Tag&Rename is one of the first programs I ever bought years ago when I graduated from college. That’s important because I was still a cheapskate and not willing to pay for software. This program is absolutely the best as far as tagging and renaming mp3 files (and other audio formats), there’s no doubt about that in my mind. Many people insist that MP3 Tag (freeware) is as good or better, but it’s not. I’m not saying MP3 Tag isn’t very good, but Tag&Rename is the best. See screenshot of the main window:
The critical features for me are simple and efficient functionality, speed, and power. There are arguably more powerful programs out there like The GodFather, but that power comes at the expense of an intuitive interface and, frankly, a lot of the features are marignally useful. After all, we’re just talking about renaming and tagging a mp3 files. It shouldn’t turn into learning a programming language.
Anyway, Tag&Rename is awesome. You can easily:
- Rename files based on tags
- Rename tags based on the filename
- Batch tag multiple files
- Retrieve meta info from amazon, allmusic, freedb
- Retrieve and add album art
- [My personal favorite feature] Select multiple files using a checkbox system and associated buttons, or just the regular Windows Explorer file selection (which I don’t prefer).
NOTE: The latest released version (3.5 rc1) removed my beloved checkbox system, and I became very worried. I’m now using an older version. Their customer support is virtually non-existent and I haven’t heard any response to my several inquiries. I’m desperately hoping that they accidentally removed it and it will appear again in the final version. I mean, why remove features, right? Please! I beg you Softpointer, keep it in! Check out the screenshots below:
I use The GodFather for tagging my files, though the interface is kinda weird… simply because i can rename tags based on the directory in which the files are contained (or even its parent-parent-directory)
I haven’t yet found a single other tag renaming program which does this.. EVEN “Tag&Rename”
Pl correct me if i am wrong
Tag&Rename does allow for some complex naming procedures, but obviously not to the extent of The GodFather. I’m not sure about your specific example, I’ll have to check and get back to you on that. As personal advice, I wouldn’t let one little feature prevent you from using Tag&Rename. For my website, I recommend the best overall software for doing a particular task, even though there may be alternatives that are better for minor, very specialized tasks as you bring up.
If I were you I’d use Tag&Rename for most of my tagging needs, and for the rare situations where it can’t do something, then i’ll turn to the GodFather. That way, you get the best of both worlds. The GodFather’s interface is just way too insane for me. It’s unnecessary for the average user.