Renaming Multiple Files

Rename Capabilities

FS/2 supports six different functions for renaming multiple files. The last five functions use methods which are believed to be unique to FS/2 as of this writing:

• Wildcard - Uses the meta characters ? and * to preserve characters in the file name or extension. The Wildcard function works best when renaming files where the file name length is the same for all selected files, such as digital camera photo files. Prepending a string of characters to a file name is not possible but characters may be appended to each file name.

• Serialize - Appends a serialized number to a user defined name segment of a filename. Variable file name lengths are not a factor when using the Serialize function as the files are converted to a constant length file name which end with a serial number. The starting number and length of the number can be set by the user.

• Insert/Trim - Uses the { } characters to define an insert or trim operation of the name segment. The Insert/Trim functions also work best when renaming files where the file name length is the same for all selected files, such as digital camera photo files. However, with these function it is generaly possible to rename files with variable length files. Multiple rename passes through the selected list may be necessary to achieve the desired result.

• Include/Exclude - Uses the [ ] or ] [ characters to define include or exclude operations of the name segment. The Include/Exclude functions work much like the Wildcard method except it has the capability to prepend and/or append characters to the existing name. Multiple rename passes through the selected list may be necessary to achieve the desired result.

• Remove String - The Remove String function simply removes one or more characters from the name segment regardless of the position or instances in the name.

• Replace Character - The Replace Character function is used to replace one character with another, such as converting spaces to underscores. There is no limit on the characters used, other than they must be legal file name characters, so be careful with this function.

It is up to the user to decide which function will work best, based on the characteristics of the files being renamed and the result desired. In general, the Insert/Trim modes are the easiest to use and, most often, will provide the desired result.

Definitions

A filespec can have two segments, name and extension. Either segment may be present without the other. However, users should avoid renaming a file where there is no name segment as a file name of ".txt" is legal but unwise. A file name of "txt" is also legal but will limit the ability to set associations to the file.

• The name of a filespec is what precedes the last period in the filespec. For example:

  • autoexec.bat - Name is 'autoexec'. 
    junk.trash.garbage - Name is 'junk.trash'
    - The extension of a filespec is what follows the last period in the filespec. For example:

    • autoexec.bat - Extension is 'bat'.
      
    • junk.trash.garbage - Extension is 'garbage'

    In the multiple file rename help pages, the following definitions are applicable:

    • Template - The file name of the first selected file is presented in the Rename edit field, which is modified and used as the template to determine the mode and set the modification pattern. 
      Prepend - Add a fixed string of one or more characters to the beginning of a name segment.
      
      Append - Add a fixed string of one or more characters to the end of a name segment.
      
      Insert - Add one or mode characters at a fixed position in the name segment.
      
      Trim - Remove one or more characters from a name segment.
      
      Include - Prepend and/or append a user defined string to the name segment.
      
      Exclude - Cut one or mode characters at the beginning and/or end of the name segment.

      Limitations

      Multiple file rename is inhibited in a multiple directory view of more than one directory.

      Starting A Multiple File Rename Function

      Invoking the file Rename function with more than one file selected starts the multi-file renaming process. The Rename function is invoked on selected file(s )by :

      • LMB clicking the Data Panel Name button. 
        Alt+N
        
        Menu item Files->Rename

        The button label changes to Rename Files when more than one file is selected. A rename edit field appears under the Rename button and extends to the right edge of the FS/2 window. The first file in the selected list is presented in the Rename window as the template to modify. The modified template pattern is unique to each mode as discussed below.

        Rename Errors

        If a multi-file rename function attempts to generate a duplicate file name, or some other error occurs, an error message box will appear with options to abort or press Ok to continue. The operation may then be aborted or continued with the next file, skipping the file with the error. A skipped file will retain its original name.

        Warning: There is no undo on multi-file renaming! However, a Rename Confirmation dialog will appear before each operation starts. It will show the current name and the proposed new name for the operation invoked. Dialog pushbuttons may then be used to either rename all selected files in a one step, one file at a time, return to the rename edit field or cancel the operation.

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