mvrename

Mvrename is a small, open-source command-line utility designed for batch renaming and moving files by applying pattern-based transformations to their names. It operates by taking a substitution rule—typically expressed in a regular-expression-like syntax—and applying it to each filename in the input set. When a destination option is supplied, mvrename can relocate the renamed files into a target directory, with optional preservation of the original directory structure or placement into a flat directory.

Key features of mvrename include support for regular expressions and capture groups, case-insensitive matching, and a dry-run mode for previewing changes without affecting files. It provides collision-handling strategies such as overwrite, skip, or automatic suffixing to avoid name clashes. The tool is designed to be deterministic and script-friendly, making it suitable for integration into shell workflows and automated pipelines. Some builds also offer the ability to apply multiple substitution rules in a single invocation.

Usage typically involves providing a substitution expression such as a substitution command in the form s/old/new/ to perform the rename. A destination can be specified with a flag or option to move the renamed files. Examples include renaming all files with a .txt extension to .md and optionally moving them into a docs directory, or applying more complex patterns to batch-renames across large file sets. Some implementations also offer options to preserve relative paths or to operate recursively within directories.

Mvrename is cross-platform, with ports or compatible builds available for Linux, macOS, and Windows environments. It is released under an open-source license, and most distributions provide a version through their package managers. The project typically maintains a public repository and documentation, including usage examples and migration notes. See also: rename, mmv, perl-rename, and other batch-renaming utilities.