Batch rename using spreadsheet inputs

Batch renaming files using spreadsheet inputs is a highly efficient method for managing large numbers of files. Here’s a practical guide to accomplish this using tools like Excel (or Google Sheets) and a scripting language like Python. The general process involves:

Step 1: Prepare Your Spreadsheet

Create a spreadsheet with at least two columns:

• Current Filename (e.g., image01.jpg)

• New Filename (e.g., product01.jpg)

Example:

Save this spreadsheet as a CSV file (e.g., rename_list.csv).

Step 2: Python Script to Batch Rename

Here’s a Python script that reads the CSV and renames files accordingly:

python
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import os
import csv

# Define the path to the folder where the files are located
folder_path = '/path/to/your/files'
csv_file_path = '/path/to/rename_list.csv'

# Read the CSV file
with open(csv_file_path, newline='', encoding='utf-8') as csvfile:
    reader = csv.DictReader(csvfile)
    for row in reader:
        old_name = row['Current Filename']
        new_name = row['New Filename']
        
        old_path = os.path.join(folder_path, old_name)
        new_path = os.path.join(folder_path, new_name)
        
        if os.path.exists(old_path):
            os.rename(old_path, new_path)
            print(f"Renamed: {old_name} -> {new_name}")
        else:
            print(f"File not found: {old_name}")

Make sure to:

• Adjust folder_path and csv_file_path to match your system.

• Install Python if not already installed (from https://www.python.org/).

Step 3: Run the Script

Save the script as rename_files.py, then run it from your terminal or command line:

bash
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python rename_files.py

Notes:

• Case Sensitivity: Ensure the filenames in the CSV match the actual files exactly, especially on Linux/macOS systems.

• Backup: Always back up your files before running bulk operations.

• Permission: Ensure you have write permissions for the target directory.

This method is powerful, accurate, and repeatable—ideal for renaming images, documents, or any batch of files using structured input.