Method 3: Rename Files on Mac by Choosing Rename in the Menu. Here’s another easy way to rename files and folders, albeit involving a few more clicking works. Here’s how to do it: Select the file you want to rename. You may also choose multiple files to rename them in a series. Right-click, then choose; Type in the new filename. Jan 21, 2020 How to rename multiple files in Finder. It’s possible to edit multiple file names at the same time using a simple Finder window. Here’s how to do that: Open Finder on your Mac; Find the files you are looking to rename; Use shift-click to select a batch of files; Click the Action button (the cog icon at the top of the Finder window). In the menu that appears you can rename the file, select a new location to move it to, or see the version history for the file. If the file isn't a Microsoft Office file, or if you're not a Microsoft 365 subscriber, then the easiest way to rename, or move, a file on your Mac is to use Finder. Find and select the file, then click File Rename.
Rename for Mac performs its functions well with only a few issues along the way. If you don't mind figuring it out on your own and have lots of files to rename, this is a decent choice.
Whether you’re cleaning up a bunch of generic file names or re-organizing your folders, renaming a lot of files at the same time is often a necessity that can save you hours, especially when you’ve planned something grand, like a monotonous revamp of your photo library, for example.
How To Batch Rename Files
Renaming a single file in macOS isn’t difficult. Just select the file and hit Return to edit its name, or right-click and select Get Info to call up a menu from which the name can be changed.
But when you’re trying to rename multiple files, things get tricky. Instead of manually selecting each individual file, which would waste an enormous amount of time and in addition be prone to errors and typos, use one of the alternative methods described below.
How to rename multiple files in Finder
It’s possible to edit multiple file names at the same time using a simple Finder window. Here’s how to do that:
- Open Finder on your Mac
- Find the files you are looking to rename
- Use shift-click to select a batch of files
- Click the Action button (the cog icon at the top of the Finder window). You can also access the menu by right-clicking or Control-clicking on the selected files.
- Select Rename Items (below Get Info and above Compress Items)
- Select Format (the third option in the Rename toolbar)
- Here you need to select a Name Format for your file renaming. You can choose from Name and Index, Name and Counter, and Name and Date.
- In the Name Format box, enter the new name that will be included in all of the selected files
- Enter a number in the “Start numbers at” box. It could be 1, but it doesn’t have to be.
- Click Rename
As a result, all of the selected files will be renamed with the title you entered in the Name Format box plus a sequential number beginning with the digit in the “Start numbers at” field.
How to add text to a batch of existing file names
Sometimes the file names in question are fine as they are — they just need an extra identifier to be properly distinguished. If you’d like to add text to the file name without deleting the original name, you can do that using Finder as well:
- Open Finder on your Mac
- Find the files you need to rename
- Use shift-click to select a batch of files
- Click the Action button and select Rename Items
- In the dropdown menu, select the second option Add Text
- In the Add Text field, enter the word or words you would like to be added to the file name
- You can also choose whether the addition will be inserted before or after the existing file name
- Select Rename to update the file names with the new text
If you’ve made a mistake and you spotted it immediately, it’s simple to undo file name changes, providing that it was the last action you performed in the Finder window. Simply click Edit in the top left of the Finder window and select Undo Rename, or press Command + Z on the keyboard.
How to use Renamer to batch rename files
For simple file name updates, such as changing a keyword or adding sequential numbers, using Finder will do the job. But for something a bit more in depth, you’re going to need a dedicated app.
Renamer has all the tools you need for complete control over batch renaming files. This app allows you to:
- Easily add and replace text in any number of files
- Number files randomly or sequentially
- Organize file renaming tasks into Renamerlets, using either those already built-in or customizing your own
- Create chains to handle complex file renaming tasks
- Insert music track numbers, switch between upper and lower case, add dates and location tags
- Change or remove file extensions
- Preview the way files are going to look like before you’ve proceeded with the renaming process
Moreover, renaming batch files with Renamer is very easy:
- Open the Renamer app
- Drag and drop the files you’d like to rename onto the window. If you’d rather find them manually, click on the plus button to search your hard drive.
- Use Renamerlet protocols from the left-hand menu for specific rules depending on file types, such as adding geotags to photos
- If the formatting you need isn’t already a Renamerlet, you can create your own by pressing the plus button at the very bottom of the left-hand menu and selecting New Renamerlet. Assign it a name and, after pressing OK, you can set up its own particular function.
How to rename an open file
Since documents that are open or currently in use are locked from being edited, they can’t be renamed through the Finder function or by selecting Get Info or hitting Return when the file is selected. It’s a hassle to close down a document you’re working on just to rename the file — but if you don’t, you’re likely to forget by the time you’re done with it.
