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Give the file a short, descriptive name
For image filename SEO, use a short description of what the image shows. A useful naming convention starts with the subject, adds a distinguishing detail, and separates words with hyphens. Choose names before uploading them to your website.
Google describes filenames as a small clue about an image’s subject. It also uses the surrounding page and alt text, so the name should describe the image rather than repeat a list of search keywords.
Renaming alone does not establish that an image will rank better. It is one part of preparing the image and the page where it appears.
Image filename examples and naming rules
These illustrative before-and-after examples use the image’s subject and a distinguishing detail.
| Use case | Before | Descriptive filename |
|---|---|---|
| Product front view | IMG_4829.jpg | blue-ceramic-mug-front.jpg |
| Product detail | IMG_4830.jpg | blue-ceramic-mug-handle-detail.jpg |
| Blog photo | photo1.jpg | sourdough-loaf-before-baking.jpg |
| Support screenshot | Screenshot 2026-09-14.png | checkout-address-validation-error.png |
- Describe the subject and a useful distinction: the view, color, action, or setting. Product models and locations belong in the name only when known and relevant. Avoid unrelated sales, service, or city keywords.
- Use hyphens between words. Google recommends them rather than underscores in URLs. Lowercase is a convenient convention to keep your links consistent; URL paths can be case-sensitive.
- Keep the extension matched to the actual image format. Changing .jpg to .webp in a filename does not convert the image.
An AI description can be a starting point, but check it against the image: it can misidentify objects or invent a place.
See Google’s URL naming guidance for word separators and case sensitivity.
Use Slug Case in RenameClick
- Add the images to the Rename workspace.
- With the built-in instructions selected, choose Slug Case under Format.
- Choose the output language used on the website.
- Run analysis and inspect the suggestions.
For a custom format, $slugcase{$1} makes the AI description lowercase with hyphen separators. $lower{$1} only changes case and leaves spaces.
$slugcase{$1}If you select Custom Instructions, put the final separator and language requirements in that prompt. The normal Format and Output Language controls are disabled in this mode.
See format patterns for the full reference.
Check before publishing
Read the suggested names alongside the images. Remove irrelevant details, correct product names, and keep filenames distinct. RenameClick preserves the extension; it does not compress images or convert formats.
Apply the selected names before uploading. If an image is already published, changing its filename changes its URL unless your publishing system handles it. Update references and redirects as appropriate for that site.
Write alt text in the context of the page
A filename is not a substitute for alt text. Write alt text where the image is published, according to its purpose on that page. A decorative image may need different treatment from a product photo or instructional screenshot.
RenameClick changes local filenames. It does not write HTML alt attributes, edit your CMS, or ensure that Google can discover the uploaded image.
See image renaming features for the full reference.
See image publishing recommendations for the full reference.