Remove a prefix from a batch of files

[mrdavie99]

This task is so critical, I need to ask my specific question regarding it. For some reason I have a number of files with names that include the prefix "untitled-" and then the file number (eg. "untitled-1010550.RW2"). I want to remove "untitled-" from the file names.

[JohanElzenga]

Where does the second part come from? If the second part has some logic in it, like a sequence number, then you could simply rename the images with just that sequence.

[mrdavie99]

the "sequence number" is the photo number assigned by the camera, but the batch of photos will not be in sequence with one another.

[JohanElzenga]

mrdavie99  wrote

the "sequence number" is the photo number assigned by the camera, but the batch of photos will not be in sequence with one another.

Just an idea that should work (try it on a single image first): Use a rename template that only contains 'File Number Suffix'.

[mrdavie99]

I’ll give it a try. Thanks.

[john beardsworth]

Have you tried renaming back to the original filename - if it is available?

[JohanElzenga]

As these file names contain 7 numbers, I don’t suppose that these numbers are the original file name.

[john beardsworth]

Agreed, that's likely, but it is camera-dependent. If the OP has renamed the files in LR, the original filename would be available in the Metadata panel and would be available in renaming.

Alternatively, there is a solution using Bridge and its "string substitution" method - save metadata back to the files. I describe the method in this article which also shows how to do the same using my plugin Complex file renaming in Lightroom made simple(r) with Search and Replace.

Using Bridge:

[mrdavie99]

In the original example, the original filename is "1010550.RW2". The Metadata does not appear to have a field representing the original filename, only the File Name. I see the example above of the Filename Template Editor, but I am not sure how to utilize it to remove the prefix "untitled-"?

[john beardsworth]

The original filename field only appears in the Metadata panel if the file was renamed in LR, and you'd need to switch to the EXIF and IPTC view, as here:

[mrdavie99]

OKAY. So now, I just examined the backup folder for photos taken in 2016 and, for some reason, when I originally imported files the prefix "untitled-" was added to the file name. I am not sure why unless something was set in Lightroom before I imported from the camera.

I do not usually focus on file names. That is one reason for utilizing Lightroom - its database management feature. Nonetheless, I thought the files started off with one name (in the camera) and were magically renamed when imported into Lightroom. I must have inadvertently overlooked a setting prior to initiating the import procedure. I will live with these file names for fear I will mess up the database if I start to batch rename files. Finally, I do not want to manually rename several hundred file names. It is not that important.

[john beardsworth]

Then just follow my recommendation (above) about using Bridge. Or use LR's rename and forget about the 1010550 part of the name - use a sequential number.

[JohanElzenga · Accepted solution]

I don't understand why you ask for advice, and then are too afraid to use it when you get advice. Simply use 'File Number Suffix' as I suggested. As you can see from this screenshot that will work just fine, no matter how many numbers the file name has. And renaming files from within Lightroom does not screw up the database.

[mrdavie99]

Thank you for being persistent Johan. I did it and it worked. AND it was easy!