How to Batch Rename Files in Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a great tool to edit your photos and give them a more professional touch. Besides, it supports many camera models by default and allows you to import images easily. However, it also invites struggling to rename files, and it takes a long time. Fortunately, Lightroom lets you batch rename image files.

Not renaming photos can be problematic, especially if you need to process them and share them with others or online. When sending to customers, they may be confused when looking for a particular image.

Fortunately, renaming files in Lightroom is easy. And even better, you have a few options while you’re at it. Of course, you should check the Lightroom pricing for your region before you subscribe and download it to your computer.

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Here’s how to change the name of your photos in Adobe Lightroom Classic on your computer.

Rename images when importing

If you think it’s easier to do this, you can rename your files before importing them into Lightroom. This way all you have to do is edit them and export them to your computer or hard drive.

We assume that you have signed up for a Lightroom plan and have it installed on your computer. Below is a step-by-step guide to rename your files as you prepare to add them to the app.

Step 1: Open Lightroom Classic on your desktop. Insert the memory card with the images to import it to your computer.

2nd step: Click on the image you want to import.

Step 3: On the right side of your screen, expand the Rename files tab and check the “Rename files” box.

Step 4: From the Template drop-down menu, select Custom Name. Below, type the name you want to assign to the image.

Step 5: Upload your image. The image should now have its name changed.

You can also rename multiple files at once using this method. Instead of checking off an image, choose all the ones you want to name. Once imported, they will have your custom names rather than the default ones.

Rename images after import

If you want to rename your photos after uploading the files to Lightroom, it’s easy. All you need to do is follow the steps below.

Step 1: Double-click on the image whose name you want to change.

2nd step: Scroll down to the Metadata tab and expand it.

Step 3: Click on File name and enter the name you want to give to your image.

Step 4: After entering the name, click anywhere on the page. Your file will now have its new name.

If you want to rename multiple files at once after importing, Lightroom gives you the option to do so as well. The steps are a little different and are listed below this text.

Step 1: Select the photos whose name you want to change.

2nd step: Click the option next to File name.

Step 3: In the pop-up window, click File name. From the drop-down menu, select Custom Name.

Step 4: Type your new image file name and click OK.

After the dialog disappears, the file names of the selected images will now have changed.

Rename photos when exporting

Renaming your files while exporting to your hard drive is also easy. To guide you, we’ve created a step-by-step list that you can follow.

Step 1: Select the file you want to export.

2nd step: Go to File and choose Export.

Step 3: Under File name, select the Rename to: check box.

Step 4: Enter the name under which you want to change your image.

Step 5: Select Export.

Once your image is exported, you should see it in the location you chose to save with the custom file name.

As with the other options, you can also choose to rename multiple files while exporting. The steps are almost identical to those above. All you have to do is choose multiple images to export from the app.

Rename library folders

If you want your workflow to be better organized in Lightroom, you can rename your library folders as well. It is simple and the actions to be taken are described below.

Step 1: Below the image preview on the left side of your screen, you will see a list of folders. Click on the one you want to change.

2nd step: Right click and select Rename.

Step 3: When prompted, rename your folder.

Step 4: Click on Save. The name of your folder should change instantly.

Changing file names is easy

Managing your library files and folders is an easy way to improve your workflow when editing your photos. And while it might seem a bit confusing at first, it’s a pretty straightforward process.

Now that you know how to rename your files in Lightroom, you can organize everything easily. And beyond that, your clients will be able to locate things in much less time if you complete a project.