OneDrive Integration
Connect your Microsoft OneDrive account to enable AI-powered automatic file renaming. No more messy filenames – connect once and let watched folders keep everything organized.
How It Works
Are your OneDrive folders filled with files like scan_2025_10_07.pdf or invoice1.pdf? Our OneDrive integration works in the background to analyze, rename, and organize your PDF documents based on their content.
The process is simple:
- 1Connect your OneDrive account and enable the integration
- 2Create inbox subfolders (watched folders) and configure their settings
- 3Drop PDF files into watched folders or use "Sync Now" to process existing files
- 4Find your perfectly renamed files automatically organized
- 5Keep everything organized automatically in the background
Why Use This Integration
Save Time
Eliminate manual file renaming
Stay Organized
Consistent naming across all documents
Find Files Faster
Searchable, descriptive filenames
Seamless Workflow
Works within OneDrive, no new tools to learn
Getting Started
Connect OneDrive
- Log in to your Renamed.to account
- Go to Settings → Integrations
- Find the OneDrive integration and click Connect
- Click Continue with Microsoft
- Sign in with your Microsoft account
- Grant permissions for file access
- You'll be redirected back with a success message
Note: You'll be asked to grant permissions for file access. These permissions allow Renamed.to to rename files in your OneDrive folders. Your files remain in your OneDrive account. Files are temporarily stored in EU-hosted Cloudflare R2 storage for up to 10 minutes during processing, then automatically deleted.
Create Watched Folders
Once your connection is active, you'll need to create watched folders in Renamed.to where you'll drop files for automatic renaming:
- Go to Settings → Integrations → OneDrive
- Choose one of two ways to create a watched folder:
- Create new subfolder: Click "Create" and enter a folder name. The folder will be created as a subfolder under
Renamed.to/YourFolderName - Select existing folder: Click "Browse OneDrive Folders" to select any existing folder in your OneDrive. This allows you to watch folders that already contain files.
- Create new subfolder: Click "Create" and enter a folder name. The folder will be created as a subfolder under
- Configure folder settings:
- Organization Strategy: How files are organized in subfolders (see below for details)
- Filename Template: Choose from predefined templates or use Auto mode
- Destination Mode: In-place rename or move to Renamed folder. When using "Move to Renamed", you can optionally select a custom destination folder instead of using the default
renamed.to/Renamedlocation. - Output Language: Language for generated filenames
- Custom Prompt: Optional instructions to influence naming
- Active toggle: Enable or pause processing for this folder
- Click "Save Configuration" to apply settings
Tip: You can create multiple watched folders, each with different settings. For example, create separate folders for invoices, receipts, and contracts with different organization strategies.
Subfolder Monitoring: Watched folders automatically monitor all subfolders recursively. This means you can organize files in a folder structure like /Invoices/2024/January and all PDFs will be processed, regardless of their depth in the folder hierarchy.
Process Your Files
Once your watched folders are set up, you can process files in two ways:
Automatic Processing
- Drop PDF files or scanned images (JPG, PNG, TIFF) into your watched folders in OneDrive (including any subfolders)
- Files are automatically detected and processed
- Wait 30-60 seconds for processing to complete
- Files are renamed (and optionally moved) based on your folder settings
Note: Watched folders monitor all subfolders recursively, so files placed anywhere within a watched folder structure will be processed.
Manual Sync
- Click the "Sync Now" button in Settings → Integrations → OneDrive
- This processes all PDFs and scanned images currently in your watched folders (including all subfolders)
- Useful for processing existing files or after changing folder settings
Processing: Files are analyzed using AI to extract content, then renamed according to your folder's configuration. With "In-place" mode, files stay in the same folder but get renamed. With "Move to Renamed" mode, files are moved to a renamed.to/Renamed folder with organized subfolders.
File Types: PDF files and scanned images (JPG, PNG, TIFF) are processed. Other file types in watched folders will be ignored.
Credits: Each file processed consumes 1 credit from your account. Processing will pause if you run out of credits.
