Build a Bulk File Rename Tool With Python and PyQt

Multiple file renaming can be a laborious and time−consuming process. However, we can create a Bulk File Rename Tool that automates and simplifies the process with the aid of Python and PyQt.

This article will explore the step−by−step process of creating a Bulk File Rename Tool using Python and PyQt. By leveraging the power of Python's file−handling capabilities and the user−friendly PyQt framework, we can develop a tool that allows us to rename multiple files quickly and efficiently. Throughout the article, we will guide you through the development environment setup, the file renaming logic implementation, and the creation of an intuitive user interface using PyQt. By the end of this article, you will have a functional Bulk File Rename Tool that can save you valuable time and effort in managing and organizing your files. Get ready to streamline your file renaming tasks and bring order to your digital file collection with Python and PyQt.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into building the tool, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of Python programming and PyQt. Familiarity with file−handling operations in Python would also be beneficial.

Setting Up the Environment

Make sure Python and PyQt are installed on your computer first. Run the following command to install PyQt using a package manager like pip:

pip install pyqt5

Additionally, we will be using the os module, which is included in the Python standard library.

Creating the User Interface

The first step is to design the user interface for our bulk file renaming tool. A wide variety of widgets are available in PyQt to create interactive graphical applications. You can start a fresh Python file and import the required modules in the manner described below:

from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QApplication, QMainWindow, QWidget, QVBoxLayout, QLabel, QLineEdit, QPushButton, QFileDialog

Next, create a class that inherits from the QMainWindow class and set up the UI components:

class FileRenameTool(QMainWindow):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        self.setWindowTitle("Bulk File Rename Tool")
        self.resize(400, 200)
        
        self.central_widget = QWidget()
        self.setCentralWidget(self.central_widget)
        
        self.layout = QVBoxLayout()
        
        self.label = QLabel("Enter new file name:")
        self.layout.addWidget(self.label)
        
        self.line_edit = QLineEdit()
        self.layout.addWidget(self.line_edit)
        
        self.button = QPushButton("Rename Files")
        self.button.clicked.connect(self.rename_files)
        self.layout.addWidget(self.button)
        
        self.central_widget.setLayout(self.layout)

The main window of our application is represented by the FileRenameTool class. A label, a line edit widget, and a button are all that are included in the renaming process.

Implementing the File Renaming Logic

Now that we have our user interface ready, we need to implement the logic for bulk file renaming. Add the following method to the FileRenameTool class:

    def rename_files(self):
        file_dialog = QFileDialog()
        file_dialog.setFileMode(QFileDialog.DirectoryOnly)
        
        if file_dialog.exec_():
            directory = file_dialog.selectedFiles()[0]
            new_name = self.line_edit.text()
            
            for filename in os.listdir(directory):
                file_path = os.path.join(directory, filename)
                
                if os.path.isfile(file_path):
                    file_extension = os.path.splitext(filename)[1]
                    new_file_name = new_name + file_extension
                    new_file_path = os.path.join(directory, new_file_name)
                    
                    os.rename(file_path, new_file_path)

The "Rename Files" button is what initiates this method. It launches a file dialogue where you can choose the destination directory holding the files you want to rename. It iteratively scans through each file in the directory after retrieving the newly entered name from the line edit widget. It creates a new file name for each file by appending the entered name and the original file extension. The file is then renamed using the os.rename() function.

Running the Application

To run the application, add the following code at the end of the Python file:

if __name__== "__main__":
    app = QApplication([])
    window = FileRenameTool()
    window.show()
    app.exec_()

Save the file with a .py extension and execute it. The bulk file rename tool window will appear, allowing you to enter the new file name and initiate the renaming process.

Additional Features to Enhance the Bulk File Rename Tool:

• File Filtering Options:

  The capability to filter files based on particular criteria is one useful feature that ought to be added to the bulk file rename tool. You could, for instance, let users filter files based on file size, file extension, creation date, or modification date. With this filtering ability, users can target particular files for renaming, giving them more control over the procedure.

• Preview Functionality:

  Adding a preview feature allows users to see the changes that will be applied before actually renaming the files. This helps prevent unintended changes and gives users an opportunity to review the proposed new file names. You can display a preview window or a list that shows the original file names alongside the new file names for verification.

• Batch Renaming Patterns:

  The tool could be made even more adaptable by allowing users to use batch renaming patterns. Users can include variables and placeholders in the new file names using batch renaming patterns. To automate the renaming process, for instance, you can use patterns like sequential numbering, date/time stamps, or custom text insertion. Users can apply consistent naming conventions across various files thanks to this flexibility.

• Undo/Redo Functionality:

  Mistakes happen, and having an undo/redo functionality can be a lifesaver. By implementing this feature, users can revert the changes made during the renaming process if they realize they made a mistake or want to revert back to the original file names. It provides an added layer of safety and peace of mind during the file renaming process.

Conclusion

This article explored how to build a bulk file rename tool using Python and PyQt. We set up the development environment, designed the user interface using PyQt, and implemented the file renaming logic using Python's os module. The tool allows selecting a directory and entering a new file name, and it renames each file by appending the entered name with the original file extension. We also discussed enhancing the tool with features like file filtering options and preview functionality. By using this tool, you can save time and effort when renaming a large number of files, making file management more convenient and efficient.