Adobe Lightroom is a great tool for editing your photos and giving them a more professional touch. It also supports many camera models by default and allows you to import pictures easily. However, this also invites the hassle of renaming files, and it takes a lot of time to make this one. Fortunately, Lightroom allows you to batch rename image files.
Not renaming photos can cause problems, especially if you need to process and share them with others or online. When sending to clients, they can get confused looking for a particular image.
Fortunately, renaming files in Lightroom is easy. And even better, you have a few options when you’re ready. Of course, you need to check Lightroom pricing for your region before subscribing and downloading to your computer.
Here’s how to rename your photos in Adobe Lightroom Classic on your computer.
Rename Images When Importing
If you think this is easier to do, you can rename your files before importing them into Lightroom. That way, all you have to do is edit them and transfer them to your computer or hard drive.
We assume that you subscribe to a Lightroom plan and have it installed on your computer. Below is a step-by-step guide for renaming your files as you prepare to add them to the app.
Stage 1: Open Lightroom Classic on your desktop. Insert the picture memory card to transfer to your computer.
Step 2: Click the picture you want to import.
Stage 3: On the right side of your screen, expand the File Rename tab and tick the ‘Rename Files’ checkbox.
Step 4: Select Custom Name from the Template menu drop-down menu. Below that, type the name you want to assign to the picture.
Step 5: Import your image. The name of the picture should have changed.
You can rename multiple files at once using this method. Instead of flagging a picture, select all of the ones you want to name. When imported, they will have your customized names instead of the default.
Rename Images After Importing
If you want to rename your photos after importing the files into Lightroom, it’s simple to do. All you have to do is follow the steps listed below.
Stage 1: Double-click the picture whose name you want to edit.
Step 2: Scroll down to the Metadata tab and expand it.
Stage 3: Click on File Name and type the name you want to give your image.
Step 4: After typing 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 also gives you the option to do so. The steps are slightly different and are listed below this text.
Stage 1: Select the photos you want to rename.
Step 2: Click the option next to File Name.
Stage 3: In the drop-down box, click File Naming. Select Custom Name from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Type the name of your new image file and click OK.
After the drop-down box disappears, the filenames of the images you selected will have changed.
Rename Photos When Exporting
It’s also easy to rename your files when transferring them to your hard drive. To guide you, we’ve created a step-by-step list for you to follow.
Stage 1: Select the file you want to export.
Step 2: Go to File and select Export.
Stage 3: Under File Naming, check the Rename: box.
Step 4: Enter the name you want to change your picture to.
Step 5: Select Export.
Once your image is exported, you should see it in the location you chose to save it with the custom filename.
As with the other options, you can also choose to rename multiple files when exporting. The steps are pretty much the same as above. All you have to do extra is select multiple images to export from the app.
Renaming Library Folders
You may also want to rename your library folders if you want to better organize your workflow in Lightroom. This is simple to do and here are the steps you need to take.
Stage 1: You will see a list of folders under the image preview on the left side of your screen. Click the one you want to edit.
Step 2: Right click and select Rename.
Stage 3: When prompted, rename your folder.
Step 4: Click Save. Your folder name should change instantly.
Changing File Names Is Easy
Managing your files and library folders is an easy way to improve your workflow when organizing your photos. While doing this may seem a little confusing at first, it is a fairly simple process.
Now that you know how to rename your files in Lightroom, you can easily edit everything. And beyond that, if you’re doing a project, your clients will be able to find things in much less time.
