---
title: Configuring the File Renaming on Upload Plugin
description: Configure WordPress file renaming on upload once so every new upload gets a clean, descriptive name.
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/file-renaming-plugin/"
updated: "2026-09-27"
category: How to
tags:
  - File Renaming on Upload
---

# Configuring the File Renaming on Upload Plugin

Configure file renaming on upload once and every new upload is named for you. The [Rename Media Files: Improve Your WordPress SEO](https://wpfactory.com/item/file-renaming-on-upload-wordpress-plugin/) plugin controls how uploaded media is named, so your library stays consistent and search friendly. This guide walks the core settings on the General Settings tab.

[![File Renaming on Upload general settings tab](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/pasted-image-0-110-1024x436.png)](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/pasted-image-0-110.png)

### Where the settings live

Go to **WPFactory > File Renaming** in your WordPress admin. The page is titled **File Renaming on Upload** and is split into tabs: General Settings, Rules, Advanced, and (in Pro) Compatibility and Background Process.

### General Settings

Open the **General Settings** tab and set the following.

| Setting | Option ID | Default | Free/Pro |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Enable plugin | `enable_plugin` | On | Free |
| Gutenberg title fix | `gb_title_fix` | Off | Free |
| Update permalink | `update_permalink` | Off | Free |
| Change permalink manually | `change_permalink_manual` | On | Pro |

#### Enable plugin

Turn this on to rename files automatically on upload. It is on by default, so renaming works as soon as the plugin is active.

#### Gutenberg title fix

When on, an attachment uploaded from the block editor gets its title set from the original filename, fixing the empty-title issue some editors hit. This is off by default.

#### Update permalink

When on, the plugin builds each new attachment's permalink from your filename structure. It is off by default. If you later rename a file, enable `update_permalink_on_filename_update` (Pro) to refresh the permalink to match the new name.

#### Change permalink manually

A Pro option. When on, a **File renaming** metabox appears on the attachment edit screen so you can edit the permalink for a single file by hand. It is on by default in Pro.

### Build the filename itself

The actual naming pattern is set with the `filename_structure` field (default `{siteurl}{posttitle}{filename}`) on this same tab, and the individual tokens are switched on under the **Rules** tab. See the placeholders reference for every available `{token}`.

### Get more control

The core renaming rules are free. [Rename Media Files: Improve Your WordPress SEO](https://wpfactory.com/item/file-renaming-on-upload-wordpress-plugin/) Pro adds manual filename and permalink editing, bulk renaming of existing media, automatic ALT text and titles, and custom field, taxonomy and SKU rules. [See what Pro unlocks](https://wpfactory.com/item/file-renaming-on-upload-wordpress-plugin/).

Related articles

- [Monitoring Background Processes in File Renaming on Upload Plugin](https://wpfactory.com/docs/background-process-monitoring/)
- [Advanced Options in the File Renaming on Upload Plugin](https://wpfactory.com/docs/advanced-renaming-options/)
- [File Renaming on Upload Pro: Troubleshooting Tips](https://wpfactory.com/docs/pro-troubleshooting-tips/)
- [Installing the File Renaming on Upload Plugin](https://wpfactory.com/docs/file-renaming-installation/)
- [How to Rename Media Files on Upload in WordPress](https://wpfactory.com/docs/intro-how-to-use-rename-media-files-on-upload-plugin/)

 

[![Rename Media Files on Upload for WordPress](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/File-Renaming-on-Upload.webp)](https://wpfactory.com/item/file-renaming-on-upload-wordpress-plugin/)