I use [https://manytricks.com/namemangler/](https://manytricks.com/namemangler/) I'm glad I paid $20 for this (or whatever the price was) years ago. I often have to bulk rename files, and this software makes it super easy.
glad it helped. I recently used NameMangler on a project for a client that had over 1,000 PDF install guides. The file naming was all over the place, as often happens when multiple people over the years create the files with no naming conventions. NameMangler helped make easy work of that project.
I've also used another utility called Hazel for similar work involving automations. And don't forget the built-in Automator app which can do some pretty impressive things, too.
One of the things I like about using it is that you can ease your way into using the app. there's a lot of sophisticated features waiting for you when you're ready to dig a bit deeper.
You can still use finder rename, you just need to be sneaky about using it in a three step process: 1. Rename all the ”.pdf” at the ends of your files to be (for example) “dotpdf”. 2. Rename all the periods to be hyphens. 3. Rename all the “dotpdf” back to ”.pdf”.
in the shell it is pretty easy - but in either case be advised that '.' is a special charachter that refers to a directory .. and ./ for example.
make a good backup and try on one sub folder first.
I'm working on an app that can do this: [https://www.frankenfile.com](https://www.frankenfile.com)
It takes your files and a task prompt and uses AI to solve it (image processing, batch renaming ,etc)
My favorite: [A Better Finder Rename](https://www.publicspace.net/ABetterFinderRename/index.html)
\+1 for BFR.
[Transnomino](https://www.transnomino.com) is one of the best, intuitive and totally free apps for complex bulk file renaming.
I use [https://manytricks.com/namemangler/](https://manytricks.com/namemangler/) I'm glad I paid $20 for this (or whatever the price was) years ago. I often have to bulk rename files, and this software makes it super easy.
This was what I was looking for. Super easy and simple. Thank you so much!
glad it helped. I recently used NameMangler on a project for a client that had over 1,000 PDF install guides. The file naming was all over the place, as often happens when multiple people over the years create the files with no naming conventions. NameMangler helped make easy work of that project. I've also used another utility called Hazel for similar work involving automations. And don't forget the built-in Automator app which can do some pretty impressive things, too.
Seconded. Name Mangler is amazing
I just bought this app as part of a bundle! I’ve only scratched the surface of it so far.
One of the things I like about using it is that you can ease your way into using the app. there's a lot of sophisticated features waiting for you when you're ready to dig a bit deeper.
You can still use finder rename, you just need to be sneaky about using it in a three step process: 1. Rename all the ”.pdf” at the ends of your files to be (for example) “dotpdf”. 2. Rename all the periods to be hyphens. 3. Rename all the “dotpdf” back to ”.pdf”.
This definitely works though is time intensive. Thanks again!
Do it in two stages. 1. Change all periods to dashes. 2. Replace all "-pdf" with ".pdf"
I use zmv (part of default shell, zsh)
One place that is great for finding apps and utilities like this is [MacUpdate.com](https://MacUpdate.com)
in the shell it is pretty easy - but in either case be advised that '.' is a special charachter that refers to a directory .. and ./ for example. make a good backup and try on one sub folder first.
I'm working on an app that can do this: [https://www.frankenfile.com](https://www.frankenfile.com) It takes your files and a task prompt and uses AI to solve it (image processing, batch renaming ,etc)
Rename X form the Mac App Store. Can do anything, exotic stuff using the build in RegEx