
Coding LibreOffice Macro – Change Name of File
Are you tired of manually renaming files in LibreOffice? Do you wish to automate this task to save time and effort? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, I will guide you through the process of creating a LibreOffice macro to change the name of a file. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this detailed guide will help you achieve your goal.
Understanding LibreOffice Macros
Before diving into the code, let’s first understand what LibreOffice macros are. A macro is a series of commands that can be recorded and played back to automate repetitive tasks. In LibreOffice, macros are written in a language called StarBasic, which is similar to Visual Basic.
LibreOffice macros can be used for various purposes, such as automating formatting, creating templates, and, as we will see in this article, renaming files. By creating a macro, you can save time and reduce the chances of human error.
Creating a New Macro
Follow these steps to create a new macro in LibreOffice:
- Open LibreOffice and go to the “Tools” menu.
- Select “Macros” and then “Organizer…”
- In the “LibreOffice Basic” dialog box, click on the “LibreOffice Basic” folder.
- Right-click on an empty space and select “New” > “Module…”
- Enter a name for your macro, such as “ChangeFileName”, and click “OK”.
Writing the Macro Code
Now that you have created a new macro, it’s time to write the code. The following code will change the name of the currently open file:
Sub ChangeFileName() Dim oDoc As Document Dim sNewName As String Dim sOldName As String ' Get the currently open document Set oDoc = ThisComponent ' Get the current file name sOldName = oDoc.URL ' Ask the user for a new file name sNewName = GetFile( "Enter new file name:", "Save as", sOldName ) ' Check if the user entered a new file name If sNewName <> "" Then ' Rename the file oDoc.URL = sNewName oDoc.saveAs( sNewName ) End IfEnd Sub
Running the Macro
Once you have written the code, you can run the macro by following these steps:
- Go back to the “LibreOffice Basic” dialog box.
- Double-click on the “ChangeFileName” module to run the macro.
- Enter the new file name when prompted.
After running the macro, the file will be renamed to the new name you provided.
Customizing the Macro
The macro provided in this article is a basic example. You can customize it to suit your needs. For instance, you can modify the code to rename files based on a specific pattern or to rename multiple files at once.
Here are some additional features you can add to the macro:
- Ask the user for the file extension.
- Check if the new file name already exists and prompt the user to confirm overwriting.
- Include a timestamp in the new file name.
Conclusion
Coding a LibreOffice macro to change the name of a file can be a valuable time-saver. By following this guide, you can create a custom macro that suits your needs and automate the process of renaming files in LibreOffice. Happy coding!