How To Rename a Series of Files With IrfanView

Here's How:

1. Open IrfanView
2. Hit B on the keyboard to go to Batch Rename (or select it from the File menu).
3. Use the "Look in:" menu to navigate to the folder containing the files you want to rename.
4. In the file list select the files you wish to rename and add them to the input files area either by drag and drop or with the add buttons.
5. Use the sort and move buttons to sort the files in the input files area in the order you want them numbered for renaming.
6. Choose the output directory for the renamed files.
7. In the "Work As:" section, choose Batch rename.
8. Click the "Set rename options" button.
9. Create a name pattern using your custom text and the pattern codes. $ will be replaced with the original name. The # sign will be replaced with a serial number.
10. Choose the starting number for the series. Usually this will be 1.
11. Select whether you want to copy the renamed files to a new folder, move the renamed files to a new folder, or rename the files in the existing location.
12. Click OK when you are finished in the settings dialog.
13. Click the Start button next to the input files area.
14. Irfanview diaplays a report of the renaming operation. It will tell you if there were any errors. You can copy this report to the clipboard, or click exit.

Tips:

1. One of the nice things about IrfanView is that you can control the numbering order.
2. You can rename files from multiple directories in one operation by adding them all to the input files area. When you do this, it is a good idea to use the move or copy options.
3. Irfanview does not let you change the case of the filename or extension.
4. Remember to pad the serial numbers with leading zeros if you want them to sort properly. Use ### for hundreds of files in the series, #### for thousands.