How to Rename Multiple Files On Google Drive

Renaming files on Google Drive isn’t a complex task; you just need to right-click on a file and rename it. However, renaming multiple files in google drive can become a problem very quickly, depending on the bulk of files.

An option to rename multiple files on Google Drive hasn’t been introduced yet. So, as of now, you have to solely make use of browser extensions and third-party apps to rename more than one file together.

In this article, we have collated a couple of ways and the different apps and extensions you can use to rename multiple files on Google Drive. 

How to Rename Multiple Files On Google Drive Using Multiple Files Rename App

The name of this app couldn’t be any more descriptive; Multiple File Rename is actually a free-to-use app on the Google Workspace Marketplace that provides you with a better and more intuitive way to rename your files. Refer to the steps mentioned below to learn how to use it. 

  • Open your laptop or PC and load your preferred browser. 
  • Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com.
  • Enter your credentials to access the Drive. 
  • Once logged in, click on the New button on the side menu. 
  • Click on More and select Connect more apps from the menu. 
  • Now, a Google Workspace marketplace window will show up on the screen. 
  • Type in Multiple File Rename in the search bar, open, and install the first option displayed.
Rename Multiple Files On Google Drive
Rename Multiple Files On Google Drive
  • Subsequently, you can also visit this site to install and connect it manually to your Drive. 
  • When a new prompt window pops up asking for permission to install the app, click on Continue
  • A new browser window will open up where you can choose which account to use with this app. 
  • After selecting the account, it will again ask for permission and display what all the apps will access in your account. Make sure you check the Connect itself to your Drive option.
How to Rename Multiple Files On Google Drive
  • Once you’re done with all that, you can now rename multiple files together using this app. It also has several additional features, including adding a prefix and suffix and searching files by keywords. 

The Multiple File Rename is a user-friendly tool that is free with no hidden costs. However, it is a bit basic if you want some additional control over renaming your files.

As a beginner who would not want to get too much involved in the process and rather the solution, this is simply the best you can go with.

Read How to Share Large Video Files Using Google Drive

How to Rename Files On Google Drive Using Bulk Renamer For Drive

Bulk Renamer For Drive is also one of the most popular browser extensions for renaming multiple files. It has a pretty easy setup and offers a lot of control and functionality over any other app. Refer to the steps detailed below to see how to use it. 

  • Open your laptop or PC and run Google Chrome. 
  • Go to the Chrome web store and search for Bulk Renamer For Drive. 
  • Click on the Visit Website button. This will take you to the website of AppsScript Ninja, who are the developers for this extension. 
  • Once you are on the page, you will see a small Google Apps Script window; click on Review permissions
  • A new browser window will show up where you have to choose which account you want to use with this extension. Select the account you want and click on Allow when it asks for your permission. Now, the extension should be installed and connected to your Drive. 
  • Select a folder whose files you want to rename from the Drive Picker. Make sure it only has files that are owned by you. 
  • Next, you have to choose between two options: Simple Replace or Advanced Replace. The Simple Replace option will allow you to find and replace text in filenames and also an option to preserve the file modification date or update it to the latest dates. 
  • The Advanced Replace option allows even more control over your files. You can choose to add a base name to all your files, prepend and append base names, suffix and prefix separator, and also an option to number your files. 
  • Once you’ve chosen between these two options, click on Next, and all your files should begin renaming in real-time. After the process is completed, a result page will be displayed, with all the (if any) errors recorded during the process. 

Read How to List Files in a Folder and Subfolder on Google Drive

Renaming Files On Google Drive Using Scripts

Here is another method you can choose to try renaming files. While not many go with this method since it might be difficult to follow the process which you may not understand.

However, if you know how to code or understand how scripts work on a browser, you can use scripts to rename multiple files on your Drive.

There are perfect scripts available on GIT Hub where not only can you rename your files in bulk but also list the files on Google Drive of folders and subfolders.

You can use this script to rename more than one file on your Drive. Do this only if you have any rudimentary idea of how these things might work. Even if it does not make sense, you can still try and see how things are done simply for learning purposes.

Furthermore, you need to visit this website to understand how to use this script and how all its intricacies play out. 

Read How to Search Large Files on Google Drive

Conclusion

Well, that’s it, folks. As you can see, there are numerous ways to bulk rename files on your Drive. You can use apps, extensions, add-ons, and even scripts to get the job done. Using scripts might seem a little difficult if you have no technical knowledge but you can always follow the steps mentioned and it might work for you. 

Or else you can choose to work with other methods that are much easier to work with. Apart from the extensions, we have mentioned in the guide, there might be other options too that work pretty well that you can use as well.  Give these methods a try and see which one suits you the best.

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