Right now, I wish to share how I exploit 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 called batch renaming, could be very related regardless of the place you wish to run the renaming course of.
Methods to Rename Recordsdata in Lightroom – 5 Step Course of
- You choose a number of recordsdata you wish 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 Wish to Rename Recordsdata in Lightroom?
Whenever you import new pictures to Lightroom, you have got the choice to rename all of the recordsdata throughout the import course of. However few photographers use this selection and even know of its existence.
Let me clarify the rationale I rename each single photograph I carry to Lightroom.
After I import a photograph to Lightroom with out altering the file identify, that is what I see in my photograph library:
_DSF0369. RAF
The one factor the file identify 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 don’t know the place the picture is from. This requires me to take further steps to determine the date and the situation of when and the place the photograph was taken.
Right here is identical picture after I exploit Lightroom’s file renaming function:
20180727_California_DSF0369. RAF
Now, the file identify tells me that I took the photograph on July 27, 2018, in California utilizing a Fujifilm digicam. I can nonetheless use the unique filename as a reference.
Locations to Batch Rename Recordsdata in Lightroom
When you solely have to rename a person file, you are able to do it simply from the Metadata Panel of Library Module by modifying the File Identify discipline.
However, since we cope with a tenth and even tons of of 1000’s of pictures in trendy digital images, the one file renaming function will not be very sensible. It’s worthwhile to know the right way to rename a number of recordsdata, leveraging Lightroom automation.
In in the present day’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 photographs on import is by far the preferred and most sensible solution to conform all of your library to the identical file naming conference. That is the place I rename all my pictures.
Comply with these steps to rename the photographs 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 simply wish to rename imported pictures.
- From the Template drop-down, choose the renaming template. The Renaming Template is the official identify, however most photographers name it Renaming Preset.
Lightroom comes with a set of prebuilt templates, and you’ll choose any of them to start out the renaming course of. However in case you wish to use a customized template, it is advisable create it first. Within the final part of this text, yow will discover the directions on the right way to create customized renaming templates.
- If you end up 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 similar time, primarily based on the renaming template directions.
Now let see what renaming presets can be found in Lightroom.
There are 2 sorts of renaming templates.
The primary sort requires you to fill one of many 2 customized fields: Customized Textual content or Shoot Identify.
- Customized Identify (x of y)
- Customized Identify – Authentic File Quantity
- Customized Identify -Sequence
- Customized Identify
- Shoot Identify – Authentic File Quantity
- Shoot Identify – Sequence
It’s a very helpful sort that means that you can be very descriptive when utilizing the customized fields. The one disadvantage is in the event you overlook 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 Identify (x of y) template and use the Mexico Trip 2019 as a Customized Identify, the renamed recordsdata will seem like this:
Mexico Trip 2019 (1 of 345).RAF, Mexico Trip 2019 (2 of 345).RAF …
The second sort of renaming templates doesn’t require you to enter any info, it’s failsafe. However it’s much less versatile and descriptive.
- Date – File Identify
- Filename – Sequence
- Filename
For instance, if you choose the Date – File Identify template, the renamed recordsdata will seem 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 simply to rename pictures you propose 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 in the event you rename the remaining pictures, you should have a sequence of filenames with none gaps.
I exploit the picture renaming in Library Module seldom, solely once I overlook to rename pictures throughout the import course of.
Comply with these steps to rename the recordsdata already current within the Lightroom catalog:
- Go to Lightroom’s Library Module.
- Choose a number of pictures you propose 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 will likely 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’ll be able to see right here, it isn’t known as Template or Preset however fairly File Naming. It’s inconsistent and might be complicated.
- When you chosen the template which has customized fields, fill them up.
- Hit the OK button and you might be accomplished.
Lightroom – Rename Recordsdata on Export
The picture renaming on export is used usually when purchasers have particular directions for file naming conference. The potential difficulty 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 function regardless that I’ve been utilizing Lightroom for the reason that beta model. I’ve loads of Export Presets to cowl all potential codecs, sizes, and facet ratios, however none of them embrace the renaming choices.
Comply with these steps to rename the recordsdata throughout the export:
- Choose the photographs you propose to export
- Proper-click on any chosen picture and select the “Export” choice. Finally you should utilize the shortcut Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + E. The Export Module will likely 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 may be offered with UI nearly similar to the Library Module renaming choices.
- Verify the Rename to field.
- Choose the Renaming Template from the drop-down menu
- If you end up able to export the chosen picture, hit the EXPORT button.
Methods 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 numerous modules of Lightroom at numerous 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 may create a customized File Renaming Template within the following areas: Import Module, Library Module, and Export Module. Right now, I’m going to display the right way 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 choice.
Step #4
You may 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 choice and click on the Insert button.
Add an underscore character to visually separate the file renaming parameters.
b. Subsequent, choose the Shoot Identify choice and click on the Insert button.
Add one other underscore character.
c. Lastly, find the Filename choice and click on the Insert button.
That is what you might be presupposed to see:
Your template is prepared. Save the template within the last step.
Step #6
From the Template drop-down menu, choose Save Present Setting As New Preset.
Give the preset a significant identify, one you’ll be able to acknowledge sooner or later. Then, hit the Create button.
You might be accomplished.
Now, if you find yourself able to import a bunch of recent pictures to Lightroom, you’ll be able to 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 exploit the File Renaming Template. Nonetheless, this doesn’t imply that you need to use the identical actual renaming construction.
Associated: Lightroom Import Presets Demystified
For instance, my file renaming construction will not be excellent and has one main shortcoming. If I overlook to specify the Shot Identify throughout import, Lightroom populates the Shot Identify discipline with an “Untitled Shot” worth. I made a decision to stay with this difficulty for the reason that present renaming construction works greatest for my images.
Be at liberty to create your personal templates primarily based in your wants and your photograph group and modifying workflow. My fundamental recommendation, no matter what renaming construction you employ, is to be constant. Don’t use a special renaming construction every time you import new pictures.
