Top 10 File Renamer Tools in 2026 January 21, 2026 Raza Ali Kazmi Mac, Rename Data, Windows Renaming files is one of those tasks that seems simple until it suddenly isn’t. Once you’re dealing with hundreds or thousands of files, manual renaming quickly becomes slow and error-prone. Built-in tools in Windows and macOS might help a bit at the start, but they rarely offer enough control for real-world workflows. That’s why file renamer utilities still matter in 2026. The best ones let you preview changes, apply consistent rules, and rename large batches safely without breaking your folder structure. This article walks you through 10 file renamer tools that people continue to rely on, each suited to slightly different needs and experience levels. 1. PowerRename (Microsoft PowerToys) Best for: Quick renaming on Windows PowerRename integrates directly into Windows through PowerToys and focuses on fast find-and-replace style renaming. It handles simple find-and-replace tasks, numbering, and basic pattern changes well. It’s a solid option for light batch jobs and quick fixes to keep things organized. However, it lacks advanced automation or cloud support, so at most, it works best for straightforward renaming jobs. 2. Bulk Rename Utility Best for: Maximum control over file names Bulk Rename Utility is known for its sheer flexibility. It is offered for Windows only and comes packed with powerful options and a dense interface. It allows detailed control over almost every part of a file name, from case changes to removing specific character ranges. The UI can feel overwhelming at first, but it is fast, dependable, and popular among users who regularly rename thousands of files. 3. Easy File Renamer Best for: Large-scale, rule-based renaming across local and cloud storage Easy File Renamer is built for people who regularly deal with large batches of files and want consistency without complexity. It supports 12 renaming rules, including text replacement, numbering sequences, and file attribute-based naming, all within a clear, preview-driven interface that helps prevent mistakes before changes are applied. It also offers a cloud renaming option that lets users rename files directly on services like OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox without downloading them. It includes dedicated tools for organizing music libraries, with support for editing MP3 and ID3 tags in bulk. It is available for both Windows and Mac systems. For users who value speed, predictability, and the ability to manage files across locations, it fits neatly between basic free tools and overly complex power-user utilities. 4. Advanced Renamer Best for: Structured batch renaming Advanced Renamer has been around for years and remains a favorite for users who need highly customizable renaming rules. It supports complex patterns, metadata-based naming, and preview-before-apply, which makes it reliable for large batches. It’s especially useful for photos and media files. The interface takes some getting used to, but the preview feature helps prevent mistakes and allows a streamlined way to rename clunky files. 5. Renamer by den4b Best for: Clean UI with essential features Den4b’s Renamer offers a more minimal approach compared to heavier tools. It supports common renaming actions like prefixes, suffixes, numbering, and regex, without overwhelming the user. It is a good middle ground for people who want more than basic renaming but do not need enterprise-level complexity. 6. NameChanger (macOS) Best for: Mac users who want a native-feeling NameChanger is designed specifically for macOS and fits naturally into the system’s workflow. It handles common renaming needs like formatting, numbering, and text replacement with a clean interface. While it does not offer advanced automation, it works well for users who value simplicity and speed. 7. Renamer 7 (macOS) Best for: Simple batch renaming for Windows & Mac Renamer 7 focuses on ease of use rather than depth. It supports batch renaming, metadata-based rules, and previewing results before applying changes. It supports batch renaming, metadata-based rules, and previewing results before applying changes. 8. Ant Renamer Best for: Free, no-frills batch renaming Ant Renamer is a Windows-based tool that focuses on straightforward batch renaming without added complexity. It allows users to rename files using numbering, string replacement, and metadata such as ID3 tags for music files. It also supports actions like changing file extensions and moving renamed files into new folders. While the interface feels outdated and lacks previews as polished as newer tools, it remains practical for users who want a free, offline utility that gets simple jobs done reliably. 9. FileBot Best for: Renaming and organizing media files FileBot is popular among users who manage large movie or TV show libraries. It automatically matches filenames with online databases to rename and organize media files accurately. While it excels at media-specific use cases, it is less flexible for general-purpose file renaming outside of entertainment content. 10. Total Commander (Multi-Rename Tool) Best for: Power users managing files alongside renaming Total Commander includes a built-in multi-rename tool as part of its broader file management system. It supports advanced renaming using variables, regular expressions, and metadata. While powerful, it may feel excessive for users who only need a standalone file renaming utility rather than a full file manager. Final Thoughts There is no single “best” file renamer for everyone. The right choice depends on how often you rename files, how large your batches are, and whether your files live locally, in the cloud, or somewhere in between. If you only need quick fixes inside Windows or macOS, built-in or lightweight tools may be enough. As your file collections grow or your workflows become more structured, having previews, rule-based renaming, and batch safety becomes far more important. That’s where dedicated renamer utilities really earn their place. The good news is that in 2026, you do not have to choose between simplicity and control. Whether you want something minimal, media-focused, or capable of handling thousands of files across multiple locations, there are solid options available that match different working styles.