# Rename files automatically with naming rules

Give the files of a Drime folder consistent names from rules: dates, numbering, photo or music details, and apply them to files already there or added later.

Updated: 2026-10-20  
Source: https://drime.cloud/support/drive/rename-files-automatically

Naming rules rename the files of a folder for you, from rules you choose: a date, a number, a keyword, photo or music details.

## Set naming rules

1. Right-click the folder and choose **Folder settings**, then **Set naming convention**.

   ![The right-click menu of a folder with its Folder settings submenu open](https://drime.cloud/media/01M5A9S1CN3HF9JYS98JA94WXK/cad3fb01b89b-web-drive-folder-settings-menu.png)

2. Under **Name built from**, add the parts of the new name.

   Up to 12 parts: the current file name, a keyword, the parent folder, numbering, a date (date uploaded, **Date captured**, date modified, in 10 formats), photo details (camera make and model, lens, dimensions) or music details (track title, artist, album, year).

   ![The naming convention dialog with the parts of the name and the before and after preview](https://drime.cloud/media/01M5DVZ5DTYBT2ZE1R54KCPZN3/5fc71bb1e6f2-web-folder-naming-convention.png)

3. Adjust the result if needed.

   **Replace text**, **Keep only characters**, capital initials, and the separator between words: spaces, underscores, dashes or dots.

4. Choose what to rename.

   **Rename the files already in this folder**, **Apply these rules to all future files in this folder**, or both.

5. Check the preview, then click **Set**.

## Good to know

- The preview shows each name before and after.
- Extensions are kept. If two files would get the same name, Drime adds " (2)".
- Only the files directly in the folder are renamed, not those in its subfolders.
- In a folder with more than 2,000 files, the renaming continues in the background.
- You need the right to edit the folder.

To rename a single file, select it and press `F2`. See [Organize files and folders](https://drime.cloud/support/drive/organize-files-and-folders).

## If it doesn't work

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| Files in subfolders weren't renamed | Rules apply to the files directly in the folder: set rules on each subfolder. |
| **Set naming convention** isn't offered | You need edit rights on the folder: ask its owner. |
| A file has " (2)" in its name | Another file in the folder got the same name: add a part, such as numbering, to the rules. |