Thunar 4.20.2 on openSUSE Tumbleweed does not have a "Rename: New" feature that automatically creates numbered copies like some other file managers. If you are looking for this functionality, it is not built into the standard rename dialog. You must use external tools or scripts to achieve duplicate-with-suffix behavior.
Understanding Thunar's Rename Dialog
The native rename dialog in Thunar is designed for simple name changes. When you select one or more files and press F2, a small window appears allowing you to edit the filename. This interface supports basic text substitution using regular expressions but lacks advanced batch processing features found in dedicated renaming utilities. It treats each file individually based on your input string. There is no checkbox or menu option labeled "New" or "Copy" within this specific dialog box. Users coming from Windows environments might expect an option to append "(1)" or "(2)" automatically, but Thunar expects manual entry or regex-based pattern matching.
Why You Might See Unexpected Behavior
After updating to openSUSE Tumbleweed, your system receives the latest packages from the rolling release repository. Thunar 4.20.2 includes various bug fixes and UI improvements, but it does not introduce new core functionalities like automatic duplication during rename. If you observed different behavior previously, it was likely due to a third-party plugin or a different file manager entirely. Some users install plugins like
thunar-vcs-plugin for version control integration, but these do not affect standard rename operations. The default behavior remains strict: it renames the selected item to exactly what you type. If you try to rename a file to a name that already exists, Thunar will prompt you to confirm the overwrite or cancel the action. It will never silently create a new file with a modified name unless you explicitly code that logic into a script.
Checking for Conflicting Extensions
If you feel that something *is* happening that you didn't authorize, check if you have any custom actions configured. Go to
Edit >
Custom Actions. Review the list for any scripts that trigger on selection. A poorly written custom action could potentially copy files before renaming them, creating the illusion of a "New" feature. Ensure that no such scripts exist if you want pure Thunar behavior. Also, verify that you are not using a desktop environment extension that hooks into the file manager signals. While rare, some XFCE panels or docks might intercept key presses and execute alternative commands.
Alternative Solutions for Batch Renaming
Since Thunar lacks native support for appending suffixes or creating numbered duplicates, you need to look outside the GUI. The most robust solution for Linux users is the command-line tool
rename (often provided by the
perl-rename package). This utility allows powerful pattern matching and sequential numbering. For example, you can add a prefix or suffix to multiple files at once. Another popular option is
qmv from the
renameutils package, which opens a visual editor similar to Vim for mass renaming. These tools integrate well with terminal workflows and provide the precision that graphical dialogs often lack.
Using Custom Actions in Thunar
You can bridge the gap between Thunar's simplicity and advanced needs by creating a Custom Action. Right-click in Thunar and select
Custom Actions >
Add New. Set the icon and name appropriately. In the command field, enter a script that calls
rename or a bash loop. For instance, you could write a script that takes the selected files, iterates through them, and appends "_copy" to each name. This adds a button to the right-click context menu. This approach gives you the convenience of a GUI while leveraging the power of shell scripting. It is persistent across sessions and works reliably after updates.
Related Configuration Tips
If you are managing many files, consider adjusting how Thunar handles shortcuts. Re-ordering Thunar's Places List can improve navigation speed when dealing with large directories. Additionally, ensuring your default file manager is correctly set prevents conflicts when opening folders from other applications. If you experience instability after updates, checking panel crashes is also wise, as they can sometimes interfere with file manager responsiveness. These settings help maintain a smooth workflow even when the core rename functionality remains basic.
Setting Default File Manager to Thunar ensures that all system-wide file opening requests go to your preferred interface.
Re-ordering Thunar's Places List: A Guide to Customizing Shortcuts helps keep your frequently accessed directories handy, reducing the time spent navigating to the folder you wish to rename files in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Thunar support automatic numbering like Windows?
No, Thunar does not automatically number files or append increments during a standard rename operation. You must manually type the desired name or use a script to handle sequential numbering.
How can I add a suffix to multiple files in Thunar?
You cannot do this directly in the GUI. You must use the
rename command in the terminal or create a Custom Action that executes a bash script to append text to selected filenames.
Why did my Thunar update change my rename behavior?
Updates typically fix bugs rather than add major features. If behavior changed, it was likely a bug fix or a reset of preferences. Check your custom actions and ensure no new plugins were installed alongside the update.
Can I make Thunar ask to save as new instead of overwrite?
Thunar already prompts you if you try to rename a file to an existing name. It does not offer an option to automatically save as a new file with a different name; you must confirm the overwrite or choose cancel.
What is the best alternative to Thunar for bulk renaming?
For heavy bulk renaming, consider using
qmv from the
renameutils package or the
rename perl script. These tools offer more advanced pattern matching and visual editing capabilities than Thunar's native dialog.