What characters are removed or replaced in filenames?

Forbidden characters like : " / \ | ? * are replaced with your chosen substitute character. Control characters (non-printable ASCII 0-31) are removed entirely. Windows reserved names (CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM1-9, LPT1-9) are prefixed with the substitute character.

Why do I need to sanitize filenames?

Filenames with special characters can cause errors when uploading to servers, sharing files, or using them in scripts. This tool ensures your filenames are safe and compatible across all systems.

Safe Filename & Filepath Sanitizer: Fix InvalidCharError

Q: Is my filename data secure?

Yes, absolutely. All filename sanitization happens entirely in your browser. Your data is never sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Q: Does this work for all operating systems?

Yes, the Safe Filename Generator creates filenames compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It handles OS-specific restrictions like Windows reserved names and forbidden characters.

Q: What happens to file extensions?

File extensions are preserved. The tool only sanitizes the base filename and keeps the extension separator (period) and extension intact.

Q: Can I use this tool offline?

Yes, this tool works completely offline. Once the page is loaded, you can sanitize filenames without an internet connection.

Instantly clean, normalize, and sanitize filenames and filepaths to ensure cross-platform compatibility and resolve InvalidCharError issues. Our free online filename sanitizer removes forbidden characters, handles Windows reserved names, and formats file paths for safe uploads.

Last updated: 2025-01-27

Safe Filename Tool

Input

Original filename:

Substitute character (for forbidden chars):Characters like < > : " / \ | ? * will be replaced with this character

Result

Safe filename:

Sanitization rules:
• Forbidden characters (< > : " / \ | ? *) are replaced with the substitute character
• Control characters (non-printable) are removed entirely
• Windows reserved names (CON, PRN, AUX, etc.) are prefixed with substitute character
• Leading/trailing spaces and dots are trimmed
• Extension separator (final period) is preserved

Key Features

Removes forbidden characters automatically
Handles Windows reserved names (CON, PRN, etc.)
Preserves file extensions
Works across Windows, macOS, and Linux
No data sent to servers - complete privacy
Free to use, no registration required

How to Use the Safe Filename Generator

Enter Filename: Type or paste the filename you want to sanitize in the input field.
Choose Substitute Character: Select how forbidden characters should be replaced.
Generate Safe Filename: Click "Make it safe" to process.
Copy Result: Click "Copy to clipboard" to copy.

Why Use This Safe Filename Tool?

A filename that works on macOS might fail on Windows or Linux servers due to reserved names or forbidden characters.

Safe Filename Generator automates cross-platform file hygiene, replacing forbidden characters and handling Windows reserved names like CON and PRN.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes an InvalidCharError?

An InvalidCharError is thrown when a filename contains forbidden characters or control characters.

What characters are removed or replaced?

Forbidden characters (< > : " / \ | ? *) are replaced; control chars removed; Windows reserved names prefixed.

Is my filename data secure?

Yes. All sanitization happens in your browser.

Does this work for all operating systems?

Yes, creates filenames compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What happens to file extensions?

File extensions are preserved intact.

Can I use this tool offline?

Yes! Fully offline support as a PWA.

Why sanitize filenames?

To prevent broken download links, server upload crashes, or script errors.

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