Rename files in Lightroom on desktop

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to rename files by creating custom templates. 

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Follow along with any project to learn how to edit photos in Lightroom. 

Rename files using exisiting template

Open a photo that you want to rename and select Info  .

Select Edit   beside File Name to open the Rename dialog box.

In the Rename dialog box, select a template from the available preset options: Custom Filename - Sequence, Date - Filename, Custom Name (x of y), Custom Name, Filename - Sequence

Add the subsequent fields. This will change as per the selected templates. 

  • Custom name
  • Start number 
  • Example

Select Apply to rename your file.

Create a new template to rename files

To create a new template, select Options   > Create New Template

Specify the following details in the Rename dialog box:

  • Name: Type your template name.
  • Add Variables: Select from Names, Counts, Date, Metadata, and Custom text
The Create new template dialog box, displaying variables, names, and other fields.
Create new template dialog box with Variable options.

Select Save and Apply to save your template.

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