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Swap text
Swap text around a separator in file names
The swap rule is useful when the right parts already exist but appear in the wrong order. Pick a separator, preview the reordered names, and apply the change across the batch.
Best for
Use this when names need to be reordered around a delimiter, such as author-title, date-report, or ID-name formats.
Rename examples
Swap name and title
John-Resume.pdf
Resume-John.pdf
Move date label
2026-Report.xlsx
Report-2026.xlsx
Reorder IDs
SKU123_product.png
product_SKU123.png
Common use cases
- Convert “name-title” files into “title-name” files.
- Move dates, IDs, or category labels to a more useful position.
- Restructure imported file names that share one separator.
How to use it
- 1Choose the swap rule.
- 2Enter the separator that splits the file name.
- 3Check the reordered preview and apply the rename.
Limits and checks
- Use swap rules when two known fragments need to exchange positions.
- Check that both fragments exist before applying the rule.
- Preview files with repeated separators or repeated labels.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Swapping text in names where one side is optional.
- Forgetting extension protection when one fragment appears near the suffix.
- Using swap where regex capture groups would express the structure more clearly.
FAQ
What happens if a file name does not contain the separator?
The preview lets you identify names that do not match the rule before applying the batch rename.
Can I combine swap with cleanup rules?
Yes. You can swap first, then clean separators or extra spaces with another rule.