How do I Batch Rename in PSE6?

[DaveP]

Can I batch rename files by date taken in PSE6? (After they are aleady on my computer)

[Andrei Doubrovski]

Hello Dave
In the Editor:
- Pull down "File > Process Multiple Files"
- Choose source (1) and destination folders
- Check "Rename Files" gadget (2)
- Set date for postfix (3)
- OK

http://simplephotoshop.com/px/answers/pse-batch-rename.gif

Regards

[jk's mom]

I'd like to name my files with a date, hyphen, then 3 digit serial number:

20080619-001

How do I get the hypen in? I only have 2 fields available under File Naming in PSE6

Thks!
AW

[Juergen D]

I'm afraid you can't with PSE. If the pictures are not managed by the Organizer, you could use a different graphics software or just a renaming utility to get it done.

Juergen

[jk's mom]

Thanks for the response Juergen.

Do you know of a utility that provides the ability to name the file based on the date the picture was taken?

[Juergen D]

IrfanView (http://www.irfanview.com)(free) would do it. There is a bit of a learning curve, but not too bad... ;)

Juergen

[dj_paige]

But don't do the batch rename using Irfanview (or anything else) if the photos have been imported into the PSE Organizer.

[jk's mom]

Paige and Juergen, thank you for both your responses!

Of course, I've encountered another snag. For many files, it's telling me that the file does not contain the photo date/time (date photo taken is what i want displayed).

I have XP. When I click on the file, they all display date the photo was taken. So, I'm not sure why the utility is not able to pick it up?

[Juergen D]

Are you using this Placeholder: $E36867 ? If not, try it.

Juergen

[jk's mom]

Juergen, can you elaborate on what you mean by using the placeholder?

Thanks for your patience!

[jk's mom]

Hi Again Juergen,

Did a quick search on help and found:

$E36867 - DateTimeOriginal (see Appendix A for additional examples)

So this is the Date Taken info on the file?

I want Date Taken - File Name.

So, would this be: $E36867 _$F

I hit start batch, the window turns black... but don't see anything happening?

[Juergen D]

When you set up the Batch Rename Settings you have to enter a name pattern. Click on Help to find your particular pattern. It should probably be $E36867(%Y%m%d)-###$O.

You may have to do some experimenting.

Juergen

Edit: I gave you the sequential numbering pattern. You are on the right path... I got to leave for a while now. Sorry.

[jk's mom]

Hmmm...

well, did a couple of tests including your pattern below and it seems the $E36867 is not picking up the date for me.

i'll keep playing... but i'm confused as to why some pics taken the exact same day would show this info but not for others when I use another tool like Flexible Renamer.

[Juergen D]

Are any of the pictures without the date shot in RAW? Can you post one of them on Pixentral (http://www.pixentral.com) (be sure to use Save As... so the EXIF data are preserved)?

Juergen