Processing Time: Files are processed asynchronously in a queue. Most files are processed within 30-60 seconds, but complex documents may take longer.
Security & Privacy
OAuth 2.0 Authentication
We use Microsoft's OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication. Your Microsoft credentials are never shared with us—authentication happens directly with Microsoft.
Minimum Permissions
We only request the minimum permissions needed to rename files. Your files remain in your OneDrive account. Files are temporarily stored in EU-hosted Cloudflare R2 storage for up to 10 minutes during processing, then automatically deleted.
Token Encryption
All access tokens are encrypted at rest in our database. Tokens are automatically refreshed before expiration to ensure continuous operation.
You Control Access
You can disconnect the integration at any time from your settings. Disconnecting immediately revokes all access permissions.
Organization Strategies
When using "Move to Renamed" destination mode, you can choose how files are organized into subfolders. You can use predefined organization strategies or create custom structures using prompt-driven organization. This only applies when files are moved; in-place renaming keeps files in the same location.
Simple Organization
- Root (Flat Structure)
- All files are placed directly in the destination folder with no subfolders.
- By Date
- Files are organized by year extracted from the document.
- By Issuer
- Files are grouped by the company or organization that issued the document.
- By Type
- Files are grouped by document type (Invoice, Receipt, Contract, etc.).
Combined Organization
- By Date & Issuer
- Files are organized first by year, then by company.
- By Date & Type
- Files are organized first by year, then by document type.
- By Issuer & Type
- Files are organized first by company, then by document type.
- By All (Date, Issuer, Type)
- Files are organized by year, then company, then document type. Best for large document collections that need maximum organization.
Prompt-Driven Organization
Beyond the predefined strategies, you can use a custom prompt to create completely custom folder structures. The AI will interpret your instructions and organize files according to your specific needs—perfect for unique workflows, project-based organization, or department-specific structures.
How It Works
When you provide a custom prompt in the folder settings, the AI uses it to determine both the folder structure and filename. The most effective approach is to provide a path template showing the desired folder structure, or include concrete examples of the folder paths you want.
Method 1: Path Template (Recommended)
Provide a template using placeholders that show the folder structure:
Custom Prompt:
Use folder structure: /{department}/{Year}/Q{quarter}/Results in:
Custom Prompt:
Organize as: /{ProjectCode}/{DocumentType}/Results in:
Method 2: Examples
Provide concrete examples showing the folder paths you want:
Custom Prompt:
Organize by client, then year and document type. Examples: /AcmeCorp/2025/Invoices/, /TechCorp/2025/Contracts/Results in:
Method 3: Natural Language with Examples
Combine descriptive instructions with examples for best results:
Custom Prompt:
Group by department (HR, Finance, Legal), then year and document type. Example: /HR/2025/Offer_Letter.pdf or /Finance/2025/Invoice.pdfResults in:
Best Practices:
- •Use path templates with
{placeholder}notation for clear structure - •Include examples of desired folder paths to guide the AI
- •Specify fallbacks for missing data (e.g., "Use 'Unknown' if project code not found")
How Files Are Named
Renamed.to uses intelligent AI to create professional, organized filenames that make your documents easy to find and sort. You can use Auto mode, predefined templates, or custom prompts to control exactly how your files are named. We also offer Dropbox integration with similar automated file organization features.
Auto Mode (Recommended)
AI intelligently analyzes your document and creates professional filenames using enterprise-grade naming standards. No configuration needed—just works. Learn more about Auto mode →
- Smart Date Detection
- Includes dates (YYYY-MM-DD format) only for transactional documents like invoices, receipts, statements, and periodic documents. Omits dates for resumes, contracts, and other documents where dates aren't the primary sorting factor.
- Document Type Recognition
- Uses standardized document types from a controlled vocabulary (Invoice, Receipt, Contract, Bank Statement, Utility Bill, Payslip, etc.). Common synonyms are automatically mapped to standardized names.
- Business Context Awareness
- Detects department context (accounting, HR, legal, finance) and adapts naming patterns accordingly. For example, HR documents might include department codes, while invoices focus on company and reference numbers.
