Manual Renaming — pattern reference

Overview

Manual Renaming renames files from a pattern you type, combining literal text with variables drawn from each file's metadata or from values you supply. Unlike Metadata Renaming, which applies a fixed template, Manual Renaming lets you author any pattern from {seq}, {yyyy}, {artist}, {city}, and other variables. A variable palette below the pattern field inserts variables at the cursor, {seq} numbers files 1, 2, 3… within the session, and Archyv prompts you for any variable that resolves to empty.

When to Use

Use Manual Renaming when files lack the metadata a template would need, when you want to override an existing value, or when working with files that carry no EXIF/IPTC data (scans, screenshots, downloads). Choose it over Metadata Renaming when you know a common naming element (a project name, a location, an event, or a name) that the files themselves do not record, when you want simple session-based numbering (1, 2, 3…) rather than per-group sequences that span the batch, or when you want to mix text you type with metadata variables like {seq}, {yyyy}, {city}, and {camera} in one pattern. It suits a single batch where you supply the shared element by hand and let dates come from the metadata.

Requirements

Enter a pattern (e.g. {lastname}-{yyyy}-{seq:4}, or your own)
The pattern must not be empty - clicking Start with an empty pattern shows a prompt
Include at least one variable (e.g. {seq:4}) so filenames stay unique
{yyyy} resolves from the file's EXIF/IPTC date, or UNKN when no date is present
Include {seq} or {seq:N} when renaming multiple files so names don't collide
Supported formats: common images (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIC, and more), RAW files from major camera brands, and video (MP4, MOV, M4V, and more)
Cloud-synced files are handled automatically within the cloud timeout (default 120s vs 30s for local, adjustable in Settings > General); very large or slow-syncing files may time out — raise the timeout or download them first
If the pattern uses metadata variables (e.g. {city}), the files should carry that metadata

How to Use

Select your files in the left Folder Navigator panel
Select 'Manual Renaming' from the process bar
Enter or edit a pattern in the pattern field (e.g. {lastname}-{yyyy}-{seq:4})
Use the variable palette below the pattern field to browse and insert variables — click any chip to add it at the cursor position
Variables like {seq}, {artist}, {yyyy}, {city} draw from file metadata; {seq} generates a session sequence number
If renaming multiple files without {seq}, you'll be prompted to add a sequence variable
If pattern uses metadata variables not found in files, provide fallback values when prompted
Click 'Start' to begin renaming
Monitor progress in the log output showing original and new filenames
Review results and use 'Refresh' to reload the file list if needed

Tips & Important Notes

Back up your files before any renaming process
Turn on Simulation Mode in General Settings first to preview the renames in the log
Always include {seq:N} when renaming multiple files so names stay unique
Click a chip in the variable palette below the pattern field to insert a Photographer, Camera, Location, Date / Time, Descriptive, File, or Utility variable at the cursor (plus any custom variables you have defined)
Modifiers refine a variable: {seq:4} pads to four digits (0001), {artist:4} truncates to four characters
If the pattern uses variables a file doesn't have, you're prompted for the values
{seq} numbering starts at 1 each session, unlike Metadata Renaming, which keeps a separate running count per group across the whole batch
Cloud files get a longer timeout than local files (defaults 120s vs 30s, adjustable in Settings > General); if you still hit timeouts, download the files first or use a smaller batch
Run File Sort after renaming to close any gaps in the sequence numbering