Control order of auto-number (e.g. manually sort files)

pmoore · Post by **pmoore** » 30 Jun 2008 10:46

I have a folder full of files I want to batch-rename to include a numeric prefix. As far as I know (or can tell) the auto-number feature works in the order of files as displayed - which is the sort order of the tab.

In a few cases, the current display order isn't quite what I want (but sorted is definitely wrong). What I'd like is a way to control the order in which auto-numbering occurs. The obvious approach would be to manually sort the files (with drag & drop, for instance) and then do the batch rename. But it seems that I can't drag things round like this.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how to deal with this?

Thanks,
Paul.

BTW, the sort order on "Name" is quite odd (very useful, but odd!) - files named "1. a.txt", "2. b.txt", ... "11. k.txt", ... sort in numeric order of the prefix. Are the precise rules documented anywhere?

jacky · Post by **jacky** » 30 Jun 2008 15:24

hmm.. I think you get that order because you have option "Natural numeric sort order" enabled, on Configuration - General. You can disable it to get the "normal"/standard sort order.

About a manual sort order, this has been mentioned before and will happen in the future, it's part of what "Drop Stacks" will allow.

pmoore · Post by **pmoore** » 30 Jun 2008 15:49

jacky wrote:About a manual sort order, this has been mentioned before and will happen in the future, it's part of what "Drop Stacks" will allow.

Excellent. Thanks for the information (I'd have never thought to search for that!)

Paul.

Post by **admin** » 30 Jun 2008 15:55

pmoore wrote:
jacky wrote:About a manual sort order, this has been mentioned before and will happen in the future, it's part of what "Drop Stacks" will allow.
Excellent. Thanks for the information (I'd have never thought to search for that!)

Paul.

Yes, "Drop Stacks" was the initial working name. I'm open for alternatives. "Virtual Folders" would be one.