One quick hack for renaming an open document is to simply save it again with a new name:
- Go File > Save As
- Enter a new file name and choose a new location if you’d like to
- Click Save
The document name has now been changed to its new name, and all new saves will be done there. Remember to delete the old document copy with the original name.
How to rename folders
File folders on Mac can be renamed just as easily as files, either by hitting Return, editing the name, and then pressing return again to seal the change or by right-clicking and selecting Get Info to change the name.
If you prefer to use the Terminal for your updates, this simple line will do the trick:
mv path/to/oldfilename path/to/newfilename
Using the Terminal is probably a bit too complex for such a simple task but is nevertheless an option that is handy when you’re updating more than one folder and can replicate commands using arrow keys.
When you shouldn’t rename folders
If you have links to certain locations in your files, changing folder names will invalidate those paths. Ensure that there are no hyperlinks in your documents that will become invalidated by a folder name change. This is particularly important if you share a network with other users, who may be unable to find their files after a folder name change.
Folders that are integral to the running of your Mac also can’t be renamed.
Keeping your folders and files up to date
A little housekeeping on your Mac will go a long way to keeping your files in order and in the right place. If you’re lucky, your file names won’t have to be updated ever, but if they do, at least you now know how to change them manually or use Renamer, which can do it faster and with more accuracy.
Mac dual boot switch os. Best of all, Renamer is available for a free trial through Setapp, a platform of more than 120 nifty utilities and apps that make it easier to automate lots of tasks on your Mac.
Setapp lives on Mac and iOS. Please come back from another device.
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
Read onSign Up
Setapp uses cookies to personalize your experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our cookie policy.
Clean and Optimize Your Mac to Improve Performance with Outbyte MacRepair
In order to use the program, it needs to be purchased and activated first.
Rename Files Mac Software
Developed for macOS
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy Outbyte.Renaming files on Mac, or even Windows PC for that matter, may sound too basic to merit a separate article, but here’s the thing: there are actually several ways to do it. You might know one or two of those methods, but wouldn’t it be great if you know all? That’s what this article is for – to share with you the different ways you can rename a file or folder on your Mac. So, read on and be a step closer to becoming a power Mac user!
Method 1: Rename Files on Mac by Selecting It and Pressing Return
One of the easiest ways to rename a file or folder on Mac is to click on the item you want to rename, and then press the Return or Enter key. Then, simply type in the new name. Press the Return or Enter key once you’re done.
Method 2: Rename Files on Mac by Selecting It and Clicking on the Filename
Another easy way to renaming folder and file on Mac, this is done while on Finder. Here are the steps:
- Select the file or folder you want to rename in Finder.
- Click on the actual filename text, then hover with the mouse cursor to highlight the text. The highlighted part can now be overwritten with the new filename of your choice.
- Type in the new filename and hit Return or click anywhere to let the name change apply.
Method 3: Rename Files on Mac by Choosing Rename in the Menu
Here’s another easy way to rename files and folders, albeit involving a few more clicking works. Here’s how to do it: Mac first person shooter games.
- Select the file you want to rename. You may also choose multiple files to rename them in a series.
- Right-click, then choose
- Type in the new filename.
Note, however, that this option is only available for modern versions of macOS X.
Method 4: Renaming Files on Mac Through the Command Line
Now, this here is the most advanced way to rename files, folders, and directories on Mac. But here, you can rename multiple items at once, as long as you know their old filenames. Follow these steps:
- To open the Terminal, go to Applications > Utilities. Double-click on the Terminal application.
- The Command Line will now have been opened. To start renaming files, type the command following this format: mv oldfilename newfilename. For example: mv oldimage123 newjaneportrait.
Now that you have an idea how to rename files in different ways, you should also get yourself familiarized with file-upkeep methods. One way we know of is by installing and using cleaning tools like Tweakbit MacRepair. The tool is designed to help you get rid of unwanted files and other junk on your Mac.
It is smooth to use backup plus slim portable drive on both operating systems and you don’t need to format it. Backup plus slim portable drive. So, the drive has USB 3.0 interface. You can just install NTFS driver and that’s all you need.Features:The Seagate Backup Plus Slim provides huge space in a smart size.
Mac Os Rename File
If you’re running into errors and your system is suspiciously slow, your computer needs some maintenance work. Download Outbyte PC Repair for Windows, Outbyte Antivirus for Windows, or Outbyte MacRepair for macOS to resolve common computer performance issues. Fix computer troubles by downloading the compatible tool for your device.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy Outbyte.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy Outbyte.