Edit several file names at a time

[dastinger]

Hey guys,

So, I own a 2007 iMac that I almost do not use since I bought a RMBP in Summer. The main reason that I do not use it its because it's still with Lion and bloated with apps and files. I finally bought an external drive to backup the files I want to keep and format it but, for the sake of organization, I wanted to edit file names, create folders etc. Thing is, I have, for example, lots of music. I wanted to edit each name to something like Artist - Track Name. But going through the folder, hitting Return, renaming and so on would be a pain in the ass. Is there any way I can have something like a text file with all the names and edit the text file, save it and change that all? Or any other easier way to edit?

Thanks

 

[benwiggy]

Are you manually naming your audio files in the Finder?
Do you not use iTunes for managing your audio files?

If each of the files has an individual name, and you are going to enter that into a text file, and press Return at the end of each line, I fail to see how this would be quicker.

If there is any series that can be calculated in the filenames, then shell scripting might be possible. There is also an app called A Better Finder Renamer.

 

[dastinger]

Are you manually naming your audio files in the Finder?
Do you not use iTunes for managing your audio files?

If each of the files has an individual name, and you are going to enter that into a text file, and press Return at the end of each line, I fail to see how this would be quicker.

If there is any series that can be calculated in the filenames, then shell scripting might be possible. There is also an app called A Better Finder Renamer.

I don't use iTunes. It's probably the only Apple app that I really dislike.. plus, I don't own any iDevice so I don't see a reason to use iTunes instead of other media player to listen to music. Anyway, does iTunes rename the file itself or only tags it? Because I want the file names to be properly organized (care more about that than tags).

And yes, you're probably right regarding the text file. It was merely the only idea that came to mind when trying to set out an example for what I wanted.

A script would fail to do what I want because each file is separate. No albums.

Anyway, it's not only music that I want to organize this way but mainly.

I'll try A Better Finder Renamer.

Any more ideas are welcome

Thanks a lot, benwiggy

 

[Tesselator]

Yep, "A Better Finder Rename." is frigging awesome.

Another good tool for what you're doing is "The Big Mean Folder machine".

Beyond that, the CLI can be pretty powerful but takes a little learning.

BTW, I hate the new iTunes too. Pre-lion versions were tolerable but the new (last few) versions are just terrible! Apple must think our desktops all only have 10" touch-screen devices or something... Gaaaa!