Batch Rename Multiple PDF Files with Underscores in Windows 11

Batch Rename Multiple PDF Files with Underscores in Windows 11

If you have multiple PDF files with names that include underscores and want to batch rename them to include a specific prefix or suffix, you can do so easily in Windows 11 using the built-in File Explorer. This can be useful for organizing lecture notes, research papers, or any other collection of PDF files.

Preparing to Batch Rename PDF Files

Before you begin, make sure that all of the PDF files you want to rename are located in the same folder. This will make it easier to select and rename them in bulk.

Selecting PDF Files for Batch Rename

To select the PDF files you want to rename, open File Explorer and navigate to the folder that contains them. Then, click on the first file to select it. Next, press and hold the Shift key, and click on the last file in the group you want to rename. This will select all of the files in between as well.

Batch Renaming PDF Files with Underscores

Once you have selected the PDF files you want to rename, right-click on one of them and select Rename from the context menu. This will allow you to change the name of the first file in the group, which will automatically update the names of all the other selected files.

For example, if you have multiple PDF files with names like 124_lecture-1 Statistical Mechanics.pdf, 143_lecture-2 Thermodynamics.pdf, and 156_lecture-3 Non-equilibrium.pdf, and you want to batch rename them to include a prefix like Lecture-, you can follow these steps:

1. Select the PDF files you want to rename.
2. Right-click on one of them and select Rename.
3. Type Lecture- followed by a space.
4. Press the Tab key to move the cursor to the end of the name.
5. Type the rest of the name, such as lecture-1 Statistical Mechanics.pdf.

This will rename the first file in the group to Lecture-lecture-1 Statistical Mechanics.pdf, and all of the other selected files will be automatically renamed with the same prefix.

Using Wildcards to Batch Rename PDF Files

If you want to use wildcards to batch rename multiple PDF files, you can do so by typing the wildcard character (*) in the name field. For example, if you want to rename all of the PDF files in a folder that start with a number and include an underscore, you can use the following steps:

1. Select all of the PDF files in the folder.
2. Right-click on one of them and select Rename.
3. Type *_ to select all of the files that include an underscore in the name.
4. Press the Tab key to move the cursor to the end of the name.
5. Type the new name, such as Lecture- followed by a space.

This will rename all of the selected PDF files to include the Lecture- prefix, while keeping the original number and name intact.

• Batch renaming multiple PDF files with underscores in Windows 11 is easy using the built-in File Explorer.
• Select all of the PDF files you want to rename, right-click on one of them, and select Rename.
• Type the new name, including any prefix or suffix, and press the Tab key to apply it to all of the selected files.
• Use wildcards to batch rename multiple PDF files based on specific naming conventions.

References

• Rename a file or folder in File Explorer
• How to Batch Rename Files in Windows 10
• How to Batch Rename Files in Windows 10 Using PowerShell