Automate Photo Filenames — Mihov EXIF Renamer Step-by-Step TutorialOrganizing large photo libraries becomes far easier when filenames reflect useful metadata such as capture date, camera model, or sequence numbers. Mihov EXIF Renamer is a lightweight, focused tool that automates renaming image files using EXIF metadata. This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through installing the tool, configuring common rename patterns, handling edge cases (missing EXIF, duplicates), and integrating the renaming process into a simple workflow for photographers and hobbyists.
What Mihov EXIF Renamer does (at a glance)
Mihov EXIF Renamer reads EXIF metadata embedded in JPEG and many other image formats, then renames files according to rules you define — for example, converting DSC_1234.JPG to 2024-08-30_15-42-10_CanonEOS5D.jpg. It’s designed for fast batch operations and is useful when you need filenames that convey capture date/time, camera make/model, and sequence numbers.
Why automate photo filenames
- Faster searching and sorting without relying on external databases
- Easier backups and synchronization across devices
- Consistent archive naming for long-term management
- Improved workflows for editing, sharing, and cataloging
Before you start: backup and basics
Always back up your photos before running batch operations. Renaming is reversible only if you have a record or backup. Make a copy of a representative folder and test your rename pattern there first.
Installation
- Download Mihov EXIF Renamer from the official site or a trusted software repository.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. On Windows, the installer places an executable in Program Files; on macOS, you may get a DMG or a portable app.
- Launch the application.
Step 1 — Choose files or folders
- Use the “Add Folder” or “Add Files” button to select the images you want to rename.
- You can drag and drop folders into the application window for quick selection.
- The program lists files with their current filenames and available EXIF fields (date taken, camera model, etc.).
Step 2 — Define a rename pattern
Mihov EXIF Renamer uses tokens representing EXIF tags. Common tokens include:
- %Y — year (four digits)
- %m — month (two digits)
- %d — day (two digits)
- %H — hour (two digits)
- %M — minute (two digits)
- %S — second (two digits)
- %model — camera model
- %make — camera make
- %seq — a sequential counter
Example patterns:
- Date-time + original name: %Y-%m-%d%H-%M-%S%filename
- Camera + date: %make%model%Y%m%d_%seq
Preview the results in the file list to ensure the pattern produces the desired filenames.
Step 3 — Handle missing EXIF data
Some images (screenshots, edited exports) may lack EXIF metadata. Options:
- Use fallback tokens such as %filedate or %filesize if supported.
- Provide a default value in the pattern, e.g., UnknownCamera or NoDate.
- Skip files with missing EXIF by filtering them out before renaming.
Always check the preview to catch missing data before applying changes.
Step 4 — Dealing with duplicates and collisions
When multiple files map to the same target filename:
- Enable automatic sequence numbering (%seq) to avoid collisions.
- Configure an overwrite policy: skip, overwrite, or append a suffix.
- Use folder-based organization tokens (e.g., %Y/%m/) to separate files by date.
Step 5 — Apply renaming and verify
- Click Preview to review new filenames.
- If the preview looks correct, click Rename or Apply.
- After renaming, sort files by name and date to verify correctness.
- If something went wrong, restore from backup or use the application’s undo (if available).
Advanced usage
- Batch process multiple folders via command-line (if Mihov supports CLI) or by scripting with OS tools.
- Combine with image-management workflows: import renamed files into Lightroom/Photoshop or sync to cloud services.
- Create templates for common projects (weddings, travel, product shoots) to speed repeat tasks.
Example patterns and when to use them
| Goal | Pattern example | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Preserve capture moment | %Y-%m-%d_%H-%M-%S | Chronological order, precise timestamp |
| Add camera info | %Y-%m-%d%make%model_%seq | Useful for multi-camera shoots |
| Simple sequential | %Y%m%d_%seq | Compact, sortable, avoids collisions |
| Include original name | %Y-%m-%d_%filename | Keeps original context while standardizing dates |
Troubleshooting common problems
- No EXIF shown: confirm the file format supports EXIF (JPEG, some TIFFs). For PNG or GIF, metadata may be absent.
- Time zone or incorrect timestamps: some cameras store local time; adjust using the app if it supports time offsets or correct timestamps beforehand.
- Permission errors: ensure you have write permissions for files/folders; run with elevated privileges if necessary.
Best practices and workflow tips
- Establish a naming convention and document it (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD_camera_seq).
- Run renames on a working copy, then replace originals after verification.
- Keep EXIF metadata intact when editing — many editors preserve EXIF, but some exports strip it.
- Combine filename automation with folder organization by date or project.
Quick checklist before renaming
- Backup original files.
- Test pattern on a sample set.
- Verify fallback behavior for missing EXIF.
- Confirm duplicate-handling settings.
- Apply rename and spot-check results.
Mihov EXIF Renamer is a simple but powerful tool to bring consistency and order to photo collections. With careful pattern design and a cautious workflow (backup, preview, verify), you can automate filename generation and spend more time creating and less time managing files.
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