Batch-rename Zoom recording files

Managing Zoom recordings can get messy when you have dozens of files named with default timestamps and codes. Batch-renaming these files helps organize them efficiently and saves time. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to batch-rename Zoom recording files using various tools and methods.

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Why Batch Rename Zoom Recordings?

Zoom records files with names like Zoom_0.mp4, Zoom_1.mp4, or timestamps like 2023-05-18 15.30.12.mp4. These default names make it hard to identify the content quickly. Renaming files to meaningful names, such as meeting topics, dates, or participants, improves file management and retrieval.

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Common Batch Rename Scenarios

• Adding meeting titles to filenames

• Changing date format for consistency

• Appending participant names or project codes

• Removing unwanted characters or timestamps

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Methods to Batch Rename Zoom Recordings

1. Using Windows File Explorer

Windows has a basic batch rename feature:

• Select all Zoom recording files in the folder.

• Right-click and select Rename.

• Type a base name, e.g., “TeamMeeting_”.

• Press Enter.

Windows will rename files as TeamMeeting_ (1).mp4, TeamMeeting_ (2).mp4, and so on.

Limitations:
No advanced customization, no date or content-based renaming.

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2. Using macOS Finder

macOS Finder offers a built-in batch rename tool:

• Select all files.

• Right-click and choose Rename X Items.

• Select options like Add Text, Replace Text, or Format.

• Use formatting to add sequence numbers, dates, or custom text.

Example: Format > Name and Index > “Meeting_” will rename to Meeting_1.mp4, Meeting_2.mp4, etc.

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3. Using Bulk Rename Utility (Windows)

Bulk Rename Utility is a powerful free tool:

• Download and install from the official website.

• Open the folder with Zoom recordings.

• Use options to add, replace, or insert text, change case, or rename based on timestamps.

• Preview the new names before applying.

Useful for advanced renaming patterns like date extraction or regex.

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4. Using PowerShell (Windows)

PowerShell scripts can automate renaming with custom logic. Example to prepend a meeting title:

powershell
CopyEdit
$folder = "C:UsersYourUserDocumentsZoomRecordings"
$prefix = "ProjectAlpha_"
Get-ChildItem -Path $folder -Filter "*.mp4" | ForEach-Object {
    $newName = $prefix + $_.Name
    Rename-Item $_.FullName -NewName $newName
}

Modify $prefix and folder path as needed.

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5. Using Automator (macOS)

Automator workflows can rename files in batches:

• Open Automator, create a new Workflow.

• Add the action Get Specified Finder Items or Ask for Finder Items.

• Add Rename Finder Items with options like adding date/time, text, or sequence.

• Run the workflow on your Zoom folder.

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6. Using Command Line (Linux/macOS)

Rename multiple files using bash commands:

Example to rename files by adding a prefix:

bash
CopyEdit
cd ~/Documents/ZoomRecordings
for f in *.mp4; do
  mv "$f" "MeetingName_$f"
done

You can extend this script to use date extraction or other metadata.

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Tips for Naming Zoom Recordings

• Include the meeting date in YYYY-MM-DD format for sorting.

• Use clear meeting or project names.

• Avoid special characters that may cause issues in filenames.

• Keep names concise but informative.

• Maintain a consistent naming pattern.

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Batch-renaming Zoom recordings significantly improves organization, making it easier to find specific meetings or presentations later. Whether you prefer GUI tools like Bulk Rename Utility or Automator, or scripts with PowerShell and Bash, you can tailor renaming to your exact needs.