Rename files from Excel or CSV
From TaskSprig · How results work
Use a spreadsheet when each file needs a specific name. The tool reads a flat batch, checks the proposed names and downloads copies in a ZIP. Your originals on disk remain unchanged.
1. Prepare two columns with headers
Create a worksheet with “Original filename” and “New filename” columns. Include complete original names, including extensions, exactly as they appear in your selected files. These fictional rows illustrate the structure:
| Original filename | New filename |
|---|---|
| scan001.pdf | Quotation-001.pdf |
| scan002.pdf | Certificate-001.pdf |
| photo01.jpg | Site-Photo-001.jpg |
Save as XLSX or UTF-8 CSV. Keep values as plain text; formula cells used for mappings are rejected. CSV headers occupy the first row. The column names can differ because you select the relevant columns in the tool.
2. Try the downloadable sample
For a runnable example, download sample CSV or sample XLSX, together with invoice.txt, café.txt and notes, final.txt. This separate sample uses text files to demonstrate Unicode and commas safely. Its rows differ from the PDF example above.
3. Import and select the columns
Open the Bulk File Renamer, add the matching source files and choose Spreadsheet mapping. Import your mapping file. For XLSX, choose the worksheet, then select the original-name and new-name columns. Review every proposed filename before exporting. Unmatched files keep their original names.
4. Resolve conflicts
Extensions are preserved: a new name can omit the extension or use the same one. A conflicting extension is rejected because changing a name cannot convert a file. “Quotation-001.jpg” is not a valid replacement for a PDF. Duplicate original keys, duplicate proposed names, case-insensitive collisions and Unicode-normalized collisions must be corrected. Invalid names or path separators also block export. Use the conflict filter to find affected rows.
5. Download copies and the manifest
When validation passes, create and download the ZIP. Extract it and inspect a few files. The file bytes are unchanged; only their names differ. Keep the CSV rename list included in the archive as your original-to-new reference. You can compare the manifest with your spreadsheet before using the copies.
Limits and privacy
Use one flat selection; this does not recursively rename folders. Mapping imports support CSV and XLSX within the documented import limits. ZIP generation uses browser memory, so smaller batches can help on constrained devices. Files and mapping data are processed on your device. The app does not save your selected filenames automatically.
Common questions
Can I rename originals directly?
No. The output is a ZIP of copies. Decide where to extract and keep them yourself.
Why did one file keep its old name?
Check whether the original name matches your mapping exactly, including extension, spelling and case. An unmatched file stays unchanged.
Can I use the same new name twice?
No. Correct duplicate names before export, including names that differ only by case or Unicode normalization.