Frequently Asked Questions
PDF Renaming FAQ
Everything you need to know about renaming PDF files—from basic manual methods to AI-powered automation that reads your documents and names them for you.
Basic Questions
Fundamentals of PDF renaming
Can you rename a PDF file online?
Yes. You can rename PDF files online using several methods. For simple renaming, cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox let you right-click and rename files directly. For bulk renaming based on content (extracting dates, invoice numbers, vendor names), AI-powered tools like renamed.to can process multiple PDFs and generate filenames automatically.
Will renaming a PDF break links or bookmarks inside it?
No. Renaming a PDF file only changes the filename on your computer or storage drive. Internal bookmarks, annotations, form fields, and hyperlinks within the PDF remain intact. However, if other documents or applications link to the PDF by its old filename, those external references will need to be updated.
Is it safe to rename PDF files?
Yes, renaming PDF files is completely safe and does not alter the file content. The PDF data, formatting, images, and text remain unchanged. Only the filename is modified. This is true whether you rename manually, use batch tools, or use AI-powered services.
Can I undo a PDF rename?
On local storage, you can undo a rename immediately using Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac). Cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox maintain version history, so you can see previous names. AI tools like renamed.to show a preview before applying changes and maintain audit logs of all renames.
Can I rename PDF files on my phone?
Yes. On iOS, use the Files app to tap and hold a PDF, then select "Rename." On Android, use the Files app or your file manager to long-press and rename. For bulk renaming, web-based tools like renamed.to work in mobile browsers, allowing you to upload files or connect cloud storage from your phone.
Batch Renaming
Processing multiple files
What is the fastest way to rename multiple PDF files?
The fastest method depends on your volume and naming needs. For 1-10 files, manual renaming takes about 2 minutes. For 10-100 files with simple patterns, batch rename tools in Windows (PowerRename) or Mac (Finder) work well. For 100+ files or content-based naming where you need to extract information from inside the PDFs, AI tools like renamed.to process files in seconds and generate consistent names automatically.
AI-Powered Renaming
Content-based automation
Can I rename a PDF based on its contents?
Yes, AI-powered tools can read PDF content using OCR and natural language processing to extract key details like dates, vendor names, invoice numbers, and amounts. Tools like renamed.to use this extracted data to generate consistent filenames such as "2025-01-15_Acme_INV-1234.pdf" automatically, without manual data entry.
How do I rename scanned PDFs automatically?
Scanned PDFs require OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read the text in images. AI tools like renamed.to include built-in OCR that can read scanned invoices, receipts, and documents, extract key information, and generate filenames automatically. Upload your scanned files or connect your cloud storage, and the AI handles the OCR and naming together.
Cloud Storage
Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
How do I rename PDFs in Google Drive?
For single files: right-click the PDF and select "Rename." For bulk renaming, you have two options: (1) Use Google Apps Script to create a custom automation, or (2) Connect your Drive to a tool like renamed.to that can access your files, read their contents, and rename them based on extracted data like dates and vendor names.
How do I rename PDFs in Dropbox?
For single files: click the three dots menu next to the file and choose "Rename." For batch renaming based on content, connect your Dropbox account to renamed.to. You can set up a watched folder that automatically processes and renames new files as they arrive.
Naming Conventions
Best practices and standards
What naming convention should I use for PDF files?
The most reliable format is YYYY-MM-DD_Description_ID.pdf. Start with the date in ISO 8601 format (2025-01-15) so files sort chronologically on any system. Include a descriptive element (vendor name, document type) and a unique identifier (invoice number, order ID). Avoid special characters like #, %, &, and spaces. Example: 2025-01-15_Acme_INV-1234.pdf.
Pricing
Costs and plans
How much does AI PDF renaming cost?
renamed.to offers 50 free renames to try the service with no credit card required. After that, pricing is pay-as-you-go: $9 for 1,000 renames, with volume discounts available. There are no monthly subscriptions required. Credits are valid for 12 months.
Ready to try AI-powered PDF renaming?
Upload a few invoices or receipts and watch the AI extract dates, vendors, and amounts automatically. 50 free renames, no credit card required.
Try PDF Renamer Free