Bulk Rename Utility

Bulk Rename Utility is a Windows application for renaming many files and whole folders using configurable rules. It can add, replace, or insert filename text, alter capitalization, remove or change extensions, and add dates or automatic numbers. A detailed preview displays proposed names before changes are made. Rules can draw on photo EXIF data, MP3 ID3 tags, and Windows file properties. More advanced options include regular expressions, JavaScript renaming, filters, subdirectory processing, and CSV input lists. The utility can create an undo batch file and record renaming activity in a log. Optional PDF and MediaInfo extensions provide PDF and audio/video metadata as tags; they require version 4.1.0.0 or newer. A portable version is available. The download page lists Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, including Windows on ARM, plus specified Windows Server versions. Personal home use is free. Listed licenses include a $24.95 a month Home / Academic plan for one computer and a $92.95, paid once commercial license per computer.

Bulk Rename Utility offers a broad set of batch-renaming rules, previews, and undo support for Windows. Personal home use is free; commercial and Home / Academic licenses are listed separately.

It suits Windows users who need to rename batches of files or folders with rules based on names or metadata. The advanced options may help with more involved or repeatable renaming jobs.

Bulk Rename Utility is a Windows tool for applying rules to batches of files and folders. It suits people who need precise, repeatable renaming, especially when names depend on metadata. Its breadth is a strength; command-line users and anyone working outside Windows should look elsewhere.

Overview

Rather than limiting users to one rename action, the utility combines common filename edits with metadata and rule-based processing. A detailed preview lets users inspect proposed names before applying changes, while an undo batch file and activity log help make large jobs more manageable. That combination makes it a stronger fit for deliberate batch work than for a quick, one-off cleanup.

Key features

• Flexible edits: Add, replace or insert filename text; change case; remove or change extensions; and add dates or automatic numbers. This covers everyday cleanup and sequencing without requiring separate utilities for each operation.
• Metadata-driven names: Use photo EXIF data, MP3 ID3 tags and Windows file properties. Optional PDF and MediaInfo extensions expose PDF and audio/video metadata as tags, provided the utility is version 4.1.0.0 or newer.
• Advanced batch rules: Regular expressions, JavaScript renaming, filters, subdirectory processing and CSV input lists give experienced users control over more structured jobs. These options are useful for repeatable workflows, but add complexity that occasional basic renaming may not need.
• Preview and recovery: The detailed preview shows proposed names before changes are made. An undo batch file and activity log provide useful safeguards when renaming a large group of files.
• Portable option: A portable version is available, useful when installing the application is not practical.

Pricing

Personal home use is free, with no free trial. That makes it an easy choice for private household jobs, but the free-use terms do not cover commercial work.

The Home / Academic license unlocks all features, including JavaScript renaming; its price is custom pricing. The listed Home / Academic plan costs $24.95 a month for one computer. For business use, Commercial is $92.95 a month for one computer; volume pricing is $63.95 a month for 2–5 computers and $49.95 a month for 6 or more. Those per-computer prices make the volume tiers more suitable for teams than the single-computer rate, though commercial use is not free.

A separate Commercial license is priced at $92.95, paid once per computer, with quantity pricing of US $63.95 each for 2–5 and US $49.95 each for 6 or more. Yearly maintenance and priority support costs $29.95 a year, with quantity pricing of US $19.95 each for 2–5 and US $14.95 each for 6 or more; it includes updates, new versions and priority email support. Buyers should distinguish that annual maintenance offer from the separately priced licenses.

Platforms

Bulk Rename Utility supports Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7, including Windows on ARM, plus specified Windows Server versions. It has no Mac or Linux version. The application is designed solely as a graphical interface, so command-line workflows require the maker’s separate Bulk Rename Command product.

Who it's for

This is a good fit for Windows users who regularly rename large batches, need to use photo, music or file-property metadata, or want more control through filters, scripts and CSV input. The preview and undo support are particularly relevant when a mistake would affect many files. It is less suitable for users who need a command-line tool, work on macOS or Linux, or only want a minimal renamer for occasional edits.

The maker says downloads are digitally signed, include no bundled software and that the application does not collect or transmit information to third parties. Support is available through a user forum and contact form; the maker says contact queries receive a response within a few hours on business days. Support applies only to the latest version, and users are advised to upgrade to version 4.1.0.1 before contacting the team.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The range of edits, metadata tags and advanced rules can handle varied batch-renaming needs in one Windows utility.
• Pro: Preview, undo batch files and activity logs give users ways to check and retrace consequential jobs.
• Pro: Personal home use is free, and a portable version is available.
• Con: The GUI-only design excludes command-line workflows.
• Con: It is Windows-only, with no Mac or Linux version.
• Con: Commercial licensing is a paid commitment, and the listed per-computer monthly rates can be substantial for a single business user.

Alternatives

Advanced Renamer is worth considering if macOS support or a free trial matters: it runs on Windows and macOS, and its free plan allows occasional personal use, up to 10,000 files per batch and up to five methods per batch. For renaming through a web interface instead of installing a Windows app, Batch File Renamer is free and exports renamed copies in ZIP files without installation or registration.

Renamer.ai is another option for users who want web or API access as well as Windows or macOS desktop support; its free Starter plan includes 25 renames per month, batch rename, Magic Folders and normal support. If a free, open-source desktop tool is the priority, reNamerX is an MIT-licensed batch renamer for Linux, macOS and Windows. Ant Renamer is a free Windows program with source code available.

For other free cross-platform choices, Filera is an MIT-licensed download for Linux, macOS and Windows, while Nomina supports those three platforms and has no paid plans or usage limits stated. Media Renamer Pro may suit readers looking for an iOS or macOS option; it costs $4.99.

Browse more options in File Renaming Software or File Manager Software.

Verdict

Choose Bulk Rename Utility if you work on Windows and need a broad, controllable set of batch rules, metadata naming and safeguards for large jobs. Personal home use is free, but businesses face paid licensing, and users who need a command line or a non-Windows platform should choose another tool.