Bulk File Renamer Script

The Problem

Standardising file names across a large folder — adding dates, fixing inconsistent formats, matching names to a reference list — is exactly the kind of repetitive task that's fast to script and slow to do by hand.

About this problem

Renaming files by hand is slow, and mistakes are easy to make. The main risks are collisions, where two files end up with the same new name, and irreversible changes if a pattern is wrong. A script with a preview step reduces these by showing exactly what will happen before any file is touched.

People typically come to this when they have a large folder with inconsistent names, need dates or numbers added, or have a spreadsheet mapping old names to new ones and want it applied correctly.

What's Included

• A script that renames files based on a pattern (find/replace, sequential numbering, date-based) or a CSV mapping
• A dry-run preview before anything is actually renamed, so you can check it first
• Handling of duplicate-name conflicts safely
• The renamed files delivered back to you, originals untouched unless you ask otherwise

What's NOT Included

• Renaming based on file content analysis (e.g. "guess what this document is about") unless specifically scoped
• Moving/reorganising files into new folder structures (can be added)
• Ongoing automatic renaming of new files without a trigger mechanism

How It Works

1. I review your files and the naming rules or CSV mapping you want applied.
2. I write a script that builds the list of old and new names from the pattern or mapping.
3. I add a dry-run mode that prints or exports the planned changes without altering anything.
4. I detect duplicate target names and resolve them safely, for example by adding a suffix.
5. I run the renaming into a copy or in place, as you prefer, keeping originals unless you ask otherwise.
6. I test on a sample folder and write a short usage note.

In practice: you buy the service, send over whatever access or details the job needs, I investigate and do the work, and you confirm it's resolved before we call it done.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I rename hundreds of files at once?

A script can apply a pattern or a CSV mapping to every file. I build it with a preview so you can check before anything changes.

What happens if two files would get the same name?

The script detects this and handles it safely instead of overwriting.

Can it rename based on what is inside the files?

Not unless specifically scoped. It works from names, patterns or a mapping.

Can it also move files into folders?

That can be added but is not part of the base job.

Will it keep running on new files?

No. Automatic renaming of new files would need a trigger mechanism and is not included.

Can I undo the renaming?

Originals are kept unless you ask otherwise, so you can go back to them.