How to Bulk Rename Files from a List: CSV, TXT & Excel Methods

When you need precise control over new filenames, use a list. Here's how to rename files from CSV, TXT, and Excel files.

Preparing Your Rename List

CSV Format

old_name,new_name
IMG_001.jpg,beach-sunset-2024.jpg
IMG_002.jpg,beach-family-portrait.jpg
IMG_003.jpg,hotel-pool-morning.jpg

TXT Format (tab-separated)

IMG_001.jpg	beach-sunset-2024.jpg
IMG_002.jpg	beach-family-portrait.jpg
IMG_003.jpg	hotel-pool-morning.jpg

Method 1: PowerShell with CSV

Import-Csv "rename-list.csv" | ForEach-Object {
  Rename-Item $_.old_name $_.new_name
}

With error handling

Import-Csv "rename-list.csv" | ForEach-Object {
  if (Test-Path $_.old_name) {
    Rename-Item $_.old_name $_.new_name
    Write-Host "Renamed: $($_.old_name) -> $($_.new_name)"
  } else {
    Write-Warning "File not found: $($_.old_name)"
  }
}

Method 2: Bash with CSV (Mac/Linux)

while IFS=, read -r old_name new_name; do
  mv "$old_name" "$new_name"
done < rename-list.csv

Method 3: Python Script

import csv
import os

with open('rename-list.csv', 'r') as file:
    reader = csv.DictReader(file)
    for row in reader:
        old = row['old_name']
        new = row['new_name']
        if os.path.exists(old):
            os.rename(old, new)
            print(f"Renamed: {old} -> {new}")

Method 4: Excel VBA Macro

Sub RenameFiles()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    Set ws = ActiveSheet
    
    For i = 2 To ws.Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row
        oldName = ws.Cells(i, 1).Value
        newName = ws.Cells(i, 2).Value
        Name oldName As newName
    Next i
End Sub

Creating Your List Efficiently

From File Explorer 1. Open folder in Command Prompt 2. Run: dir /b > filelist.txt 3. Open in Excel 4. Add new names in column B

Using Excel Formulas Generate new names with formulas:

=CONCATENATE("2024-01-",A1)

Tips for Success

1. Back up first - Always keep copies
2. Test on samples - Try 5 files before 500
3. Check for duplicates - Ensure unique new names
4. Match extensions - Keep file extensions consistent

When Lists Aren't Practical

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