How to Batch Rename Layers in GIMP

Renaming dozens of layers individually in GIMP can be tedious and time-consuming. While GIMP does not feature a native visual batch-rename button in its standard layer dialog, you can quickly batch rename all layers in a single project using the built-in Python-Fu console or by utilizing custom scripts. This guide covers the fastest, most effective methods to rename, number, or add prefixes and suffixes to multiple layers simultaneously.

Method 1: Using the Built-In Python-Fu Console

The quickest way to batch rename layers without installing external plugins is by using GIMP's integrated Python console.

Step 1: Open the Python-Fu Console

  1. Open your project in GIMP.
  2. In the top menu, navigate to Filters > Python-Fu > Console.

Step 2: Run a Renaming Script

Depending on how you want to rename your layers, copy and paste one of the following commands into the prompt and press Enter.

Option A: Sequential Numbering (e.g., "Layer 1, Layer 2...")

img = gimp.image_list()[0]
for index, layer in enumerate(reversed(img.layers)):
    layer.name = "Layer {}".format(index + 1)

Option B: Add a Prefix to Existing Names

img = gimp.image_list()[0]
for layer in img.layers:
    layer.name = "Prefix_" + layer.name

Option C: Add a Suffix to Existing Names

img = gimp.image_list()[0]
for layer in img.layers:
    layer.name = layer.name + "_Suffix"

Option D: Find and Replace Text in Layer Names

img = gimp.image_list()[0]
for layer in img.layers:
    layer.name = layer.name.replace("OldText", "NewText")

Once executed, close the Python-Fu console to see your updated layer list.

Method 2: Renaming Layers Inside Layer Groups

If your project contains layer groups, standard iteration only renames the top-level layers. To rename layers inside groups recursively, paste the following function into the Python-Fu console:

img = gimp.image_list()[0]

def rename_layers(layers, base_name="Element", counter=1):
    for layer in reversed(layers):
        if pdb.gimp_item_is_group(layer):
            counter = rename_layers(layer.children, base_name, counter)
        else:
            layer.name = "{} {:02d}".format(base_name, counter)
            counter += 1
    return counter

rename_layers(img.layers, "Sprite")

Replace "Sprite" with your desired base name.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party Layer Rename Script

For a graphical interface with dropdown menus and input fields:

  1. Download a community layer-renaming Script-Fu script (such as rename-layers.scm).
  2. Move the .scm file into your GIMP scripts folder:
    • Windows: C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\GIMP\2.10\scripts
    • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/2.10/scripts
    • Linux: ~/.config/GIMP/2.10/scripts
  3. In GIMP, go to Filters > Script-Fu > Refresh Scripts.
  4. Access the new tool via Layer > Rename Layers... to rename layers using a graphical dialog box.