- Cross-Platform Safe Formatting
- Uses underscores as delimiters, no spaces or special characters. Filenames work on Windows, macOS, Linux, and all cloud storage services.
Filename Formatting Rules
All generated filenames follow these standardized rules to ensure consistency and compatibility:
- Character Format
- Single underscores as the only delimiter between segments. No spaces, no special characters like
/ : * ? " < > |. Uses Title Case for English (e.g.,AcmeCorp), native casing for other languages. - Date Format
- ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD) when included. Placed at the beginning for natural sorting. Example:
2025-03-15_Invoice_AcmeCorp.pdf - Length Limits
- Filenames are kept concise (ideally under 60 characters) while remaining informative. Company names are sanitized and shortened if needed to stay within limits.
- Document Type Standards
- Uses full, standardized document type names from a controlled vocabulary. Never abbreviates (e.g., "Travel Itinerary" not "Itinerary"). Maps common synonyms automatically (e.g., "Pay Stub" → "Payslip", "CV" → "Resume").
- Missing Information Handling
- When information is missing, uses descriptive alternatives or omits that segment. Never includes placeholder values like "UnknownID" or generic fallbacks. Avoids word duplication.
Predefined Templates
Choose from predefined templates optimized for different use cases. Each template follows the same formatting rules but structures information differently. See all available templates →
- Complete
Date_Type_Company_Number— Example:2025-03-15_Invoice_AcmeCorp_INV-001.pdf- Date First
Date_Type_Company— Example:2025-03-15_Invoice_AcmeCorp.pdf- Company Focused
Date_Company_Type_Number— Example:2025-03-15_AcmeCorp_Invoice_INV-001.pdf- Simple
Date_Type— Example:2025-03-15_Invoice.pdf- Comprehensive
Date_Company_Type_Number— Example:2025-03-15_AcmeCorp_Invoice_INV-001.pdf- Business Smart
- Auto-detects your department context (accounting, HR, legal, finance) and creates appropriate business naming patterns. Example:
2025-03-15_Accounting_AcmeCorp_Invoice_INV-001.pdf
Custom Prompts for Filenames
You can use custom prompts to control exactly how filenames are generated. This works similarly to prompt-driven folder organization—provide instructions, examples, or patterns in natural language.
Method 1: Natural Language Instructions
Describe how you want filenames structured:
Include date at the start, then document type, then company name in all caps, then any reference number. For invoices, always include the invoice number even if it's just INV-001.Example result:
Method 2: Filename Examples
Provide concrete examples of the filenames you want:
Examples: 2025-03-15_ACME_Invoice_12345.pdf, 2025-03-20_TECH_Corp_Receipt.pdfAI learns the pattern and applies it:
Method 3: Conditional Rules
Specify conditional logic for different document types:
For invoices over $1000, prefix with "LARGE_". For receipts, include the amount. For contracts, include the expiration date if present.Results in conditional formatting:
Real Examples
Here are some examples of how AI transforms messy filenames into professional ones. For comprehensive examples across different industries and document types, explore our use case gallery →
Original filename
scan_2025_10_07.pdfAI-generated filename
2025-10-07_AcmeCorp_Invoice_INV-12345.pdfOriginal filename
receipt1.pdfAI-generated filename
2025-09-15_Starbucks_Receipt.pdfOriginal filename
document.pdfAI-generated filename
2025-03-15_TechCorp_Contract_2024-05.pdfCommon Questions
How quickly will my files start processing?
Once you connect OneDrive and configure a watched folder, most PDFs and scanned images are picked up and renamed within 30–60 seconds. Existing files can be processed immediately using the "Sync Now" button.
What permissions are required?
We request permissions to read and write files in your OneDrive. This allows us to rename files in folders you specify. Your files remain in your OneDrive account. Files are temporarily stored in EU-hosted Cloudflare R2 storage for up to 10 minutes during processing, then automatically deleted.
Is my data secure?
Yes. We use OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication with Microsoft. All tokens are encrypted at rest. Files are temporarily stored in EU-hosted Cloudflare R2 storage for up to 10 minutes during processing, then automatically deleted. The integration only accesses folders you specify, and you can disconnect anytime.
