SEO Filenames & Replace
Rename files keeping attachment ID, replace image in place, bulk SEO rename.
Pro / Agency. Improve filenames for SEO while keeping the WordPress attachment ID — critical for WooCommerce, ACF, and page builders.
Why attachment ID matters
WordPress stores 123 in content and product meta. The URL/filename can change; references by ID stay valid.
Manual FTP renames break sites. AIMT renames through WordPress APIs and logs history.
Single-file rename
SEO Filename section or Images → Change filename (Pro):
- Enter attachment ID or use Use for replace/rename from a row.
- Suggest filename from usage — builds slug from product/page/post context.
- Confirm rename.
Options in Settings:
- Regenerate thumbnails after rename
- Clear WooCommerce cache
- Update attachment title to match filename
- Update raw URL references in content (off by default since 0.8.12 — safer)
Replace file (keep ID)
Upload a new image file but keep the same attachment ID:
- Set attachment ID + choose new file.
- Optional: SEO-rename uploaded file, keep existing metadata, update refs.
Use when you need new pixels but must not break gallery IDs.
Bulk SEO rename
| Action | Scope |
|---|---|
| Rename only bad filenames | IMG_*, stock names, etc. |
| Rename all listed images | Current filter in Images table |
Runs as background job with backup snapshot.
Media Library bulk actions (Pro)
On upload.php select attachments → bulk action:
- SEO rename bad filenames only
- SEO rename all selected
What makes a “bad” filename?
Patterns like IMG_, DSC_, photo-, stock/vendor names, very generic names. Good names reflect usage context: trekking-bike-tenerife-guide.jpg.
Safety checklist
- ✅ Auto-backup enabled
- ✅ Test on staging for WooCommerce
- ✅ Keep Update URL references off unless you know you need it
- ✅ After bulk rename, run Analyze → filter Broken / missing sizes
- ✅ Use Regenerate thumbnails (selected) if sizes are missing
If something goes wrong
- Stop the running job.
- Rollback the backup operation in Recovery panel.
- Or Emergency repair for product images pointing at thumbnails.
- Per-image History → Restore for metadata or file path (if original file still on disk).
Next: Backups & recovery