Rename Snapchat Files by Date
Transform generic Snapchat export filenames into organized, date-based names. Automatically rename thousands of files so you can find any photo or video instantly.
The Filename Problem
Snapchat exports your memories with unhelpful generic filenames that make it nearly impossible to find specific photos without opening them. This creates major organization headaches.
Generic Names
Files named IMG_0001.jpg, IMG_0002.jpg tell you nothing about when they were captured or what they contain.
Unsortable by Date
Sequential numbers don't correspond to capture dates, so files don't sort chronologically in folder views.
Impossible to Search
Can't search for 'August 2023' or '2022-12-25' because the date isn't in the filename.
Duplicate Confusion
Multiple exports create IMG_0001(1).jpg, IMG_0001(2).jpg making duplicates hard to identify.
Smart Date-Based Renaming
Our app reads the memories_history.json file to find the original capture date and time of each photo and video. Then it automatically renames every file with a date-based naming scheme.
Files are renamed to include year, month, day, and optionally time - making them instantly sortable and searchable. No more hunting through thousands of generic filenames.
Flexible Naming Formats
Standard Format
ISO date format with time and original filename. Sorts perfectly.
Date Only
Just the date without time for simpler filenames.
Readable Format
Human-readable dates with optional captions from Snapchat.
Year/Month Prefix
Group files by month while keeping original names visible.
Timestamp Only
Compact timestamp format for minimal filename length.
Custom Format
Define your own naming pattern with variables for date, time, and captions.
How It Works
Load Your Export
Select your Snapchat export folder containing media files and memories_history.json.
Choose Format
Pick a naming format or customize your own date/time pattern.
Preview Changes
See what the new filenames will look like before applying changes.
Rename Files
Click 'Rename' and all files are renamed instantly with proper backup.
Benefits of Date-Based Filenames
Instant Search by Date
Search for '2023-08-15' or 'August 2023' in any file manager and instantly find all photos from that date or month. No need to open files to see when they were taken.
Automatic Chronological Sorting
Files sort correctly by date in any folder view—Finder, File Explorer, or any file manager. Your memories appear in the actual order you captured them, making it easy to browse chronologically.
Easy Duplicate Detection
Date-based names make it obvious when you have duplicate exports. Files from the same date are clearly identifiable, and you can easily spot and remove duplicates.
Better File Organization
Combine date-based renaming with folder organization for a perfectly structured Snapchat export. Group by year, month, or day—whatever works best for your workflow.
Works Outside Gallery Apps
Even if you're not using Apple Photos or Google Photos, date-based filenames make your Snapchat export searchable and organized in any file system or backup service.
Future-Proof Organization
Date-based naming ensures your files remain organized regardless of which apps or services you use. The date is permanently part of the filename, making your export truly future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I rename Snapchat files by date?
Snapchat exports use generic filenames like IMG_0001.jpg that don't tell you when photos were taken. Renaming files with capture dates makes them searchable, sortable, and easy to organize even outside photo gallery apps.
What naming format do you use?
We use standard date-based naming like '2023-08-15_143210_IMG_0001.jpg' (Year-Month-Day_Time_OriginalName). This ensures files sort correctly by date in any folder view. You can also customize the format.
Can I keep the original filenames?
Yes. You can choose to prepend dates to existing names, replace names entirely, or create copies with new names while keeping originals unchanged.
Will renamed files still work in gallery apps?
Absolutely. Renaming doesn't affect the file content or EXIF data. Gallery apps will still read all metadata properly, and the date-based names make file management even easier.
Can I undo the renaming?
If you choose the backup option, original files are preserved. You can also enable our rename log feature which creates a mapping file to reverse the changes if needed.
How many files can you rename at once?
Unlimited. We've tested with libraries containing over 100,000 files. The app processes files in batches and handles duplicates intelligently.
Ready to Organize Your Snapchat Files?
Download our free desktop app and automatically rename all your Snapchat export files with capture dates. Transform thousands of generic filenames into an organized, searchable library.
Get Started Free