Introduction

Batch files give you simple but powerful ways to create, delete, rename, and move files. This tutorial shows the most important file operations you will use in real Batch projects.

Creating a File

You use the echo command to write text into a file.

echo Hello World! > example.txt
      

Note: If the file exists, it will be overwritten.

Appending to a File

echo This line is added later >> example.txt
      

>> means “append” instead of overwriting.

Reading a File Line by Line

Use a for /f loop to read text files:

for /f "tokens=*" %%A in (example.txt) do (
    echo Line: %%A
)
      

Deleting a File

del /f /q example.txt
      

• /f = force delete
• /q = quiet mode (no confirmation)

Renaming Files

ren oldname.txt newname.txt
      

Moving Files

move notes.txt C:\Users\Public\
      

Copying Files

copy source.txt backup.txt
      

Checking If a File Exists

if exist data.txt (
    echo File found!
) else (
    echo File missing!
)
      

Creating a Folder

mkdir MyFolder
      

Deleting a Folder

rmdir /s /q MyFolder
      

/s = delete contents • /q = quiet mode

What's Next?

Now you know the core file commands used in Batch automation, cleanup scripts, installers, and tools. Next, you can explore Batch loops, arguments, and more advanced automation.