How to prefix, or insert into, a file name with current time while saving file on the fly ?

Question

Hi.
Here is the on-the-fly process when I need a time insert:

1. After downloading a file, the save (as) window pops open (thru the windows file explorer),
2. This is when I need to insert a year/ month/date (or just to insert month/date depending on the time sequence of the files already saved),
3. I may need to prefix, OR insert into the middle of, the original file name ( that come with the file).

If this sound like calling for an app's feature targeting at a keyboard shortcut to output an expression at the cursor position? Can Power Toys, or any other Windows tools do it?

Answer 1

Hi @doug_ross

You can do this with PowerRename (PowerToys).

1) Download PowerToys from Microsoft Store:

https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/microsoft-powertoys/XP89DCGQ3K6VLD

2) Go to the directory/folder your files are in > Select All > Right click > Go to PowerRename

3) Check off Use regular expressions > Add .{0} for Search for > Add Replace with to $YYYY-$MM-$DD $1 > Hit Apply

It should now look like:

---

If this is helpful please accept answer.

Answer 2

Hi DillonJS,
Thank you for answering.
From first read, I've got impression your answer is a powerful feature of PTs to batch naming files. It may come handy if reorganizing a large amount of files. But It's not quite what I'm looking for. That said, I realized my question posted actually is not quite clear.
Here is the on-the-fly process when I need an insert:

1. After downloading a file, the save (as) window pop open (thru the windows file explorer),
2. This is when I need to insert a year/ month/date (or just to insert month/date depending on the time sequence of the previous files already saved),
3. I may need to prefix, OR insert into the middle of, the original file name ( that come with the file).

If this sound like calling for an app feature targeting at a keyboard key to output an expression at the cursor position?