Getting FileBOT naming conventions right makes the difference between a media library that your server reads perfectly and one full of unmatched artwork or missing episode titles. This guide is for anyone using FileBOT to rename and organise TV shows or movies before importing them into Plex, Kodi, Emby or Jellyfin. It walks through the built-in naming presets, then shows how to build your own custom format if the defaults do not quite suit your folder structure.
What you’ll need
- FileBOT installed on your computer, with your TV and movie files ready to rename
- A clear idea of which media server you use (Plex, Kodi, Emby or Jellyfin), since each expects a slightly different folder and file structure
- An active internet connection, so FileBOT can match your files against online metadata databases
- A backup or copy of your original files, in case a match needs correcting before you commit the rename
Why naming conventions matter for media servers
Media servers rely on consistent file and folder names to fetch the right posters, descriptions, and episode order. If a season folder is labelled inconsistently or an episode number is missing, your server may fail to match the file at all, or worse, match it to the wrong show. FileBOT solves this by looking up your files against sources like TheMovieDB or TheTVDB, then renaming and (optionally) moving them into a structure your chosen server expects.
Using FileBOT’s built-in naming presets
The simplest way to get correct FileBOT naming conventions is to use one of the built-in presets designed specifically for each platform. Rather than manually typing out a folder structure, FileBOT includes ready-made bindings named after the server itself.
- Open FileBOT and add the TV episodes or movie files you want to rename.
- Let FileBOT identify the files against the correct online database, and confirm the matches are accurate before proceeding.
- In the naming format field, enter the binding that matches your server: {plex} for Plex, {kodi} for Kodi, {emby} for Emby, or {jellyfin} for Jellyfin.
- Preview the proposed new file names and folder paths in the FileBOT interface before committing.
- Run the rename (and move, if applicable) once you’re satisfied the structure looks correct.
These presets automatically produce a relative path, meaning they will build out the show name, season folder, and episode file name in the format each server’s own documentation recommends. This is the fastest route if you simply want your library organised correctly without fiddling with expressions.
Building a custom naming format
Sometimes the built-in presets do not match your existing folder layout, or you want extra detail baked into the file name, such as resolution, codec, or release group. FileBOT lets you write your own format expression using curly-brace bindings.
- Open the naming format field in FileBOT and clear any existing preset text.
- Combine bindings and plain text to describe the structure you want. For example, {n} – {s00e00} – {t} produces a result like “Dark Angel – S03E01 – Labyrinth”.
- Add a full path if you also want FileBOT to move files into folders, for example V:/TV Shows/{n}/Season {s}/{sxe} – {t}.
- Use string methods where needed, such as {n.space(‘.’).lower()} to produce lowercase, dot-separated names for scene-style naming.
- Preview the result carefully, since a small typo in a binding name will break the whole expression.
- Save the format (FileBOT lets you store custom formats for reuse) and apply it to your batch of files.
Useful bindings for custom formats
The table below lists some of the most commonly used bindings when building a custom FileBOT naming convention.
| Binding | Description | Example output |
|---|---|---|
| {n} | Movie or series name | Dark Angel |
| {y} | Release or air year | 2009 |
| {s00e00} | Season and episode number, padded | S01E01 |
| {sxe} | Season and episode, short form | 1×01 |
| {t} | Episode title | Labyrinth |
| {vf} | Standard video format | 1080p |
| {vc} | Video codec library | x264 |
| {af} | Audio channel count | 6ch |
| {group} | Release group | ALLiANCE |
| {plex} | Full Plex-compatible relative path | relative path |
A fuller list of bindings, along with more advanced examples using Groovy-style scripting for text cleanup, is available in FileBOT’s official naming documentation.
Tips and troubleshooting
- If your media server cannot find artwork or metadata after renaming, double check the match FileBOT chose was actually correct, rather than assuming the naming format is at fault.
- Keep season folders consistent. Mixing “Season 1” and “S01” style folders in the same show library can confuse a server’s scanner.
- Test a custom format on a small batch of files first, since a badly written expression can produce awkward file names across your entire library.
- If you manage a large collection on a NAS built for Plex, run FileBOT locally first, then copy the renamed structure across, to avoid renaming errors over a slow network share.
- For anime or files with unusual numbering, review the match carefully, as absolute episode numbers can differ from season-based numbering used by some servers.
- Remember that renaming moves or changes files. Always keep a backup of your original media before running a large batch rename for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Does FileBOT automatically know my media server’s required format?
Not automatically, but it includes ready-made bindings such as {plex}, {kodi}, {emby} and {jellyfin} that generate the correct relative folder and file structure for that specific server when you select them as your naming format.
Can I use FileBOT naming conventions for movies as well as TV shows?
Yes. FileBOT supports separate naming formats for movies and episodes, with bindings like {n}, {y} and {edition} letting you build a movie-specific format such as “Movie Name (Year) Edition” alongside your TV episode format.
What happens if FileBOT matches a file to the wrong show or movie?
Always review the proposed match before committing the rename. FileBOT usually allows you to manually search and select the correct title if the automatic match is wrong, which prevents incorrect metadata being applied to your file name.
Do I need to rename files if I already use a home theatre media player?
Dedicated players, including those covered in reviews of a dedicated home theatre media player, often read file metadata directly and are more forgiving of naming. However, consistent naming still helps with browsing, sorting, and any companion apps or servers you run alongside the player, including setups paired with a media player for Apple TV.
