Process

File Sort

Template-based resequencing to eliminate gaps in file numbering

Overview

File Sort closes gaps in numbered file sequences. You pick a Filename Template, and Archyv matches your files against that pattern, groups them by the template's grouping rules (auto-detect or manual), and renumbers each group in order (0001, 0002, 0003...). It renames in two passes - to temporary names first, then to final names - so files never collide mid-rename. Files that don't match the selected pattern are left untouched and noted in the log. Three templates are built in (Date Sequential, Photographer-Year, and Simple Sequential), and any template from Settings > Filename Templates can be used.

When to Use

Reach for File Sort after Metadata Renaming or Manual Renaming when removing duplicates or rejected photos has left gaps in your sequence numbering — for example, files numbered 0001, 0005, 0012 that you want closed back up to 0001, 0002, 0003. It is the right tool when the names are already correct and only the numbering needs tidying, so a delivered or archived set reads as an unbroken run. It works on the same grouping you renamed with, and leaves any files outside that pattern untouched.

Requirements

  • Select a template from the 'Sorting Template' picker in the File Sort options
  • The template's pattern should include a {seq} or {seq:N} variable for numbering; a template without one places every file in a single group and numbers it 1
  • Files must match the selected pattern; files that don't match are left untouched
  • Cloud files must be downloaded and accessible before sorting
  • Enough free space is needed for the temporary copies the two-pass rename creates

How to Use

  1. Select the files to sort in the left Folder Navigator panel
  2. Select 'File Sort' from the process bar
  3. In the File Sort options, choose the template that matches your files from the 'Sorting Template' picker; the pattern shows below it as a preview
  4. Click 'Start' - Archyv renames in two passes (to temporary names, then to final names) so files never collide mid-rename
  5. Watch the log to see each file's old and new name, and which files were left untouched because they didn't match the template
  6. Review the results - the file list updates to the new filenames

Tips & Important Notes

  • Choose the same template you renamed the files with - it appears in the 'Sorting Template' picker in the File Sort options
  • The three built-in templates group differently: Date Sequential groups by date, Photographer-Year by photographer and year, and Simple Sequential keeps the original filename
  • Any template from Settings > Filename Templates works; it works best with a template that includes a {seq} or {seq:N} variable, since a template without one places every file in a single group and numbers it 1
  • Auto-detect grouping uses the variables before {seq} in the pattern; Manual grouping uses the variables you set yourself. For example, {artist}-{yyyy}-{seq:4} with auto-detect numbers each artist-and-year group on its own (Smith-2024-0001, Smith-2024-0002, Jones-2024-0001)
  • Files that don't match the template are skipped and marked '[SKIPPED]' in the log - check the template if files you expected are skipped
  • Turn on Simulation Mode in General Settings to preview the renames in the log before committing to them