Batch Rename Multiple Files on Ubuntu: GUI and Command Line Options

Renaming multiple files on Ubuntu can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with command-line interfaces. However, there are several tools available that can simplify this process, whether you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) or command line options. This article will guide you through both methods.

GUI Tools for Batch Renaming

If you’re more comfortable with a graphical interface, there are several tools available that can help you rename multiple files at once.

gprename

gprename is a user-friendly tool that provides a good balance between usability and functionality. To install it, use the following command:

sudo apt-get install gprename

Once installed, you can open gprename and select the directory containing the files you want to rename. You can then specify the renaming rules, such as adding prefixes or suffixes, replacing text, or changing case.

Krename

Krename is another GUI tool that offers batch renaming capabilities. It can be installed through the software center or by using the command:

sudo apt-get install krename

Krename provides a wide range of options, including renaming files based on their metadata (like image EXIF data or MP3 tags), adding numbers or dates, and more.

pyRenamer

pyRenamer is a powerful GUI tool that runs on all major platforms. It provides various renaming options and includes a built-in preview feature to avoid any mistakes. Install it using:

sudo apt-get install pyrenamer

Command Line Tools for Batch Renaming

If you prefer using the command line, there are also several tools available.

rename

rename is a command-line tool that allows you to rename files using Perl regular expressions. It is a simple and straightforward tool that can be used for basic renaming tasks. Here’s an example of its usage:

rename 's/old/new/' *.jpg

In this command, ‘s/old/new/’ is a Perl regular expression that replaces the text ‘old’ with ‘new’ in all .jpg files in the current directory.

mmv

mmv is a command-line tool with a unique expression syntax. It may take some time to get used to, but it can solve most renaming problems effectively. Install it using:

sudo apt-get install mmv

Here’s an example of how to use mmv:

mmv '*.jpg' '#1.png'

This command renames all .jpg files to .png in the current directory.

find -execdir rename

The find -execdir rename command renames files and directories using regular expressions. It is a powerful tool that affects only the basenames of the files, allowing you to perform complex renaming operations. Here’s an example:

find . -type f -execdir rename 's/\.bak$//' '{}' \;

This command removes the .bak extension from all files in the current directory and its subdirectories.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer a GUI or command line interface, there are several tools available for batch renaming files on Ubuntu. Remember to always preview the changes before applying them to avoid any unintended consequences. Each tool mentioned above has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Happy renaming!