PBRenamer
PBRenamer: A free, open-source renamer for power users who need regex, metadata, and automation. Ranked #5 of 31 in File Renaming Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free cross-platform power users.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree cross-platform power users
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Regex renamingYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free and open-source on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Previews conflicts before batch renaming and supports undo
- Combines regex, metadata tokens, recursive handling, and CLI mode
Where it doesn't
- Marked as alpha software in its package metadata
- Advanced pattern and metadata rules may require technical familiarity
- No paid tier or broader service ecosystem for managed support
Our verdict on PBRenamer
PBRenamer is a free, open-source desktop application for batch-renaming files and directories across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is aimed at power users who need more control than simple find-and-replace tools provide, including recursive folder handling, regular expressions, metadata-based naming, sidecar-file grouping, and command-line automation. Standalone builds are available for Linux, Windows, and Apple Silicon macOS, with installation also available from PyPI or source.
Its strongest fit is the depth of its renaming workflow. Pattern-based search and replacement can be combined with counters, dates, parent-folder names, and image, audio, or video metadata tokens. Users can preview proposed names with conflict detection before applying a batch, rename both files and directories, process nested folders recursively, and group sidecar files for coordinated renaming. Undo for the last rename batch adds a practical recovery step. Headless command-line mode extends the tool beyond a graphical desktop workflow for repeatable automation.
Pricing is straightforward: PBRenamer is free and open-source, with no paid plan structure to compare. That makes it a strong choice for users who want broad platform coverage and advanced controls without a license cost. The main qualification is maturity: the project is marked as alpha software in its package metadata. Users comfortable with technical configuration and evaluating open-source utilities may find its feature set compelling, while people who need production-mature software, managed support, or a more polished onboarding experience should choose an established alternative instead.
Your product? Our editors can test PBRenamer in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
PBRenamer pricing
PBRenamer fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platform coverage | Multi_platform |
| Regex renaming | Yes |
| Metadata-based renaming | Yes |
| Rename preview | Yes |
| Folder renaming | Yes |
| Undo changes | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to PBRenamer
- KRenameA capable free Linux renamer for expressions, metadata, folders, and undo.9.0
- Bulk Rename UtilityA feature-rich Windows renamer for precise batch operations, scripting, and metadata rules.8.9
- Name ManglerA focused Mac renamer with advanced rules, previews, reversal, and Dropbox or Box support.8.4
See all PBRenamer alternatives →
PBRenamer vs the competition
- PBRenamer vs KRename
- PBRenamer vs Bulk Rename Utility
- PBRenamer vs Name Mangler
- PBRenamer vs Advanced Renamer
- PBRenamer vs RenameKit
- PBRenamer vs Nomina
Compare PBRenamer with any tool side by side →
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Featured on iTechGuides
PBRenamer is listed in our File Renaming Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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