PowerRename: Add a Simple Mode for Common Rename Tasks

Description of the new feature / enhancement

Add an option to toggle between the current "Advanced Mode" (RegEx / Search & Replace) and a new "Simple Mode" designed for common, everyday batch-renaming tasks.

In "Simple Mode," users should be able to perform sequential renames directly via standard UI fields without writing Regular Expressions (e.g., ^.*$ or ${start=1,padding=3}).

Key controls for Simple Mode would include:

• Rename Mode Dropdown: Format / Sequence / Find & Replace.
• Base Text / Format Field: Prefix or suffix input (e.g., Instagram_post_).
• Counter Format Selector: Simple pickers for padding (1, 2, 3..., 01, 02, 03..., 001, 002, 003...) and a starting number field.

Scenario when this would be used?

This would be used whenever a user wants to quickly rename a folder of files from scratch using a clean sequential format (e.g., renaming raw camera files or exported social media assets to Project_001.jpg, Project_002.jpg).

Currently, replacing the entire existing filename with a sequence requires knowledge of RegEx variables and token syntax, which creates high friction and low discoverability for non-technical users. A Simple Mode provides a fast, visual workflow similar to native batch-renaming tools on macOS finder or dedicated bulk-renaming apps.

Supporting information

Usability & Accessibility: Most users opening PowerRename expect quick, entry-level functionality for sequential numbering. Requiring syntax like ^.*$ to target full file names hides core utility behind a steep learning curve.

Precedent: Similar batch-rename utilities (such as macOS Finder's built-in tool) separate Replace Text, Add Text, and Format/Sequence into clean, preset-driven UI dropdowns.

Implementation Idea: A simple toggle switch at the top of the PowerRename UI ("Simple Mode" vs. "Advanced Mode") would keep the powerful RegEx engine intact for power users while making basic operations immediate and intuitive for everyone else.

No files, tests, or entry points are named. Start by locating the PowerRename UI and its current Advanced Mode workflow, then map the proposed Simple Mode toggle, rename modes, format controls, and counter settings. Done means common sequential, format, and find-and-replace renames work without regular-expression syntax while Advanced Mode remains available.