prename

Rename files using Perl expressions

TLDR

Rename with Perl expression

$ prename 's/old/new/' [*.txt]

Dry run

$ prename -n 's/pattern/replacement/' [files]

Lowercase filenames

$ prename 'y/A-Z/a-z/' [*]

Remove spaces

$ prename 's/ /_/g' [*]

Add prefix

$ prename 's/^/prefix_/' [*]

Add suffix before extension

$ prename 's/(\.[^.]+)$/_suffix$1/' [*]

Verbose output

$ prename -v 's/old/new/' [files]

SYNOPSIS

prename [-n] [-v] [-f] expression files

prename (Perl rename) renames files using Perl expressions. It provides powerful pattern-based renaming.The s/// substitution operator replaces text. Global flag g replaces all occurrences.Transliteration y/// transforms character sets. Useful for case changes.Perl code can use $_ for filename. Complex transformations are possible.Dry run shows what would happen. Always test patterns before applying.Multiple expressions chain transformations. Each -e adds another operation.

PARAMETERS

-n, --no-act

Dry run, show changes.

-v, --verbose

Show renames.

-f, --force

Overwrite existing files.

-0, --null

Null-separated input.

-e EXPR

Expression to apply.

-E EXPR

Like -e but without warnings.

INSTALL

sudo dnf install prename

CAVEATS

Perl syntax required. May conflict with util-linux rename. Use full path if needed.

HISTORY

prename was written by Larry Wall (creator of Perl) and is often distributed as rename with Perl. It's distinct from the simpler util-linux rename command.