How to Bulk Rename Pictures and Photos: Complete Guide

Photographers deal with thousands of photos. Here's how to rename them all efficiently.

Why Rename Photos?

Camera names are useless: - IMG_4521.jpg - means nothing - DSC_0001.jpg - impossible to search - _MG_1234.CR2 - which shoot was this?

Good names enable: - Quick searching - Easy organization - Professional sharing - Long-term archiving

Rename Using EXIF Data

Photos contain metadata (EXIF) including: - Date and time taken - Camera model - GPS location (if enabled)

Windows: Using PowerShell

# Requires additional modules for EXIF
Get-ChildItem *.jpg | ForEach-Object {
  $date = $_.LastWriteTime.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd-HHmm")
  Rename-Item $_ "$date.jpg"
}

Mac: Using ExifTool

exiftool '-filename<CreateDate' -d '%Y-%m-%d-%H%M%S.%%e' *.jpg

Method 1: Windows File Explorer

Basic but functional: 1. Select all photos 2. Press F2 3. Type base name 4. Photos become name (1), name (2), etc.

Method 2: Mac Finder

1. Select photos
2. Right-click → Rename
3. Choose format options
4. Apply

Method 3: Adobe Bridge

For photographers using Adobe: 1. Open Bridge 2. Select photos 3. Tools → Batch Rename 4. Configure pattern with date, sequence, text

Method 4: Photo Management Software

Lightroom Classic 1. Library module 2. Select photos 3. Library → Rename Photos 4. Choose template or custom

Capture One Built-in batch rename with token system.

Method 5: AI-Powered Renaming

Traditional methods: pattern-based names AI renaming: content-based names

File Renamer AI analyzes each photo: - sunset-beach-silhouette.jpg - wedding-ceremony-kiss.jpg - portrait-business-headshot.jpg

Photo Naming Conventions

By Date + Event

2024-01-15-wedding-smith-001.jpg
2024-01-15-wedding-smith-002.jpg

By Event + Description

wedding-smith-ceremony-vows.jpg
wedding-smith-reception-dance.jpg

By Client + Project

smith-headshots-portrait-01.jpg
smith-headshots-candid-01.jpg

Best Practices

1. Include date for sorting
2. Use descriptive keywords
3. Maintain consistent format
4. Keep original files backed up

Try File Renamer AI - Smart photo organization.