How can I Configure how File Name Conflicts are Resolved?

Better Rename allows you to resolve file name conflicts in a number of different ways.

You can configure this feature in the Preferences pane:

• Open the Better Rename menu
• Select Preferences…
• Select the Conflict Resolution tab

You can now choose which “distinguisher” characters are used, e.g. (1), (2), (3), .., or (a), (b), (c), .., etc.

You can also choose not to change the first file conflicting file name, e.g. Image111.gif Image111(a).gif The order in which the distinguishers are applied can also be configured.

By default, the sorting goes like this:

• If the file is a digital photo, the shooting date will be used, older files getting lower distinguisher values (e.g. (1), (2), ...)

• The file’s modification date is then used (older files getting lower values)
• The name and sequence number is then used (from A to Z)

In this manner, you can be confident that if you have multiple photos taken within the same second, your files will be ordered in the correct sequence, e.g.

• DSC002828.jpg → Image_10_10_2008_12_01_01(1).jpg
• DSC002829.jpg → Image_10_10_2008_12_01_01(2).jpg
• DSC002830.jpg → Image_10_10_2008_12_01_01(3).jpg
• DSC002831.jpg → Image_10_10_2008_12_01_02.jpg
• DSC002832.jpg → Image_10_10_2008_12_01_03.jpg

and that if you have several drafts of the same document, the earlier drafts will get lower distinguisher values:

• Memo(1).doc
• Memo(2).doc

If these default settings do not work for you, you can create your own scheme by changing the sorting orders.