't really understand them.  I have my original raw files which I need to batch rename to my naming convention but I'd like to keep the original filename somewhere in the metadata.  Is this possible?

Ventura 13.6.7

Bridge 14.1.1.274

[Stephen Marsh]

Yes, this is possible. As they are raw files, the preserved filename metadata will be written to the XMP sidecar file, not to the raw file. Most file formats can accept the preserved filename metadata entry, however, others such as TGA don't.

The preserve option works to store the current filename in a specific metadata entry. So if you Batch Rename from "original file.nef" to "new filename.nef" then "original file.nef" is stored in metadata.

It's also possible to use the Batch Rename tool as below to set the preserved filename, without changing the current name:

Or:

Please do double check File > File Info: Raw Data for the preserved filename to ensure that the data is actually there!

[SRPcashie]

That was my next question.  Where do I find the original file name?  I know you said File > File Info: Raw Data but where do I find that? 

My other semi related question is, where do you place information about the file such as the name and contact info for subject so you can see it in LR and when output as a jpg?  

Thanks so much for your help!

[SRPcashie]

I did just find what you were talking about.....And i just realized I did batch rename twice bc i had an error in the first one, and now I think it only preserved the last erroneously changed name. 

[Stephen Marsh]

I did just find what you were talking about.....And i just realized I did batch rename twice bc i had an error in the first one, and now I think it only preserved the last erroneously changed name. 

By @SRPcashie

That could be a problem for you then. Depending on the filename pattern and how it was renamed, it might be salvageable with an advanced regular expression string substitution based Batch Rename.

Can you share the file so that I can look at it using ExifTool for you?

You can crop it to 1x1 pixel size, or fill it with black etc... It just needs all of the metadata to be in there, so use Save As/Save a Copy, don't use Export As or Save for Web (Legacy).

[Stephen Marsh]

ExifTool shows this possibility, but if that is wrong:

[XMP-xmpMM] PreservedFileName : 06222024_06222024_rodeo_s_0001.ARW

There is also this option, however, that matches the current file name:

[Photoshop] SlicesGroupName : 06222024_rodeo_s_0001

So what are you looking for in the correct file name? What should it be?

[SRPcashie]

It would have been a sony raw file automatic name like '_DSC1234'.  I'm afraid I lost it because of having to rename it twice.  I will try again with the files from my canon camera. 

[Stephen Marsh]

If they are still on the camera card for reference, then you could rename them using that as a guide, however, it would be a lot of work if the images were not sequential.

[Stephen Marsh]

That was my next question.  Where do I find the original file name?  I know you said File > File Info: Raw Data but where do I find that? 

By @SRPcashie

As per this screenshot is one way:

Another way is renaming via the preserved filename:

[SRPcashie]

Thanks Stephen.  I renamed another batch of files and was able to find the orginal filename in there, even tho it did take a bit of searching.  Is there a way to save this option being checked all the time (preserve filename?)

And is there a way to enter the info of the person + contact info in the metadata that it will always be available in bridge and LR, and follow the file?

[Stephen Marsh]

Is there a way to save this option being checked all the time (preserve filename?)

Have you tried creating a preset for the Batch Rename at the top of the interface?

And is there a way to enter the info of the person + contact info in the metadata that it will always be available in bridge and LR, and follow the file?

By @SRPcashie

It depends on the file format. Some file formats such as GIF or TGA don't accept metadata, while others like JPEG, TIFF and PSD do. In proprietary raw camera files, the metadata is stored in an XMP sidecar file.

[SRPcashie]

Thanks for your help.