File Renamer

What File Renamer is

File Renamer is a desktop app for batch renaming files on Linux and Windows. It is free and describes itself as Free, Libre, Open Source Software, with a GPL-3.0 license. The project README labels screenshots for listing files, previewing changes, and viewing renamed files, and the product includes a rename preview.

The project wiki provides portable installation instructions for Linux and Windows. It says this installation route does not require root or administrator permission. Another option is to install the app with `pip install io.github.flossapps.file-renamer` and launch it with `file-renamer`. The wiki reports portable installation testing on Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop, Ubuntu Desktop, and Windows 11. For Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, its instructions call for installing `libxcb-cursor0`. The wiki says other desktop operating systems, including macOS, may work with the pip installation, though those systems are untested. File Renamer's listed platform coverage is Linux and Windows, so users on other systems can refer to the pip option with that qualification in mind. Its portable route and command-line installation instructions give users two documented ways to get started.

Who it suits

File Renamer suits people who need to rename groups of files on Linux or Windows and want a free, open source desktop app with a preview step. It may also suit users looking for a portable installation that does not need administrator permission.

Getting started

1. Visit https://github.com/flossapps/file-renamer.
2. On Linux or Windows, follow the wiki's portable installation instructions if you want a no-administrator-permission setup.
3. Alternatively, install with `pip install io.github.flossapps.file-renamer`.
4. Run `file-renamer` to start the app.
5. On Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, install `libxcb-cursor0` as instructed.

Verdict

Choose File Renamer if you want a free, open source desktop app for batch renaming on Linux or Windows, with a preview and portable installation instructions. Users on other desktop systems should weigh the fact that the pip route is described as potentially compatible but untested there.