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Ant Renamer
What it is
Ant Renamer is a free Windows program for changing many file and folder names according to rules you specify. It can change extensions, replace or insert text, move or delete characters, add enumeration and alter letter case. It can also create names from MP3 ID3 v1.1 tags, file modification dates and times, EXIF information, regular expressions, or a list or file. The program changes names only, not file contents. Unicode file names are supported on NT systems, including names with Japanese, Chinese and Arabic characters. The interface is available in English and numerous other languages, including French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Tamil. Ant Renamer is free software under GNU General Public License version 2 or, at the user's option, a later version. Version 2.13.0 is offered as an installer or portable ZIP package. The maker describes it as an older project that remains maintained, while noting that it relies on old tools and does not use newer Windows features. Help files, online manuals, a forum and email contact are available.
For and against
For
- Free software under the GNU General Public License.
- Can rename folders as well as files.
- Supports metadata and regular-expression naming.
- Installer and portable ZIP are offered.
Against
- Available for Windows only.
- Unicode support is limited to NT systems.
- The project uses older tools and lacks newer Windows features.
The verdict
Ant Renamer covers a wide range of batch naming rules, including metadata and regular expressions, at no charge. Its Windows-only support and reliance on older tools are worth considering.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who need to rename batches of files or folders with rules, metadata or regular expressions. It is also relevant for users who want a free program and portable ZIP option.
Plans and prices
Ant Renamer
Free software · source code available · Windows program
Read 3 Oct 2026 · antp.be
On the record
- Display support
- The support page explains how to change Windows compatibility settings if text looks blurred on high DPI displays.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Download
- Version 2.13.0 is offered as an installer and as a portable ZIP package; the page lists a program date of 2024-12-14 and package update date of 2025-09-20.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- The maker states that Unicode is supported only on NT systems and that translated interface text depends on matching Windows regional and program language character sets.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The program is available in English and numerous other languages, including French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Tamil.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The program is free software under the GNU General Public License version 2 or, at the user's option, any later version.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maker location
- Antoine Potten says he lives in Brussels, Belgium.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Metadata and patterns
- It can create names using MP3 ID3 v1.1 tags, file modification date and time, EXIF information, regular expressions, or names from a list or file.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The maker describes Ant Renamer as an old project started in 2003 that is still maintained to keep it running, but is based on old tools and does not use newer Windows features.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Ant Renamer makes it easier to rename large amounts of files and folders using specified settings.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Rename actions
- Features include changing extensions, replacing or inserting text, moving or deleting characters, enumeration, and case changes.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Scope
- The program modifies only file and folder names.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to the included help file, online user manuals, forum, or contact by forum or email.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Unicode
- Unicode file names are supported, including names containing Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic characters.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
- Windows compatibility
- The maker says it has been tested from Windows 98 and NT4 through Windows 10 and 11, with some stated limitations on older systems.antp.be · read 3 Oct 2026
