Do you want to rename images and media files in WordPress?
Image file names can improve your SEO and help potential customers and visitors find your content. However, by default WordPress doesn’t allow you to change an image’s file name after uploading it.
In this article, we will show you how to easily rename images and media files in WordPress.
Why Rename Images and Media File Names in WordPress?
Images can help you get more traffic to your website. However, you need to let search engines know what your images are about, so they can show them to people who are searching for content just like yours.
This means that using meaningful, descriptive file names is a big part of image SEO. For example, a file name like newyork-skyline.jpg is a lot more helpful than DSC00789.jpg.
While WordPress lets you change the image caption and alt tag, there’s no way to change an image’s file name from the admin area. This is a problem if you find new keywords and want to add them to your website’s images, or you used an unhelpful file name by accident.
Even worse, many website owners upload images directly from their phones or cameras. You might even have a bad habit of downloading images from other sources and forgetting to rename them before uploading.
All of this can lead to unhelpful file names, with no way to change them using the built-in WordPress tools.
Having said that, let’s take a look at how to easily rename images and media files in WordPress. Simply use the quick links below to jump straight to the method you want to use.
Method 1. Rename Images and Media Files in WordPress Using a Plugin
The easiest way to rename media files in WordPress is by using Phoenix Media Rename. This plugin allows you to rename media files without leaving the WordPress admin area.
The plugin will also update the file name for any images you’ve used in posts or pages. This can save you a lot of time and effort.
The first thing you need to do is install and activate Phoenix Media Rename. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, simply go to Media » Library. If the library shows the grid view, then you’ll need to switch to the list view by clicking on the list icon.
WordPress will now show more information about each media file including its name.
Simply hover your mouse over the image you want to rename, and then click on the ‘Edit’ link when it appears.
This will open the image in your WordPress media edit screen. From here, you can change the image alt text, caption, and more.
Scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see a new ‘Filename’ field.
From here, you can change the file name. We recommend using a meaningful name that describes the image, and adding any relevant keywords. It’s also a good idea to use all lowercase letters and add dashes inbetween words.
After that, click on the ‘Update’ button to save your changes.
Method 2. How to Rename Media Files Using FTP (No Plugin Required)
If you don’t want to use a plugin, then you can rename files after uploading them to WordPress using an FTP client such as FileZilla, or you can use a file manager provided by your WordPress hosting company.
If this is your first time using FTP, then you can see our complete guide on how to connect to your site using FTP.
Once you’ve connected to your site, go to /wp-content/uploads.
WordPress organizes its media files into different year and month folders based on when you uploaded each file.
Inside these folders, simply find the media file that you want to rename and then right-click on it. You can then select ‘Rename.’
After that, just type in the new file name.
With that done, go to Media » Library in the WordPress dashboard and find the image file. It should now be using the new name.
We hope this article helped you learn how to easily rename images and media files in WordPress. You may also want to see our guide on how to create a custom Instagram photo feed and our expert pick of the best SEO plugins and tools you should use.
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Maryam Ali says
I use the Phonix Media Rename plugin for changing the file name of images. But, this plugin is not changing the link of the image. The image link still has the old file name. Is there, any problem with the canonical tag OR now there is duplication of image files on the website?
WPBeginner Support says
If you are concerned with redirects the Phoenix Media Rename plugin works with the Redirection plugin to create redirects for the changed images.
Admin
Andrew J Schaeffer says
No more filename box to rename images. Gotta use a plugin and/or the hard-way (taking images down from media library, rename, and put them back in).
WPBeginner Support says
Thank you for pointing that out
Admin
Tasha says
Is renaming the image after they are uploaded going to break any links that are out there to the images? Will autoredirects be set up?
WPBeginner Support says
Using the plugin method should handle the redirects for you.
Admin
karma says
Thank you for your post.
Since I haven’t tried it yet, I wonder what happen if I rename the file directly from inside the cpanel File Manager.
WPBeginner Support says
Issues pop up when updating your file names through that method as it wouldn’t update on WordPress’ end.
