---
title: File Renamer
description: "*Menu path: Tools > File Renamer* With this tool files can be renamed and/or moved, using the information entered in Data Crow. Files are renamed by using a 'pattern'. A pattern is a small script made up out of tags…"
url: "https://datacrow.org/docs/file-renamer/"
updated: "2023-03-24"
category: File Tools
---

# File Renamer

*Menu path: Tools > File Renamer*

With this tool files can be renamed and/or moved, using the information entered in Data Crow. Files are renamed by using a 'pattern'. A pattern is a small script made up out of tags which are replaced by actual values when used & applied.

![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/image-66.png)

## Settings

In the Settings you can indicate for which items the files will be renamed.

![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/image-62.png)

| - | All items currently in the view |
| --- | --- |
| - | Only the selected items |

## Pattern

The pattern field is where the new path and name of the files is determined.

![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/image-63.png)

The Pattern field enables you to create a valid pattern by using the right-click menu. The right-click menu offers 4 options, which are explained below.

![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/image-64.png)

### Insert Text

Selecting this menu option will display a small dialog where a static text can be entered. By default all characters which would make a filename invalid, such as the ':' character, are disallowed. The text will be used 'as is' when this pattern is applied.

### Insert Field

Select the field to insert. You'll notice the following text is inserted [<fieldname>]. This 'tag' will be replaced by the actual value for this field when the pattern is applied.

### Insert Directory

Inserts a directory sign, indicating a new directory should be created. Everything prior to the directory sign is now part of the directory structure instead of the filename.

### Remove

Removes the selected pattern part.

## Saving a Pattern

The 'Existing Patterns' list shows saved patterns. To add a pattern to this list simply press the ![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/save.png) button.

![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/image-65.png)

## Managing saved Patterns

The ![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/delete.png) button removes the currently selected existing filter, the ![](https://datacrow.org/wp-content/uploads/accept.png) button applies the currently selected existing filter.

## Path Configuration

### Use original location

This is the default option. Files will be renamed from within their current location. If the pattern contains a directory structure, the file will be move relatively to its current location.

### Use alternate location

You can also choose to move the file to an altogether different location. This is a nice option if you have for example mp3 files scattered over multiple hard drives and would like to to move them all to a different location.

# Renaming your files

After you have created a pattern press 'Preview' to continue to the next phase.

## Preview

For your convenience Data Crow will first show you a preview of what the result might look like. The actual result might differ as the file to rename has to exist. If it does not exist it is simply skipped.

### Excluding items

The preview window also allows you to exclude items. Select the items you want to remove by clicking on them in the table, right-click and select 'remove' from the pop-up menu. The removed items will be excluded by the file renamer task.

### Verify and continue

Press 'start' to continue the renaming process if the preview is to your liking. Press 'cancel' to stop the process.

## Stopping

At any time you can press 'stop' to cancel the renaming process.