At the moment, I wish to share how I exploit the Lightroom rename information performance to enhance picture group and picture discovery of my photograph library.
The method of renaming a number of information in Lightroom, often known as batch renaming, may be very related regardless of the place you wish to run the renaming course of.
The right way to Rename Information in Lightroom – 5 Step Course of
- You choose a number of information you wish to rename.
- You entry the File Renaming interface (in Import Module from Rename Panel, in Library Module by deciding on 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 information within the Export Module.
- Lightroom renames chosen information based mostly on directions saved within the renaming template.
Why Do You Need to Rename Information in Lightroom?
Whenever you import new photographs to Lightroom, you could have the choice to rename all of the information throughout the import course of. However few photographers use this feature and even know of its existence.
Let me clarify the explanation I rename each single photograph I carry to Lightroom.
Once 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 do not know the place the picture is from. This requires me to take additional 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 digital camera. I can nonetheless use the unique filename as a reference.
Locations to Batch Rename Information in Lightroom
Should you solely must rename a person file, you are able to do it simply from the Metadata Panel of Library Module by modifying the File Identify area.
However, since we take care of a tenth and even a whole lot of 1000’s of pictures in fashionable digital images, the one file renaming function is just not very sensible. It’s good to know the best way to rename a number of information, leveraging Lightroom automation.
In right this moment’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 Information on Import
- Library Module – Rename Information Already Imported
- Export Module – Rename Information on Export
Now, let’s see how the file ramming works in every space.
Lightroom – Rename Information on Import
Renaming the pictures on import is by far the preferred and most sensible strategy 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 pictures 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 appropriate facet of the Import Module, find the File Renaming panel and test the Rename Information 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 may 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, you will discover the directions on the best way to create customized renaming templates.
- If you find yourself 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, based mostly on the renaming template directions.
Now let see what renaming presets can be found in Lightroom.
There are 2 varieties of renaming templates.
The primary kind 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 kind that means that you can be very descriptive when utilizing the customized fields. The one downside is if you happen to neglect to refill the customized area, Lightroom will rename your information with the default worth “unnamed shoot” or “untitled” and all of your pictures may have ugly names. There is no such thing as a 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 information will appear like this:
Mexico Trip 2019 (1 of 345).RAF, Mexico Trip 2019 (2 of 345).RAF …
The second kind of renaming templates doesn’t require you to enter any data, 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 information will appear like this:
20190814-DSF4567.RAF, 20190814-DSF4568.RAF, 20190814-DSF4569.RAF …
Lightroom – Rename Information Already Imported
The logic of renaming pictures after importing them is simply to rename pictures you plan 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 if you happen to rename the remaining photographs, you’ll have a sequence of filenames with none gaps.
I exploit the picture renaming in Library Module seldom, solely after I neglect to rename pictures throughout the import course of.
Comply with these steps to rename the information already current within the Lightroom catalog:
- Go to Lightroom’s Library Module.
- Choose a number of pictures you plan to rename by urgent the Shift key and deciding on 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 can be activated. The file renaming choices within the Libray Module are similar to the Import Module however they’re introduced barely otherwise.
- From the File Naming drop-down menu, choose the File Renaming Template. As you possibly can see right here, it’s not known as Template or Preset however slightly File Naming. It’s inconsistent and could be complicated.
- Should you chosen the template which has customized fields, fill them up.
- Hit the OK button and you might be executed.
Lightroom – Rename Information on Export
The picture renaming on export is used usually when purchasers have particular directions for file naming conference. The potential situation 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 though I’ve been utilizing Lightroom because the 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 information throughout the export:
- Choose the pictures you plan to export
- Proper-click on any chosen picture and select the “Export” possibility. Finally you should use the shortcut Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + E. The Export Module can be activated.
- From the appropriate panel of the Export Module, find the File Naming part (second from high) and click on on it to open.
- You’ll be introduced with UI nearly an identical to the Library Module renaming choices.
- Test the Rename to field.
- Choose the Renaming Template from the drop-down menu
- If you find yourself able to export the chosen picture, hit the EXPORT button.
The right way to Create File Renaming Template (Preset) in Lightroom
To make use of customized file renaming, you have to create a File Renaming Template to reuse in numerous modules of Lightroom at numerous phases 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’ll be able to create a customized File Renaming Template within the following areas: Import Module, Library Module, and Export Module. At the moment, I’m going to display the best 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 appropriate facet of the interface.
Activate the File Renaming Panel by deciding on the Rename Information checkbox.
Step #3
From the Template drop-down menu, choose the Customized Settings possibility.
Step #4
You’ll be introduced with the Filename Template Editor.
Delete all the things you see contained in the Template Window.
Step #5
Now you can begin constructing your individual Filename Template by populating the Template Window with the choices listed beneath.
a. Choose the Date possibility and click on the Insert button.
Add an underscore character to visually separate the file renaming parameters.
b. Subsequent, choose the Shoot Identify possibility and click on the Insert button.
Add one other underscore character.
c. Lastly, find the Filename possibility and click on the Insert button.
That is what you might be alleged to see:
Your template is prepared. Save the template within the closing step.
Step #6
From the Template drop-down menu, choose Save Present Setting As New Preset.
Give the preset a significant identify, one you possibly can acknowledge sooner or later. Then, hit the Create button.
You’re executed.
Now, when you find yourself able to import a bunch of latest photographs to Lightroom, you possibly can choose the File Renaming Template from the File Renaming Panel and apply it to all of your new photographs. Lightroom will rename all of the imported photographs based mostly in your template construction.
That is how I exploit the File Renaming Template. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that it’s important to use the identical precise renaming construction.
Associated: Lightroom Import Presets Demystified
For instance, my file renaming construction is just not excellent and has one main shortcoming. If I neglect to specify the Shot Identify throughout import, Lightroom populates the Shot Identify area with an “Untitled Shot” worth. I made a decision to dwell with this situation because the present renaming construction works greatest for my images.
Be at liberty to create your individual templates based mostly in your wants and your photograph group and modifying workflow. My fundamental recommendation, no matter what renaming construction you utilize, is to be constant. Don’t use a special renaming construction every time you import new photographs.
