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Rename by Pattern
Use {name}, {index}, {date} patterns
Try Rename by Pattern Online
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Rename by Pattern renames a whole batch of files at once using tokens like `{name}`, `{index}`, `{date}` and `{ext}` — turning camera dumps like `IMG_4532.HEIC` into `vacation-001.heic`. It runs locally, and Preview Rename lets you check the mapping before it happens.
The tokens are the whole trick: `{name}` keeps the original base name, `{index}` is a running number, `{date}` inserts today's date, `{ext}` keeps the extension. Combine them into any template you like.
How To Use Rename by Pattern Offline
- Open Rename by Pattern — Under File Tools, or search "rename" with ⌘/Ctrl+K.
- Drop the files — Drag in the batch — images, documents, anything.
- Write the pattern — e.g. `holiday-{index}` → holiday-1.jpg, holiday-2.jpg… or `{date}_{name}` to stamp the date onto every file.
- Preview and process — Check the before/after names with Preview Rename first — then run it. Renames happen in place.
Why Use 1FileTool Over Online Tools?
- 100% offline — Files never leave your computer. No uploads, ever.
- Pay once — One-time payment from $29. No monthly subscriptions.
- Instant results — Local processing is faster than uploading + server processing + downloading.
- No file size limits — Process files of any size, limited only by your disk space.
- GDPR compliant — No data collection means complete privacy compliance by design.
Formats
| Input | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| any files | renamed in place | Renames the original filenames — no copies are made. |
Good to know
- Replace source is ON by default — it overwrites originals with no backup. Turn it off in Settings › General to keep both.
- Renaming is in place — there is no undo, so preview the pattern first.
- `{index}` numbers run 1, 2, 3… in drop order; `{date}` uses today's date (YYYYMMDD).
- The free plan processes 8 files per calendar day.
Tips
- Always Preview Rename before applying — one bad pattern renames every file.
- Use `{date}_{name}` to prefix-scan a folder of exports chronologically.
- For simpler jobs, the related Add Prefix, Add Suffix, Number Sequentially and Find & Replace tools need no pattern syntax.
Frequently asked questions
What tokens can I use?
`{name}` (original base name), `{index}` (running number), `{date}` (today, YYYYMMDD) and `{ext}` (the extension). If your pattern omits the extension, it is appended automatically.
Can I undo a rename?
No — renaming is in place, so always preview the result first with Preview Rename.
Does it copy files or rename them?
It renames the actual files — nothing is duplicated. For a dated copy instead, use Duplicate File with Timestamp.
Are files sent anywhere?
No — renaming happens entirely on your filesystem, offline.