Add Bulk File Renaming to Apple’s OSX Finder.app
Today at work I was asked how to rename multiple JPEG files on a Mac. This individual was apparently able to accomplish this amazing feet with very little effort on a Windows system. (Every time I hear someone say how easy Windows makes something my stomach turns.) I used to have an AppleScript that did just that, but I have since lost track of that file. So I looked to the internet. Surely it’ll only take a few minutes to make this happen, right?
There is one free application available for renaming files (NameChanger) and there are several tutorials about using AppleScript and/or Automator.app. The DIY script and Automator options are okay for certain types of people, but the people that really need help will struggle to understand how to use these tools. What are all of the non-geek OSX users supposed to do?
Well, here’s another one of my small contributions to society. A free Automator.app-created workflow that will add the option ‘Rename Multiple Files’ to the contextual menu in Finder.app. Just select multiple files, right-click and select ‘Rename Multiple Files’ and away you go!
Here’s how to install this Rename Multiple Files tool:
- In the Finder navigate to /Users/yourname/Library/Services/
[if "Services" doesn't exist, create a new folder and name it likewise] - Download the RenameMultipleFiles.zip, extract the contents onto your desktop (double-click in OSX) and copy the file “Rename Multiple Files.workflow” to the previously mentioned “Services” folder.
- Open a Finder window with multiple files. Select all of the files. Right-click on the selected files. At the bottom of the contextual menu you will find an option titled “Rename Multiple Files”. (It may take a minute or two for this new option to become available on your contextual menu.)
Shortly after you click on “Rename Multiple Files” you will be presented with a small window and several options. To save a verbose explanation I have included screenshots of the options below.
This workflow was created on a Mac running OSX 10.6. It is dependent on Automator.app. It definitely works with other 10.6 machines, but if you are running some other version of OSX it may or may not work.
Please give me feedback about whether or not this is useful or if it doesn’t work at all. Thanks.
October 1st, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Looks like you got it covered, but I seem to need to do this kind of thing regularly, so I thought I would mention the apps I use. One is called NameMangler. The other is called “A Better Finder Rename.” Between the two of them I can really manage tons of files pretty easily. Looks like neither of them are free anymore, but I don’t remember paying for them. Might be worth the cost if you do enough batch renaming.
January 10th, 2011 at 7:46 am
Sweet services extension. The only recommendation that I’d make is that you allow regex in the text replacement pane.
January 10th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@AxsDeny: Thanks and the regex idea is a good one, but I’m not quite sure how to implement it. I am also hesitant to put too much work into it since I have very little use for such sophistication. But it’s still a great idea!
July 13th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Doesn’t seem to work on Tiger. No context menu item appears. If I run the .workflow file, Automator informs me:
Warning. This workflow document is missing some required resources:
• Automator could not find an installed action with the name “Get Selected Finder Items”
• Get Selected Finder Items
Automator could not find an installed action with this name.
The workflow was saved with a newer version of Automator.
This workflow may not behave correctly when run.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@Pij: Thanks for the feedback details. Apparently the items that I’m employing with this automator workflow did not exist in OSX 10.4. I could try to address this limitation, but instead I’ll point you to a very promising-looking application called NameMangler (http://manytricks.com/namemangler/) by Peter Maurer, the guy that created TextExpander. Actually, NameMangler is for OSX 10.5 and newer, but it’s predecessor FileList (http://manytricks.com/download/filelist) will work on older systems and it’s free.
August 29th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Does it work with Lion?
August 29th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
I don’t know, but I’d appreciate it if you could try it and let me know.
The only OSX machine I have is at work is on 10.6 for the foreseeable future.
November 25th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Thank you SO much! This works perfectly!
November 29th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
You’re welcome!
March 9th, 2012 at 8:41 am
I had 188 jpg files and you have just saved me a LOT of time – great tool – many thanks for sharing with the world!
Michael
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:09 am
Yeah, works with Lion
March 24th, 2012 at 8:48 am
Very cool. Thanks for the update Kym!