Change filename throughout sub-directories
Hello,
I have a need to change a consistent part of a filename throughout many subdirectories that are only one level deep from its parent. What is the best syntax and process to do this?
Thank you!
I have a need to change a consistent part of a filename throughout many subdirectories that are only one level deep from its parent. What is the best syntax and process to do this?
Thank you!
Reply to #1:
Hi Steve,
Without specific examples it's hard to say, but if I assume that you want to use the whole directory name you may be able to use something similar to the following. Let's say you want to replace everything before the first dash ( - ):
REPLACE method:
Replace: *-
Replace with: <Foldername:1>-
Regular expressions off (and no spaces in the parts).
If the directory name is two levels up replace the "<Foldername:1>" with "<Foldername:2>"; it's hard to tell from your phrasing of the question. Change the dash to something consistent in the filename. If that's not what you had in mind please provide specific examples; and good luck! :)
Best,
DF
Hi Steve,
Without specific examples it's hard to say, but if I assume that you want to use the whole directory name you may be able to use something similar to the following. Let's say you want to replace everything before the first dash ( - ):
REPLACE method:
Replace: *-
Replace with: <Foldername:1>-
Regular expressions off (and no spaces in the parts).
If the directory name is two levels up replace the "<Foldername:1>" with "<Foldername:2>"; it's hard to tell from your phrasing of the question. Change the dash to something consistent in the filename. If that's not what you had in mind please provide specific examples; and good luck! :)
Best,
DF
Reply to #1:
Specifically, I have hundreds of files in a folder that start with "image" like:
image26-01-01_06-59-39-45.jpg
I want change "image" to "Seattle" in all the directories.
The parent has many one level of sub-directories with these files.
subdirectory names:
2025-01
2025-02
2025-03
etc.
I want to be able to run the command at the parent and change all the files in all the subdirectories.
Thanks!
Specifically, I have hundreds of files in a folder that start with "image" like:
image26-01-01_06-59-39-45.jpg
I want change "image" to "Seattle" in all the directories.
The parent has many one level of sub-directories with these files.
subdirectory names:
2025-01
2025-02
2025-03
etc.
I want to be able to run the command at the parent and change all the files in all the subdirectories.
Thanks!
Reply to #4:
Ok, I think I understand. If I get it, you just want to change "image" to "Seattle" across a number of folders. If that's it, it's just a matter of dragging all the folders into ARen; you'll get a popup screen that asks if you want to load files or folders. Add the files in the folders and make sure "Include subfolders" is checked. Then it's just a matter of using one replace method:
Replace: image
With: Seattle
Occurrence: All
Case: doesn't matter
Regex: doesn't matter
Apply to: Name
Screenshot: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sXIjO6dgId73tYe98y-UaskggtC EOuRQ/view?usp=sharing
That should do what you need. If I still don't understand I'm sorry, but don't give up, I'll get it eventually! :)
Best,
DF
Ok, I think I understand. If I get it, you just want to change "image" to "Seattle" across a number of folders. If that's it, it's just a matter of dragging all the folders into ARen; you'll get a popup screen that asks if you want to load files or folders. Add the files in the folders and make sure "Include subfolders" is checked. Then it's just a matter of using one replace method:
Replace: image
With: Seattle
Occurrence: All
Case: doesn't matter
Regex: doesn't matter
Apply to: Name
Screenshot: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sXIjO6dgId73tYe98y-UaskggtC EOuRQ/view?usp=sharing
That should do what you need. If I still don't understand I'm sorry, but don't give up, I'll get it eventually! :)
Best,
DF