Immediately, I need to share how I take advantage of the Lightroom rename recordsdata performance to enhance picture group and picture discovery of my photograph library.
The method of renaming a number of recordsdata in Lightroom, also referred to as batch renaming, may be very comparable regardless of the place you need to run the renaming course of.
The right way to Rename Recordsdata in Lightroom – 5 Step Course of
- You choose a number of recordsdata you need to rename.
- You entry the File Renaming interface (in Import Module from Rename Panel, in Library Module by choosing Library > Rename File and in Export Module by opening the File Rename part)
- From the drop-down menu, you choose the Renaming Template.
- You click on the Import button if you’re within the Import Module, the OK button if you’re within the Library Module, or the Export button if you’re renaming recordsdata within the Export Module.
- Lightroom renames chosen recordsdata primarily based on directions saved within the renaming template.
Why Do You Need to Rename Recordsdata in Lightroom?
While you import new pictures to Lightroom, you could have the choice to rename all of the recordsdata in the course of the import course of. However few photographers use this selection and even know of its existence.
Let me clarify the explanation I rename each single photograph I deliver to Lightroom.
Once I import a photograph to Lightroom with out altering the file title, that is what I see in my photograph library:
_DSF0369. RAF
The one factor the file title tells me is that the photograph is in Fujifilm RAW format and nothing else. If I come throughout this picture when utilizing a file browser (Explorer or Finder), I do not know the place the picture is from. This requires me to take further steps to determine the date and the placement of when and the place the photograph was taken.
Right here is identical picture after I take advantage of Lightroom’s file renaming characteristic:
20180727_California_DSF0369. RAF
Now, the file title tells me that I took the photograph on July 27, 2018, in California utilizing a Fujifilm digital camera. I can nonetheless use the unique filename as a reference.
Locations to Batch Rename Recordsdata in Lightroom
In the event you solely have to rename a person file, you are able to do it simply from the Metadata Panel of Library Module by enhancing the File Title discipline.
However, since we cope with a tenth and even lots of of 1000’s of pictures in trendy digital images, the only file renaming characteristic is just not very sensible. It’s good to know methods to rename a number of recordsdata, leveraging Lightroom automation.
In at the moment’s article, I’m going to focus on batch renaming choices.
Lightroom permits us to rename a number of pictures and movies within the following areas of this system:
- Import Module – Rename Recordsdata on Import
- Library Module – Rename Recordsdata Already Imported
- Export Module – Rename Recordsdata on Export
Now, let’s see how the file ramming works in every space.
Lightroom – Rename Recordsdata on Import
Renaming the pictures on import is by far the preferred and most sensible strategy to conform all of your library to the identical file naming conference. That is the place I rename all my pictures.
Observe these steps to rename the pictures on the time you import them to the Lightroom catalog:
- From the highest menu of Lightroom, choose File > Import Pictures and Video, to activate the Import Module.
- On the correct facet of the Import Module, find the File Renaming panel and test the Rename Recordsdata field to point that you just need to rename imported pictures.
- From the Template drop-down, choose the renaming template. The Renaming Template is the official title, however most photographers name it Renaming Preset.
Lightroom comes with a set of prebuilt templates, and you may choose any of them to begin the renaming course of. However in case you need to use a customized template, it’s essential to create it first. Within the final part of this text, you’ll find the directions on methods to create customized renaming templates.
- When you’re proud of all Import Module settings, hit the Import button. Lightroom will import all the chosen pictures to the catalog and rename them on the identical time, primarily based on the renaming template directions.
Now let see what renaming presets can be found in Lightroom.
There are 2 forms of renaming templates.
The primary kind requires you to fill one of many 2 customized fields: Customized Textual content or Shoot Title.
- Customized Title (x of y)
- Customized Title – Authentic File Quantity
- Customized Title -Sequence
- Customized Title
- Shoot Title – Authentic File Quantity
- Shoot Title – Sequence
It’s a very helpful kind that means that you can be very descriptive when utilizing the customized fields. The one downside is if you happen to neglect to replenish the customized discipline, Lightroom will rename your recordsdata with the default worth “unnamed shoot” or “untitled” and all of your pictures can have ugly names. There isn’t any undo.
For instance, if you choose the Customized Title (x of y) template and use the Mexico Trip 2019 as a Customized Title, the renamed recordsdata will appear like this:
Mexico Trip 2019 (1 of 345).RAF, Mexico Trip 2019 (2 of 345).RAF …
The second kind of renaming templates doesn’t require you to enter any info, it’s failsafe. However it’s much less versatile and descriptive.
