(How to Rename Files in Linux) Converting the file name to lowercase: File renaming is quite frequently a task for Linux users, and Linux provides several ways of doing it. In this article, we’ll explain how to rename files with command-line tools and a few powerful tools that can rename files in a single operation.
1. Using the mv Command
Linux has a command called the mv command which is used for moving files or directories and is perhaps the simplest way to rename files. When you copy a file and then move it to a new name, it renames that original file.z
Basic Syntax
Example
In this case, the name of the file, oldfile.txt, is replaced with a new file name, newfile.txt. The mv command is more than a renaming tool; it only renames the file.
2. Renaming Multiple Files Using mv
Using the move command and renaming multiple files can be tiresome when done via the terminal. To rename multiple files, one will need to use a loop, along with pattern matching.
Example Using a Loop
This command changes the name of all of the.txt files in the directory to start with the prefix new_. These are guidelines on how renaming is patterned and can be adjusted as necessary because renaming can be patterned in many ways.
3. Using rename A command for Bulk Renaming
Linux also has a rename command which as the name suggests is meant for renaming several files…using regular expressions, therefore it is a little more complicated than the mv command.
Basic Syntax
Example
This command changes the extension of all .txt files in the directory to .bak.
4. Using mmv Command for Pattern-Based Renaming
The mmv the command isn’t installed by default, but it’s useful for renaming files with complex patterns.
Installation
To install mmv:
Usage Example
The #1 is a placeholder for the matched text, so file1.txt becomes new_file1.txt.
5. Using File Managers (GUI-Based Method)
Users that prefer a GUI’ most Linux file managers for instance Nautilus or Dolphin come with this feature for renaming files. To rename a file, or change its extension you can just go to the file and right-click, These options enable you to type the new name in place of the existing one.
For use as batch renaming, there are third-party applications like Bulk Rename (GNOME) and KRename (KDE).
6. Advanced Renaming with Scripts
Often you might find yourself needing to rename files in some specific patterns and for those times, a script can come in handy. Here’s an example of a Bash script that renames files by adding a timestamp:
This script appends the current date in the format YYYYMMDD to all .jpg files in the directory.
7. Renaming Files with find and xargs
When renaming files across multiple directories, find and xargs are helpful.
Example
This command renames all .log files by adding .bak at the end of each file name.
8. Tips for Renaming Files in Linux
Back up important files: An example of renaming operations is that they can sometimes have unintended effects.
Use caution with patterns: Carelessness in the use of wild cards or regular expressions can rename or move un-wanted files.
Test on sample files: In particular when using scripts or commands processing loops, best put on several files before applying to all files in a directory.
Conclusion
Changing the name of files in Linux can be as basic as you want it to be, ranging from changing a single file to multiple thousand files. For a single change of the names, mv command is perfect, rename, mmv, and scripts for mass renaming.