Admin
Edward L says
After changing the image Filename using the Phoenix Media Rename plugin, I notice the “/new name text.jpg” of the “File URL” automatically changes to match the new Filename. However, I also notice the “Permalink” URL still remains the same (the end text still has the old Filename included; in other words, “/old name text.jpg”). I suppose this it to not “lose” the placement of the image in the site.
Am I understanding this correctly? Should I just leave the Permalink as it is?
WPBeginner Support says
Your understanding is correct for the URL of the file and you should leave it as it is at the moment.
Admin
Edward L says
Thanks for your help on this, and for your site in general.
Sahed Ibnay Alam says
when move cursor in image, My images have a terrible naming structure and it is very distracting to the user to see “IMG_1234.JPG”.
is there is any solution to remove this
WPBeginner Support says
If it is not the name of the image then you would want to check the image’s alt text and caption for where that would be.
Admin
Jes says
Hi, Will renaming the images using a plugin, then compress after will return the images’ name to original? Thanks!
WPBeginner Support says
You would need to check with the support for the plugin you’re planning to use if their plugin works that way.
Admin
Frank Martire says
Couldn’t I just change the name of the file on my desktop, upload it to my media file and replace current image with new image with new title? (file name)
WPBeginner Support says
That would be another option if you know all of the locations the file is on your site.
Admin
Frank Martire says
hello and thanks for the response, you actually made me realize how issues can arise. Changing a pic and not updating all the file locations.
In my case I think its easy, im changing my hero pic and logo. These are controlled by my theme and I hope will update the new url once I replace the images.
WPBeginner Support says
You’re welcome! if it is in only those locations then you should be fine
Mark Covell says
Fantastic had Phoenix Media Rename downloaded for a while as got a client who insists to not rename their images before uploading so was looking for a solution. I installed it on a test site and couldn’t figure it out as it doesn’t mention anywhere about switching to the list view ! Your post just stopped me buying Media File Renamer Pro ! So thanks for that.
Best Wishes.
Mark
WPBeginner Support says
You’re welcome, glad we could clear up how to use the plugin
Admin
Balaka says
Thanks for this article.
Question about the Phoenix Media Rename plugin:
Once I’ve replaced the filenames, do I need to keep the plugin active? Or is it fine to use it to rename files, then deactivate?
Cheers!
WPBeginner Support says
You may want to double-check with the plugin’s support but at the moment it is fine to remove the plugin after renaming the files.
Admin
Radu says
Hello to all!
I am working on a project made in wordpress and I am stuck on this part:
When a author post a new article and attach an image like image.jpg, and other author posts another article with the same image name image.jpg, the second article will be owerwrited by the first name on that image.jpg (from the first post)…
The question is: ,if there is a way to prevent that automatically, in functions php, js(ajax), etc…??
I am facing with this for one week (technically speaking) ….
Any info. will be appreciated…
WPBeginner Support says
It would depend on the tool you’re using to change the image name, you would want to reach out to the plugin’s support for preventing overwriting.
Admin
Radu says
Hey, thanks for the answer.
In the meanwhile, i did it with js, renaming the file before uploading.
Sherylin Thompson says
Hello. Why is it that I’m not seeing the filename field at the bottom of the WordPress media edit screen? Thanks for your help.
WPBeginner Support says
There are a few possible reasons, you may want to check the top right for another possible location for the file name
Admin
Enrique says
Hi, WPBeginner,
Will this also update the permalinks or just the file names?
Thanks!
WPBeginner Support says
It would depend on the method you are using, currently, the first method would change the permalink for the image and update it where the image is placed on your site.
Admin
Tahir Musharraf says
The replace image option is not available? what should I do
WPBeginner Support says
It would depend on the method you are using. If you reach out to the plugin’s support they should be able to assist.
Admin
Creo Fredmacs says
Very detailed. You never disappoint WPBeginner.
WPBeginner Support says
Thank you, glad you’ve found our content helpful
Admin