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Is there an automation to auto-rename existing files?

Hi, is there a way to run an automation to rename existing files that are already uploaded to a Dropbox folder?

I have an automation currently set up on a folder to rename new files to `YYYY-MM-DD filename.ext` but that only works on newly uploaded files and don't want to have to re-upload everything again.

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Hannah

Hey @vutran, thanks for reaching out to us.

I was able to do this on my end, using our naming conventions feature, which allows you to rename existing files.

You can see how to use this feature here.

Let me know if you have any questions!

vutran

Hi Hannah, thanks for responding so quickly.

The naming conventions feature is the exact feature I was using. However, it only renames any new files that are uploaded and is not renaming any files that already exists in the folder with the naming convention rule enabled. I'm still seeing some files named as `IMG_6945` (HEIC , and MOV format btw), etc.

I've double checked the metadata for data creation exists on those files by opening it up in Dropbox previewer and the creation time is definitely set to a date in the past (eg: 1/6/2024).

I also tried disabling and re-enabling that feature and the message I get in the snacker at the bottom shows "All files already match the naming convention." which isn't true.

Perhaps, I might be missing something?

Jay

Hi @vutran, thanks for the info.

Could you try moving an image out of the folder, and then back in to see if this forces the automation to take effect?

vutran

Hi @Jay , I just tried your suggestion. I moved the file(s) out of the folder with the naming convention applied and back into the folder. It did trigger something where it said the files were renamed, but it looks like the file wasn't actually renamed.

I tried a second time with a different set of files, and some files were renamed successfully, and some weren't. I double checked in Dropbox preview that the both the successful and unsuccessful sets had metadata with creation date. I'm not entirely sure what other differences there could be that would prevent some files to actually be renamed.

Jay

There must be some sort of difference that is preventing the files from being detected by the automation. What are the exact settings you have for the automation, and the properties for a file which wasn't renamed?

vutran

Hi @Jay , it looks like the issue is present for MOV (video) files.

Nancy

Hi from me as well, @vutran. Can you please disable the automation once again, and re-enable it, while making sure the “Apply to current files” box is ticked?

I’d also like a screenshot of your preferences, when setting up the automation again, so that I can check this further.

Thanks!