Dynamic render output filenames

Use filename tokens in the Render dialog to build output filenames from project properties and render settings. Tokens reduce manual naming work and keep repeated renders consistent. Use them for deliveries, review files, archives, and versioned outputs.

Filename tokens

A token is a short placeholder for project or render information. It uses the form %(token) or %(token=option). When rendering starts, each token is replaced with its current value.

Instead of entering a static name such as MyVideo_Final, add tokens to the Name box.

Combine tokens with fixed text, spaces, hyphens, or underscores.

A live preview appears below the Name box when the filename contains a valid token. Token placeholders are highlighted in the Name box.

Insert filename tokens

1. From the File menu, choose Render.

2. Select an output format and render template.

3. Add a token to the Name box using one of these methods:

   • Type the token directly at the required position.

   • Use the context menu:

     1. Place the cursor at the required insertion position in the Name box.

     2. Right-click the Name box.

     3. Choose a category, and then select a token.

     The token appears at the current cursor position.

4. Add other tokens or fixed text as required.

5. Review the live filename preview.

6. Click Render.

The rendered file uses the resolved filename shown in the preview.

Filename token context menu

Right-click the Name box to open the filename token context menu. The menu groups common tokens into 4 categories.

Selecting an entry inserts its token at the current cursor position.

Filename token reference

Token syntax

Use %(token) without an option. Use %(token=option) to control the token output.

• Token names are case-insensitive. For example, %(FPS), %(fps), and %(Fps) are identical.

• The option after = fine-tunes the output. It can control units, formatting, padding, or the value source.

• Most tokens have a useful default when used without an option.

• A known token whose value is unavailable resolves to ??. The preview displays ?? when it is visible. This can occur before you select a render template. Vegas Pro replaces ?? with the resolved value after you select a template.

Date and time

Use %(time=format) to insert the current date or time when rendering starts. The option uses .NET custom date and time format strings.

TIP Use hyphens or underscores instead of colons or slashes. Colons and slashes are not valid in Windows filenames. For example, use %(time=HH-mm-ss) instead of %(time=HH:mm:ss). Use %(time=yyyy-MM-dd) instead of %(time=yyyy/MM/dd).

Frame rate and video dimensions

These tokens use the selected render template by default. The =project option uses project properties.

NOTE If the render template has no explicit resolution, %(resolution), %(width), and %(height) use the project dimensions.

Video bitrate and aspect ratios

videobps is an alias for vbps. aspectratio is an alias for ratio.

TIP Use %(vbps=mbps) for a readable bitrate. Add Mbps as fixed text, for example %(vbps=mbps)Mbps → 10.0Mbps.

Video format properties

pixelaspect, fieldorder, hdrmode, and colorspace are long-form aliases.

Common field-order outputs are Progressive, Upper field first, and Lower field first. HDR mode outputs are SDR, HLG, and HDR10.

Audio properties

Audio tokens use the selected render template by default. Add =project where supported to use project properties.

Common render-template channel layouts include Mono, Stereo, 5.1 Surround, and 7.1 Surround.

Audio bitrate

bps and abps are aliases for audiobps.

Project information

Version and count

version and count are equivalent. The tokens scan the selected output folder for files that match the current filename pattern.

All formatting options work with either token name.

If no matching files exist, the counter starts at 1. If matching filenames end at v003, the next render uses v004.

TIP Use %(version=padded) for filenames that you sort alphabetically. Without padding, values sort as 1, 10, and 2.

NOTE The counter is stored across sessions. Vegas Pro remembers the last used version if you rename or delete matching files.

Practical filename examples

Filename token notes

• Unknown tokens, such as %(xyz), remain as token placeholders in the output filename.

• Avoid Windows-reserved filename characters: / \ : * ? " < > |.

• Aliases are equivalent to their corresponding token names.

• Tokens use render-template values by default. Add =project where supported to use the corresponding project property.

More information