List Replace

I am using an iMac and have version 4.05.00 of the program.

I have a bunch of files that I need to rename. I have a spreadsheet with their current names, and what I want the name to be.

I have tried the list method and the list replace method, but can not get the two left columns on the left to populate correctly. I am at a loss...any help is appreciated.

Plus bonus points if you tell me which method I should be using.


Shawn

Reply to #1:

Hi Shawn,

Last first, you should be using the LIST method, not list replace.

You need to convert your spreadsheet to a text file, but ONLY the replacement file names. Make sure they're in an order that you can load your files, because ARen will just go down the list and brute force change each name to the next one in your loaded list. So just sort your new filenames, for instance, in the name order that you'll sort your original file names. Does that make sense?

For example, I have three files:

test1.jpg
test2.jpg
test3.jpg

and I want to change the names to:

Yankee.jpg
Doodle.jpg
Dandy.jpg

That second list is the one I'd save in a text file. Then I'd open an instance of ARen and populate the Method list with one LIST method instance. In the List method click on the "Load list" button and load your text file. Drag your files to the List window and if necessary click on the appropriate column head until you get your files in the order that matches the List method new filenames. If, like me, you have file extensions in your list, you'll need to change the "Apply to:" field at the bottom of the method to "Name and extension". If your preview column ("New filename") looks right, execute the batch and there you go.

I don't have a mac, so I'm assuming what works for me on Win 11 works for you on that computer for the rest of us. :)

Best,
DF

Reply to #1:
Hi Shawn,

First of all, I don't have a Mac, but I assume it will work just the same.
In addition to the delta method
You can export your spreadsheet as a CSV file and then import it into Aren.
Follow this steps:
Save your spreadsheet as CSV file.
In Aren load your files.
Press Import ----> Data from CSV
FileName: The CSV file
Column separator: ; (semicolom) (Excel use semicolom Libre Office use a comma)
If your spreadsheet have header Check it
Press Import.
Method New name: <Csv:2> The 2 is the column with the new name. If the new name is in de column 1 change it.
I hope I haven't gotten too confused.

Miguel

Reply to #3:

Hey Miguel,

That's cool. I never could figure out what that <csv> tag was for, I've never been able to get it to work for me. But your procedure is much easier than my kludgy way... and I'm sure more what Shawn is looking for. Thanks! :)

Best,
DF