PBRenamer

Overview

PBRenamer is a batch file-renaming utility for people who need to apply consistent rules across large groups of files, whether through a desktop interface or a terminal. Its standout advantage is control before commitment: proposed names are previewed, and collisions must be fixed before a rename can proceed.

It is a strong fit for users who want flexible, media-aware rules without a paid tier. Those seeking a broader file-management suite or a specific service integration should look elsewhere.

For more options, browse File Renaming Software. PBRenamer is GPL-3.0 software, and its project cites pyRenamer as an inspiration.

Key features

Rules cover search and replace, text substitutions, counters, dates, and parent-folder names. Replacement patterns can draw on image EXIF/IPTC data, audio tags, and video metadata, which is useful for organizing media by embedded information rather than filenames alone. The range suits varied naming schemes, though users who only need a simple one-off rename may not need this breadth.

For larger jobs, recursive traversal, extension handling, and sidecar-group support help keep related files together. Drag and drop simplifies adding files, saved presets let users reuse rule sets, and undo is available for the last rename batch. The live preview and collision warnings are meaningful safeguards: the app prevents a batch from proceeding while name conflicts remain.

Headless mode extends the same workflow to terminal use. It can preview and confirm a rename, or print equivalent mv commands as a dry run, making it a practical option for scripted or keyboard-oriented workflows without requiring the graphical interface.

Pricing

PBRenamer costs nothing under the PBRenamer plan. It is free software under GPL-3.0, with no paid tiers or stated usage limits. There is no free trial because no paid plan is offered. That makes it suitable for both occasional batches and larger recurring jobs without a subscription or per-batch cap stated; the trade-off is that there is no paid tier to turn to for a different licensing arrangement or service package.

Platforms

PBRenamer supports Linux, Windows, and macOS. Standalone downloads are provided for Linux x86-64, Windows x86-64, and Apple Silicon macOS. Installing from PyPI or source requires Python 3.12 or later and PySide6 6.6 or later, so users outside the listed standalone builds may need to meet those dependencies themselves.

The interface includes English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese; additional languages can be added through gettext files. The project documents metadata support through Pillow, mutagen, and pymediainfo, and drag and drop with external applications, but no service integrations.

Who it's for

PBRenamer is best for people who regularly organize mixed file collections, especially media libraries where tags or embedded image metadata can inform filenames. Its presets, recursive processing, and batch undo also suit repeat workflows where consistency and a way back matter. Terminal users can choose headless preview and dry-run commands.

It is less compelling for someone who needs a platform beyond Linux, Windows, or Apple Silicon macOS standalone builds, or who is looking for documented service integrations or security certifications.

Pros and cons

• Metadata-aware rules: EXIF/IPTC, audio tags, and video metadata can shape replacement patterns, giving media organizers more than basic text-based renaming.
• Collision checks before changes: the live preview flags conflicts and disables Rename until they are resolved, reducing the chance of applying a batch with duplicate destinations.
• Flexible batch workflow: recursion, sidecar groups, presets, drag and drop, and undo cover useful stages from selection to recovery.
• Terminal mode: preview, confirmation, and dry-run mv output help users who want to work without the GUI.
• Build coverage has a boundary: standalone downloads target Linux and Windows x86-64 and Apple Silicon macOS; source or PyPI installation requires the documented Python and PySide6 versions.
• No stated service integrations or security certifications: it is a focused renaming utility, not a documented connected or compliance-oriented platform.

Alternatives

Choose Advanced Renamer if you use macOS or Windows and prefer a freemium tool with a stated free allowance of 10,000 files and five methods per batch; its Personal plan has unlimited files and methods per batch, with price not listed.

Nomina is another free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

For Mac-only use, Transnomino is a free batch renamer; version 10.1.0 requires macOS 14 or later.

Pick ReNamer if you need a Windows tool with a non-commercial free Lite version capped at five rules and five presets, or a Pro license at $29.95, paid once.

RenameKit offers a three-day full-feature trial across Linux, macOS, and Windows, followed by a 20-item batch limit on its 9.99 USD one-time Lifetime License; choose it if that trial-and-license arrangement suits your workflow.

Ant Renamer is a free Windows program with source code available.

For a Windows-only option, Bulk Rename Utility offers Home / Academic at $24.95 a month for one computer and Commercial at $92.95 a month for one computer; its commercial volume plan for two to five computers is $63.95 a month.

reNamerX is a free, MIT-licensed desktop batch-renaming tool for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Verdict

PBRenamer is an easy recommendation for users who want a capable, free batch renamer with media metadata rules, safeguards against name collisions, and both GUI and terminal workflows. Look elsewhere if your platform falls outside its supported builds or you need service integrations or a compliance-focused product.