qmv

rename files by editing their names in a text editor

TLDR

Rename files listed in an editor (dual-column, default)

$ qmv [files]

Rename everything in the current directory

$ qmv *

Pick a specific editor for this run

$ qmv -e [vim] [files]

Use single-column format (source and destination on alternating lines)

$ qmv -f sc [files]

Use destination-only format

$ qmv -f do [files]

Dry run: show what would happen without renaming

$ qmv --dummy [files]

Verbose output

$ qmv -v [files]

qmv (quick move) opens a list of filenames in a text editor so you can batch-rename by editing the destination column. When the editor exits, qmv compares the edited file with the original and applies each change as a rename. This lets you use familiar editor features — search and replace, macros, multi-cursor — for bulk renames.qmv detects potential conflicts (cycles, collisions) and resolves them via intermediate renames. If a destination exists, you are prompted before overwriting.

PARAMETERS

-f, --format=FORMAT

Edit format to use: `dc` (dual-column, default), `sc` (single-column), or `do` (destination-only).

-o, --options=OPTIONS

Pass comma-separated options to the selected edit format (e.g. `swap`, `blank`, `autowidth`). Use `--options=help` for a list.

-e, --editor=PROGRAM

Text editor to open the file list in. Falls back to `$VISUAL`, `$EDITOR`, then a built-in default.

--command=COMMAND

Use COMMAND to perform renames instead of `mv`.

--ls=PROGRAM

Path to the `ls` program used to list directory contents.

-i, --interactive

Start in command mode rather than invoking the editor immediately.

-v, --verbose

Print each rename as it is performed.

--dummy

Do everything as usual except the actual renames (dry run).

--help

Show option summary.

--version

Show version information.

FORMATS

dc — Dual-column (default): source on the left, destination on the right. Only edit the right side.sc — Single-column: alternating lines of source and destination.do — Destination-only: one destination per line; relies on file order matching the source list.

INSTALL

sudo apt install renameutils

sudo dnf install renameutils

sudo pacman -S renameutils

sudo zypper install renameutils

brew install renameutils

nix profile install nixpkgs#renameutils

CAVEATS

Part of the renameutils package. Editor must be text-based. Do not edit the source column in the default `dc` format — only the destination side. Renames inside directories not listed will not be applied.

HISTORY

qmv is part of the renameutils package created by Oskar Liljeblad and released under the GPL. The companion tool qcp performs the same workflow for copying files.

qmv