XnView Software

In browser, renaming a single file will not trigger file order re-sort.
However, batch rename will always trigger re-sort, disregard custom sort or not.
Is there a config somewhere I can disable auto re-sort?

you would like to keep the same custom order for your files after batch rename?

by default - both cases should work the same way and trigger filelist sorting after renaming (like in win file explorer)

The current ordering behavior after batch-rename in custom sort is complicated.
If all files involved in batch-rename have been custom sorted (drag-to-order), the file order will not change after batch-rename.
If one of the files involved in batch-rename has not been drag-to-order, all batch-renamed files will be appended to the end of order, appeared as new files.
The ideal result would be, if sorting set to custom, the batch-renamed files stay where they were in either cases.

so custom folder need to be cleared?

Behavior A: Files auto sort after renaming.
Behavior B: Files sorting order did not change initially after file renaming, sorting order updates after manual refresh or folder revisit.

In the event of organizing hundreds of files, Behavior A will cause files jumping around. User needed to mentally remap the file location after every rename attempt. Counterproductive as Windows File Explorer default behavior is.
Behavior B allow user to perform multiple rename attempts in quick succession, which is the behavior of Bulk Rename Utility and ACDSee.

XnView adopts Behavior A when renaming a single file, Behavior B when batch renaming.
Though Behavior B is the result I needed, some users might want otherwise. I was hoping custom sort may bring the result I wanted. Turn out Behavior B only exist if every files involved in batch renaming are manually arranged.
As I am not familiar with how XnView realize custom sorting, I cannot say what changes might bring the desired result.

p.s. I don't consider Windows File Explorer is an effective file manager.

This is a very good request! I would alos like to request an option to disable automatic re-sorting after file renames (both manual and batch operations).
Currently, when renaming files in XNView MP, the application initially behaves normally, maintaining position in the folder. However, after a seemingly random amount of time, XNView suddenly re-sorts the folder alphabetically, causing the newly renamed file to jump to its alphabetical position in the folder listing. This unexpected behavior disrupts my workflow, especially when processing multiple files in sequence.
Having an option to disable this automatic re-sorting would significantly improve the user experience by maintaining the folder position and file selection after rename operations.
Thank you!

I too, would very much like to be able to turn the auto refresh feature off!

guzmelek wrote: Sat Mar 01, 2025 3:54 am This is a very good request! I would alos like to request an option to disable automatic re-sorting after file renames (both manual and batch operations).
Currently, when renaming files in XNView MP, the application initially behaves normally, maintaining position in the folder. However, after a seemingly random amount of time, XNView suddenly re-sorts the folder alphabetically, causing the newly renamed file to jump to its alphabetical position in the folder listing. This unexpected behavior disrupts my workflow, especially when processing multiple files in sequence.
Having an option to disable this automatic re-sorting would significantly improve the user experience by maintaining the folder position and file selection after rename operations.

it depends of the current sort order