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Tag → Filename

Use Tag → Filename to give files consistent names from their tags. The same converter can build folders and move the files into them. Check that the source fields are correct before using them to construct paths.

Rename a few tracks

  1. Keep copies, save pending edits and select practice files.
  2. Choose Convert → Tag → Filename… (Alt+1; Alt is ⌥ Option on a Mac).

  3. Enter this Format string:

    $num(%track%,2) - %title%

  4. Choose Preview. For track 3/8 and title Paper Boats, expect 03 - Paper Boats.mp3 for an MP3 file.

  5. Check every destination, then choose Apply to … files.

The source tags remain unchanged. The rename happens when applied; there is no separate Save tags step. The audio extension is retained, so usually leave it out of the expression. An expression already ending in that extension does not receive another copy.

Understand the expression

Part Meaning
%track% Read the track value, such as 3/8
$num(%track%,2) Keep its leading number and pad to at least two digits: 03
- Insert the literal separator, including the two spaces
%title% Read the title

$num reads a number; it does not preserve a vinyl side such as B2. Preview those cases before using a numeric format on a mixed collection.

With artist Juniper Vale, album Harbour Lights, year 2024, track 3/8 and title Paper Boats:

Format string Result for an MP3 file
%artist% - %title% Juniper Vale - Paper Boats.mp3
$num(%track%,3). %title% 003. Paper Boats.mp3
%album%\$num(%track%,2) - %title% Harbour Lights\03 - Paper Boats.mp3
%artist%\%album% (%year%)\$num(%track%,2) - %title% Juniper Vale\Harbour Lights (2024)\03 - Paper Boats.mp3

The backslashes in the last two rows separate folders on every platform.

Build folders deliberately

A relative folder format creates the destination beneath the audio file's current folder. Use an absolute destination when reorganizing files from different locations into one collection. For example, on Windows:

D:\Music\%artist%\%album%\$num(%track%,2) - %title%

On macOS or Linux, use the intended absolute root, for example /Music/%artist%/%album%/$num(%track%,2) - %title%. Choose a writable location appropriate to the machine; the example root need not exist there.

Literal separators in the expression create folders. Separators originating inside tag values are treated as characters in a component and use the configured folder-separator replacement. Other forbidden filename characters are sanitized. See filename-mode rules.

Gotchas

  • A missing title can produce an incomplete but valid name. Check the preview rather than assuming missing fields make the whole conversion fail.
  • Two files can produce the same destination when track or disc information is omitted. Include enough information to make each path unique.
  • Changing the selection or format invalidates the preview. Run it again. A changed file or occupied destination can still prevent applying a plan.
  • Moving a file may remove it from the list depending on Keep moved files. Inspect the destination folder before assuming the file disappeared.
  • Keep originals and inspect Edit → Undo for recorded renames.