Converters¶
Converters move information between tags, filenames and structured text. Choose the route from the information you already trust to the result you want. A preview shows the proposed result before you commit it.
Choose a converter¶
| Trusted source | Goal | Converter | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing tags | Rename or move the files | Tag → Filename | Alt+1 |
| File or folder names | Fill tag fields | Filename → Tag | Alt+2 |
| Parts of the existing names | Rearrange filenames without first tagging | Filename → Filename | Alt+3 |
| One text record per audio file | Fill several fields | Text File → Tag | Alt+4 |
| Existing tag values | Calculate or copy one field | Tag → Tag | Alt+5 |
| Current file-list order | Assign track and disc numbers | Auto-numbering | Cmd+K / Ctrl+K |
Alt is ⌥ Option on a Mac. Save or discard pending edits and select the files before opening a converter.
Read a template versus write a pattern¶
These two uses of %title% look similar but point in opposite directions:
| Context | Meaning of %title% |
Example |
|---|---|---|
| A format string building output | Read the existing title | %artist% - %title% → Juniper Vale - Paper Boats |
| A pattern importing information | Capture text into the title field | %track% - %title% reads 03 - Paper Boats |
Output formats can evaluate functions such as $num(%track%,2).
Import patterns describe exact separators and destination names; they do
not execute scripting functions. Filename → Filename uses numbered
parts %1 through %9 instead of tag-field names in its matching pattern.
Preview, apply and save¶
- Work on copied practice files first.
- Enter the format or pattern and choose Preview when provided. Tag → Tag refreshes its preview automatically as you type.
- Check multiple rows, including unusual names and missing fields.
- Apply the reviewed conversion. If the input or selection changes, refresh the preview before applying.
The five converters with arrows save or rename when applied. There is no second Save tags step. Auto-numbering is different: Stage numbers creates pending edits, and Save tags writes them afterward.
A preview is not a backup or proof that every later disk write will succeed. Inspect operation errors and the actual files afterward. Use Edit → Undo for recorded changes in the current desktop session, and keep original copies for recovery beyond that session.