- Date – File Title
- Filename – Sequence
- Filename
For instance, if you choose the Date – File Title template, the renamed recordsdata will appear like this:
20190814-DSF4567.RAF, 20190814-DSF4568.RAF, 20190814-DSF4569.RAF …
Lightroom – Rename Recordsdata Already Imported
The logic of renaming pictures after importing them is barely to rename pictures you plan to maintain.
You import pictures first. Subsequent, you run a culling course of, the place you determine the “keepers” and delete the “rejects” and undesirable pictures. Now if you happen to rename the remaining pictures, you’ll have a sequence of filenames with none gaps.
I take advantage of the picture renaming in Library Module seldom, solely after I neglect to rename pictures in the course of the import course of.
Observe these steps to rename the recordsdata already current within the Lightroom catalog:
- Go to Lightroom’s Library Module.
- Choose a number of pictures you plan to rename by urgent the Shift key and choosing the primary and the final picture of the sequence.
- From the highest menu, choose Library > Rename Pictures or just hit the “F2” shortcut. The File Renaming interface shall be activated. The file renaming choices within the Libray Module are similar to the Import Module however they’re offered barely in a different way.
- From the File Naming drop-down menu, choose the File Renaming Template. As you possibly can see right here, it’s not referred to as Template or Preset however slightly File Naming. It’s inconsistent and may be complicated.
- In the event you chosen the template which has customized fields, fill them up.
- Hit the OK button and you’re executed.
Lightroom – Rename Recordsdata on Export
The picture renaming on export is used usually when purchasers have particular directions for file naming conference. The potential challenge with such a renaming is that it may be troublesome to match exported pictures to the originals within the Lightroom catalog.
In my case, I by no means used this characteristic regardless that I’ve been utilizing Lightroom for the reason that beta model. I’ve loads of Export Presets to cowl all doable codecs, sizes, and facet ratios, however none of them embody the renaming choices.
Observe these steps to rename the recordsdata in the course of the export:
- Choose the pictures you plan to export
- Proper-click on any chosen picture and select the “Export” possibility. Finally you need to use the shortcut Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + E. The Export Module shall be activated.
- From the correct panel of the Export Module, find the File Naming part (second from high) and click on on it to open.
- You can be offered with UI nearly similar to the Library Module renaming choices.
- Examine the Rename to field.
- Choose the Renaming Template from the drop-down menu
- When you’re able to export the chosen picture, hit the EXPORT button.
The right way to Create File Renaming Template (Preset) in Lightroom
To make use of customized file renaming, you should create a File Renaming Template to reuse in several modules of Lightroom at varied levels in your workflow. You should utilize it within the Import Module, the Library Module, and the Export Module.
Let me present you how one can create a File Renaming Template in minutes.
You’ll be able to create a customized File Renaming Template within the following areas: Import Module, Library Module, and Export Module. Immediately, I’m going to display methods to do it from the Import Module.
Step #1
From the highest menu in Lightroom, choose File > Import Pictures and Video…
This selection prompts the Import Module.
Step #2
Find the File Renaming Panel on the correct facet of the interface.
Activate the File Renaming Panel by choosing the Rename Recordsdata checkbox.
Step #3
From the Template drop-down menu, choose the Customized Settings possibility.
Step #4
You can be offered with the Filename Template Editor.
Delete every thing you see contained in the Template Window.
Step #5
Now you can begin constructing your personal Filename Template by populating the Template Window with the choices listed beneath.
a. Choose the Date possibility and click on the Insert button.
Add an underscore character to visually separate the file renaming parameters.
b. Subsequent, choose the Shoot Title possibility and click on the Insert button.
Add one other underscore character.
c. Lastly, find the Filename possibility and click on the Insert button.
That is what you’re alleged to see:
Your template is prepared. Save the template within the closing step.
Step #6
From the Template drop-down menu, choose Save Present Setting As New Preset.
Give the preset a significant title, one you possibly can acknowledge sooner or later. Then, hit the Create button.
You might be executed.
Now, when you’re able to import a bunch of latest pictures to Lightroom, you possibly can choose the File Renaming Template from the File Renaming Panel and apply it to all of your new pictures. Lightroom will rename all of the imported pictures primarily based in your template construction.
That is how I take advantage of the File Renaming Template. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that you must use the identical actual renaming construction.
Associated: Lightroom Import Presets Demystified
For instance, my file renaming construction is just not good and has one main shortcoming. If I neglect to specify the Shot Title throughout import, Lightroom populates the Shot Title discipline with an “Untitled Shot” worth. I made a decision to dwell with this challenge for the reason that present renaming construction works finest for my images.
Be at liberty to create your personal templates primarily based in your wants and your photograph group and enhancing workflow. My foremost recommendation, no matter what renaming construction you utilize, is to be constant. Don’t use a distinct renaming construction every time you import new pictures.
