At present, I need to share how I take advantage of the Lightroom rename information performance to enhance picture group and picture discovery of my picture library.
The method of renaming a number of information in Lightroom, also called batch renaming, could be very related regardless of the place you need to run the renaming course of.
Methods to Rename Information in Lightroom – 5 Step Course of
- You choose a number of information you need 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 in case you are within the Import Module, the OK button in case you are within the Library Module, or the Export button in case you are 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 through 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 picture I deliver to Lightroom.
Once I import a photograph to Lightroom with out altering the file identify, that is what I see in my picture library:
_DSF0369. RAF
The one factor the file identify tells me is that the picture 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 further steps to determine the date and the situation of when and the place the picture was taken.
Right here is identical picture after I take advantage of Lightroom’s file renaming function:
20180727_California_DSF0369. RAF
Now, the file identify tells me that I took the picture on July 27, 2018, in California utilizing a Fujifilm digicam. I can nonetheless use the unique filename as a reference.
Locations to Batch Rename Information 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 Title discipline.
However, since we cope with a tenth and even a whole bunch of hundreds of pictures in fashionable digital images, the only file renaming function will not be very sensible. You must know the way to rename a number of information, 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 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 photographs on import is by far the preferred and most sensible method to conform all of your library to the identical file naming conference. That is the place I rename all my pictures.
Observe 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 best aspect of the Import Module, find the File Renaming panel and verify the Rename Information field to point that you just need 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 need to use a customized template, you could create it first. Within the final part of this text, you could find the directions on the way to create customized renaming templates.
- If you find yourself pleased with all Import Module settings, hit the Import button. Lightroom will import all the chosen pictures to the catalog and rename them on the identical time, based mostly 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 kind requires you to fill one of many 2 customized fields: Customized Textual content or Shoot Title.
- Customized Title (x of y)
- Customized Title – Unique File Quantity
- Customized Title -Sequence
- Customized Title
- Shoot Title – Unique File Quantity
- Shoot Title – 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 discipline, Lightroom will rename your information with the default worth “unnamed shoot” or “untitled” and all of your pictures could have ugly names. There isn’t a undo.
For instance, if you choose the Customized Title (x of y) template and use the Mexico Trip 2019 as a Customized Title, the renamed information will appear to be 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 Title
- Filename – Sequence
- Filename
For instance, if you choose the Date – File Title template, the renamed information will appear to be 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 establish 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 take advantage of the picture renaming in Library Module seldom, solely once I neglect to rename pictures through the import course of.
Observe 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 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 can 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 possibly can see right here, it isn’t referred to as Template or Preset however moderately File Naming. It’s inconsistent and may be complicated.
- When you chosen the template which has customized fields, fill them up.
- Hit the OK button and you’re achieved.
Lightroom – Rename Information on Export
The picture renaming on export is used usually when shoppers have particular directions for file naming conference. The potential problem with such a renaming is that it may be tough 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 doable codecs, sizes, and side ratios, however none of them embody the renaming choices.
Observe these steps to rename the information through the export:
- Choose the photographs you plan to export
- Proper-click on any chosen picture and select the “Export” choice. Finally you should use the shortcut Ctrl (Cmd) + Shift + E. The Export Module can be activated.
- From the best panel of the Export Module, find the File Naming part (second from prime) and click on on it to open.
- You can be offered with UI virtually 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.
Methods to Create File Renaming Template (Preset) in Lightroom
To make use of customized file renaming, you could create a File Renaming Template to reuse in numerous modules of Lightroom at numerous levels in your workflow. You need to use 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 possibly can create a customized File Renaming Template within the following areas: Import Module, Library Module, and Export Module. At present, I’m going to exhibit the 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 best aspect of the interface.
Activate the File Renaming Panel by choosing the Rename Information checkbox.
Step #3
From the Template drop-down menu, choose the Customized Settings choice.
Step #4
You can 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 individual Filename Template by populating the Template Window with the choices listed under.
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 Title 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’re 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 might be achieved.
Now, if 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 take advantage of the File Renaming Template. Nonetheless, this doesn’t imply that it’s a must to use the identical actual renaming construction.
Associated: Lightroom Import Presets Demystified
For instance, my file renaming construction will not be good and has one main shortcoming. If I neglect to specify the Shot Title throughout import, Lightroom populates the Shot Title discipline with an “Untitled Shot” worth. I made a decision to reside with this problem for the reason that present renaming construction works finest for my images.
Be at liberty to create your individual templates based mostly in your wants and your picture group and modifying workflow. My predominant recommendation, no matter what renaming construction you utilize, is to be constant. Don’t use a unique renaming construction every time you import new photographs.