Can I disconnect my OneDrive account?
Yes. You can disconnect your OneDrive integration at any time from Settings → Integrations. Disconnecting immediately revokes all access permissions.
How do watched folders work?
Watched folders are subfolders you create directly in Renamed.to. Each folder can have its own configuration for how files are renamed and organized. PDF files dropped into watched folders are automatically processed and renamed according to the folder's settings.
Important: Watched folders monitor all subfolders recursively. If you watch a folder like /Documents/Invoices, PDF files in /Documents/Invoices/2024 or /Documents/Invoices/2024/January will also be automatically processed. This allows you to organize files in subfolders while still maintaining automation.
What's the difference between in-place rename and move to Renamed?
In-place rename: Files stay in the same folder but get renamed with AI-generated filenames. Move to Renamed: Files are moved to renamed.to/Renamed and organized into subfolders based on your organization strategy (by date, issuer, type, etc.).
Can I customize how files are named?
Yes! For each watched folder, you can choose from predefined filename templates or use Auto mode. You can also provide a custom prompt to influence how the AI generates filenames. Additionally, you can configure the output language and organization strategy to control how files are organized.
Can I select a custom destination folder when moving files?
Yes! When using "Move to Renamed" destination mode, you can optionally select a custom destination folder from your OneDrive instead of using the default renamed.to/Renamed location. Click "Select Destination Folder" to browse and choose where renamed files should be moved. If no custom destination is selected, files will be moved to the default location.
Can I watch existing folders instead of creating new ones?
Yes! You can either create a new subfolder under Renamed.to or select any existing folder in your OneDrive to watch. Use "Browse OneDrive Folders" to navigate and select an existing folder. This is useful when you already have files organized in folders and want to start watching them.
Can I see a history of renamed files?
Yes! The Settings page includes a "Recent Activity" section that shows the last 10 successful renames from the past 10 minutes. This helps you verify that files are being processed correctly and see the original and new filenames.
Can I create custom folder structures beyond the predefined strategies?
Yes! Using prompt-driven organization, you can write natural language instructions in the Custom Prompt field to create completely custom folder structures. The AI will interpret your instructions and organize files accordingly. For example, you could organize by project codes, departments, clients, or any other criteria extracted from your documents.
What file types are supported?
PDF files and scanned images (JPG, PNG, TIFF) are processed. Files dropped into watched folders will be automatically renamed. Other file types will be ignored.
Do I need credits to use this integration?
Yes, each file processed consumes 1 credit from your account. You can purchase credits from your account settings. If you run out of credits while files are being processed, those jobs will be automatically paused and marked as "pending credits."
Automatic retry: When you add credits to your account (via purchase or admin grant), processing automatically resumes for all pending jobs. No manual retry needed! Jobs older than 30 days will not be automatically retried to avoid processing outdated files.
Can I pause or activate watched folders?
Yes! Each watched folder has an "Active" toggle. When paused, files in that folder won't be processed. This is useful if you want to temporarily stop processing for a specific folder without deleting it.
Can I reconnect or refresh my OneDrive connection?
Yes! You can reconnect your OneDrive account anytime using the "Manage Connection" dropdown menu. This is useful if you've changed your Microsoft account password or need to refresh the connection permissions.
Can I turn the integration off later?
Yes. You can disconnect OneDrive at any time from Settings → Integrations. Disconnecting immediately revokes access and stops all processing.
Related Documentation
Using the AI File Renamer
Learn the fundamentals of AI-powered file renaming, including Auto mode, templates, and custom prompts.
Dropbox Integration
Set up automatic file renaming for your Dropbox account with similar features to OneDrive integration.
Use Case Examples
Explore real-world examples of how AI transforms messy filenames across different industries and workflows.
All Documentation
Browse our complete documentation library for integrations, API reference, and more.
Ready to Join the Beta Program?
Connect your OneDrive account and get early access to automated file renaming. Your files will be perfectly organized with AI-powered naming.