Rename files in bulk from a spreadsheet
Have a list of old and new file names in Excel or CSV? Drop it here, pick your files, and rename them all at once — with a full preview first. Free for up to 50 files.
How do you rename files in bulk from an Excel or CSV list?
Put current filenames in one spreadsheet column and new names in another, save as CSV, and drop the list here — this free tool to rename files from an Excel list matches each file, shows a full preview, and can batch rename multiple files in place in Chrome or Edge. On Firefox and Safari it generates a ready-made .bat (Windows) or .sh (Mac/Linux) script that does the same thing. No upload, no install, undo list included.
- Step 1 — your list Drop your CSV list here two columns: current name, new name
- Step 2 — your files
- Step 3 — preview & apply
How to rename files from an Excel list (the manual way)
The traditional method — taught by most tutorials — is to build a rename command in a third Excel column with a formula like this:
="ren "&CHAR(34)&A2&CHAR(34)&" "&CHAR(34)&B2&CHAR(34)
You then copy that column into Notepad, save it as rename.bat inside the folder
with your files, and double-click it. It works — but it breaks on filenames with special
characters, gives you no preview of what will happen, offers no undo, and silently fails on
names that collide. The tool above does exactly the same thing with a full preview, collision
and duplicate detection, and a downloadable undo list — and if you prefer the script
approach, it generates a correct .bat or .sh for you.
How to batch rename multiple files without writing a script
- Make the list: in Excel or Google Sheets, put current filenames in column A and new names in column B, then save/download as CSV.
- Load files: drop the CSV above, then choose your folder (Chrome/Edge renames in place) or select the files.
- Preview and apply: check the preview table — every rename, skip and conflict is shown before anything happens — then click Rename.
Renaming from Excel vs CSV vs Google Sheets
The tool reads CSV. From Excel: File → Save As → CSV (Comma delimited). From Google Sheets: File → Download → Comma-separated values. Extensions are optional in your list — "invoice1" matches "invoice1.pdf" automatically and keeps the extension.
Works on Windows, Mac and Linux
In Chrome and Edge the renaming happens directly in your folder on any operating system. On
Firefox and Safari, download the generated script instead: .bat for Windows
(uses the classic ren command) or .sh for Mac and Linux (uses
mv -n, which never overwrites). No PowerShell knowledge or command prompt
typing needed — the script is ready to run.
Frequently asked questions
How does it work?
Drop a spreadsheet (CSV or Excel saved as CSV) with two columns — the current file name and the new file name — then select the folder or the files themselves. You get a preview of every rename, then apply it directly (in Chrome or Edge) or download a ready-made script to run.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. The folder access and renaming happen entirely inside your browser on your own device. Neither your files nor their names are ever sent to a server.
Does my spreadsheet need file extensions?
No. You can list "invoice1" instead of "invoice1.pdf" and the tool matches it automatically, keeping the original extension on the renamed file.
Which browsers can rename files directly?
Chrome, Edge and other Chromium browsers can rename in place after you grant folder access. Firefox and Safari do not support that yet — there you download a .bat (Windows) or .sh (Mac/Linux) script and run it in the folder, which does exactly the same thing.
What if something goes wrong?
Every rename is previewed before anything happens, and duplicates, missing files and illegal names are flagged. You can also download an undo list (CSV mapping new names back to the originals) before applying.
Is there a limit?
Free renames up to 50 files at a time. Pro removes the limit — useful for photographers, e-commerce catalogues and law firms renaming hundreds of documents at once.
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