File Renamer

With this tool files can be renamed and/or moved, using the information entered in Data Crow. Files are renamed by using a 'pattern'. A pattern is a small script made up out of tags which are replaced by actual values when used & applied.

Which items?

The File Renamer will only rename items current visible in the view. Only these items will be renamed. This ensures maximum flexibility while renaming your files.

Pattern

The Pattern field at the top of the dialog enables you to create a valid pattern by using the right-click menu. The right-click menu offers 4 options, which are explained below.

Insert Text

Selecting this menu option will display a small dialog where a static text can be entered. By default all characters which would make a filename invalid, such as the ':' character, are disallowed. The text will be used 'as is' when this pattern is applied.

Insert Field

Select the field to insert. You'll notice the following text is inserted [<fieldname>]. This 'tag' will be replaced by the actual value for this field when the pattern is applied.

Insert Directory

Inserts a directory sign, indicating a new directory should be created. Everything prior to the directory sign is now part of the directory structure instead of the filename.

Remove

Removes the selected pattern part.

Saving a Pattern

The 'Existing Patterns' list shows saved patterns. To add a pattern to this list simply press the button.

Managing saved Patterns

The button removes the currently selected existing filter, the button applies the currently selected existing filter.

Path Configuration

Use original location

This is the default option. Files will be renamed from within their current location. If the pattern contains a directory structure, the file will be move relatively to its current location.

Use alternate location

You can also choose to move the file to an altogether different location. This is a nice option if you have for example mp3 files scattered over multiple harddrives and would like to to move them all to a different location.

Renaming your files

After you have created a pattern press 'start' to start renaming your files.

Preview

For your convenience Data Crow will first show you a preview of what the result might look like. The actual result might differ as the file to rename has to exist. If it does not exist it is simply skipped.

Exculding items

The preview window also allows you to exclude items. Select the items you want to remove by clicking on them in the table, right-click and select 'remove' from the popup menu. The removed items will by excluded by the file renamer task.

Verify and continue

Press 'start' to continue the renaming process if the preview is to your liking. Press 'cancel' to stop the process.

Stopping

At any time you can press 'stop' to cancel the renaming process.