Why did we build File Renamer for WPForms

When you allow users to upload files using the file upload field in WPForms, you lose all control over the naming convention of the files. Let’s say you have a field to upload a driving license. Users will probably immediately click an image of their license on their phone and upload it with the default file name.

It would be better if we could automatically rename those files according to the file upload field. In this case, you can change the file name to {first_name}-license, where first_name is a smart tag that will automatically get replaced with the actual field value when the form is submitted.

So, the notifications will now send a file name like joe-license.png instead of img_5011.png, which is easy to understand and organise.

Features of File Renamer for WPForms

• Add Suffix & Prefix for file names to uploaded files. Imagine a file upload field, where you want to add a prefix or suffix to users’ uploaded files, then this can be done. In the file rename template, simply add prefix-{original_file_name}-suffix, and then the file names will automatically add the prefix and suffix to the file name.
• Supports Smart Tags so you can use existing form field values in the file rename template. So, your file name can have identifying tags like first name, social security number, etc, from the form field values filled by users.
• Supports classic file upload as well as modern file upload fields.
• Supports upload to the media library
• Preserve original file extensions and just alter the name of the file.
• Ability to also organize files in specific folders inside WPForms uploads.
• Intuitive integration within the existing upload fields. 
• Ability to have different file names for different files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rename File Uploads Automatically

Getting started with File Renamer for WPForms is pretty straightforward. Here is how you do it

1. Install and activate File Renamer for WPForms.
   • Download it from your WPMonks account if you have purchased it already, or get it from the download page.
   • Upload the plugin zip file under Plugins -> Add New -> Upload plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
   • Activate the key.
2. Make sure you have installed and activated the Ultimate Kit for WPForms
   • Ultimate Kit for WPForms is a free plugin and core plugin for File Renamer for WPForms.
   • It has a built-in styler plugin that lets you style your forms without any coding.
3. Add your license key
   • Navigate to WPForms -> Ultimate Kit and then click on the settings icon at the bottom left corner.
   • Get your license key from your WPMonks account
   • Add the license key and click on the activate button.
4. Set the File Rename Template for the upload field.
   • Open the form editor with the upload field for which you want to automatically rename files. 
   • Click on the file upload field and under general settings, go to the File Rename Template setting.
   • Add the file name you want to set. You can also use smart tags to give a dynamic name to a file. It can also set a prefix/suffix for the uploaded files. A detailed guide for the File Rename Template can be found here.

Demonstrating File Renamer Usage using Real-Life Example

Let’s assume we are building a job application form. The form will need a name, email address, position applied field, Available start Date, and resume upload field.

The resume upload field can accept only docx, doc, and pdf formats. We also want to rename the upload file to applicant’s firstname-resume.

So, in the file upload field to File renamer template and the smart tag for first name, and then append ‘-resume’ to it. The final file renamer will look something like {field_id=”1″}-resume. 

Notification for the form submission will be sent to HR, and it will include all the fields in the Email message.

When HR downloads the resume from the email, the file will have the correct name, i.e, applicant_name-resume.

Now it will be easier for the HR to find or search the applicant’s resume in the computer downloads when required.

Final Thoughts

If you are using a file upload field in WPForms, automatic renaming of files is a must for better organization.

With File Renamer for WPForms, the setup is a breeze and doesn’t require any coding. In the long run, this will help you keep your files in order.