Find answers to common RenamerX questions

Use this page for short answers to common questions. Follow the link in an answer when you need complete steps, supported values, or boundary cases.

Start using RenamerX

What does RenamerX do?

RenamerX reads supported documents, images, and videos to create clear, searchable, and standardized filenames. You can review each new name before RenamerX renames, moves, or organizes the file. How RenamerX Works explains the complete workflow.

Where should I start?

Install RenamerX, complete the setup screens, then rename 3 to 5 files in a test folder. Quick Start takes you through a reviewed Apply without requiring a custom template.

Should I use Batch Rename or Watch Folders?

Start with Batch Rename when you want to review a one-time set of files or test a naming rule. Use a Watch Folder for files that repeatedly arrive in one source folder after the same setup works reliably in Batch Rename. Watch Folders require Pro.

What does Quick Pane do?

Quick Pane sends file and folder paths into Batch Rename from anywhere on the desktop. It does not rename or apply files itself. See Quick Rename for the shortcut, path rules, template, and target folder controls.

Understand AI and privacy

Does RenamerX upload my files?

RenamerX reads files and creates previews on your device. Built-in Local AI also creates names on your device. Another AI Provider receives prepared file information, so review Security and Privacy before processing sensitive files.

When does RenamerX need the internet?

RenamerX can use the network for resource downloads, external AI Providers, checkout, license activation and validation, App updates, and redacted error reports. Built-in Local AI can process files on the device after its required resources are installed and ready.

Do I need an API key?

Built-in Local AI and Ollama do not require an API key. LM Studio and Custom Provider accept an optional key, while OpenAI and Google Gemini require one. AI Providers lists every configuration field.

Can I switch AI Providers later?

Yes. Switch in Preferences → AI provider and model. Wait for unfinished files first because RenamerX checks the active Provider when each file starts AI processing.

Work with files and results

Which file types does RenamerX support?

RenamerX supports specific document, image, camera RAW, and video extensions. Unsupported and temporary files are skipped during import. Use Supported File Types for the complete extension and Description write-back tables.

Can RenamerX process scanned PDFs?

Yes, but results vary. RenamerX uses text from the PDF when available and can use an image from the first page of an image-based PDF. Multi-page or low-quality scans can produce limited results, so review the suggested name before applying it.

Does adding a file change it immediately?

No. RenamerX reads the file and creates a new name for review while the file keeps its current name and location. The file changes only after Apply changes, Watch Folder Auto apply, or Undo.

Can I edit a new name before applying it?

Yes. Edit the name while the item shows Needs review. The current file remains unchanged until you apply that item.

Can RenamerX turn GPS coordinates into a place name?

Yes. Select a template that includes Location, then add a file with saved GPS coordinates. RenamerX identifies the most specific reliable place on your device. It leaves Location empty when it cannot identify one place reliably.

Does Apply write Description to file metadata?

For supported images, camera RAW files, some videos, and PDFs, Apply attempts to write Description to the file's metadata. It does not add text to a document body or change visible content. If the metadata write fails, RenamerX does not reverse a rename or move that already succeeded. See Supported File Types for the exact formats.

Can I undo an applied change?

Undo attempts to restore the recorded original name, location, and captured Description state. It needs the original parent folder and an available original path. Review, Apply, and Undo explains conflicts and recovery limits.

Is Clear workspace the same as Undo?

No. Clear workspace deletes Batch Rename records and their saved Undo history. It does not restore files that were already renamed or moved, so use Undo before clearing the workspace.

Create a naming rule

Can I use my own file naming convention?

Yes. First decide what the filename should contain and how people will find those files. Then create a Template that fixes the fields, order, separator, Date format, language, and folder organization.

When should I use Controlled Vocabulary?

Use it when the same Subject, Type, Status, Organization, or Project appears under different names. Controlled terms help RenamerX choose consistent values, but you still review the result. See Controlled Vocabulary for examples and category rules.

Why is a field sometimes missing from a new name?

RenamerX omits a selected field when it cannot find a reliable value. If every selected field is unavailable, it cannot create the new name. Naming Fields Dictionary explains the evidence and empty-value behavior for each field.

Understand credits and Pro

How many credits does Free include?

Free includes 50 credits each month. RenamerX uses 1 credit each time it successfully creates a new name for one file. Failed processing returns the reserved credit.

Do Apply and Undo use credits?

No. Adding files, reviewing or editing existing names, Apply, and Undo do not use another credit. A successful retry that creates a new name uses 1 credit on Free.

What does Pro include?

Pro includes unlimited RenamerX credits, Watch Folders, Auto apply, and a lifetime license from a one-time purchase. External AI Providers can still charge separately for their services. See Credits and License for the Free and Pro comparison.

How do I transfer Pro to another device?

On the old device, open Preferences → License & Billing and select Deactivate. On the new device, open the same page, select Activate Key, and enter your license key.

Why did a Watch Folder or Auto apply become unavailable?

Watch Folder creation, monitoring, and Auto apply require an active Pro license. Check Preferences → License & Billing if the App returns to Free after a validation problem or a long offline period. Active monitoring stops when Pro is no longer available.

Get more help

Use Troubleshooting when you have a visible error or a workflow stops working. Start with System Status, test one supported file, and export a diagnostic bundle only if the same problem continues.