How to Rename Files and Folders on Mac OS? Best 5 Ways

Jamie Kaler Contribution

Rollins Duke Approved By

Published On August 11th, 2025 • 5 min read

Rename Files and Folders on Mac: It’s possible that the first time you make a new folder, you won’t choose the appropriate name for it. Fortunately, macOS offers multiple options to rename items, whether you are cleaning up or organising the desktop. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive and step-by-step process for renaming files and folders on a Mac.

Renaming files and folders is a simple task, but there are several methods to achieve this, depending on your preference and the number of files you need to rename. Here is a comprehensive guide to batch-renaming files on Mac and the folders efficiently.

There may be situations when the titles of projects will be changed, as will the terminology used to refer to clients and projects.

On the bright side, renaming files on Mac requires just a few mouse clicks, and the same goes for folders.

Also Read: Permanently Delete Mac Files & Folder Instantly

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Methods for Renaming Files and Folders on MacOS

Here, we will show you 4 methods to change the names of files and folders on Mac OS. All the methods and steps are given below:

1 Method: Select the Name

Select the required file or folder that you want to change.
Now hit on the names of the files and folders, as you can see below.
Next, type the new name for the file you want to rename.
Lastly, click on the screen (anywhere), and the name will be saved.

2 Method: Using Return Key

Once again, choose the file or folder on the Mac.
Hit the “RETURN Key” to select the folder name.
and then enter the new file or folder name on Mac.

3 Method: Using the Rename Option,

select the folder by clicking on it once.
Now, right-click on the file or folder to rename files and folders on Mac.
Then select the “Rename” option from the list.
Now, put the new name of the file and click on the screen.

4 Method: Rename Files and Folders On Mac Terminal

Go to the terminal to rename a folder in the Mac terminal.
Now, open the location where your file is located that you want to rename.
After that, utilise the MV command to rename a file in the Mac terminal.
Now enter the command like this:

mv CurrentName NewName

Example: mv test2.txt newname.txt

As you see, here we mentioned 4 methods to rename files and folders on Mac OS. You can use these techniques on all Mac OS, like renaming folders on MacBook Pro, OS X, and other Mac Machines.

Users can select the method above as per their requirements. Now, we will show you FAQs, which most users ask while they are facing errors and issues during the renaming of files and folders on the Mac.

After renaming files, check out our guide on how to permanently delete files on Mac without recovery to ensure your data is securely removed.

5. Rename Files on Mac in Batches

Launch the Finder on the Mac.
Select the files you want.
Either drag the cursor or shift-click to select multiple files.
Right-click on the selected files.
Select Rename Items.
Select Format from the tab.
Choose a Name Format and enter a name.
Hit the Rename button to complete the task.

Thus, you can change the number of file names with similar names.

FAQs – Rename Files on Mac in Batches

Q) I am facing an error while renaming the files on my MacBook Pro, so I cannot rename files and folders on Mac.

A) This situation often occurs when you use dots in the name for renaming files and folders on Mac Machines. To avoid this type of error, you should use only alphabetic characters to rename a folder on a Mac.

Q) How do I rename multiple files and folders on my Mac system?

A) Yes, macOS allows numerous file and folder renaming. Then, utilise the context menu. A pop-up box will open, allowing you to pick a naming format for the files or folders.

Also, you can rename a folder in the Mac terminal by utilising the mv command in conjunction with the appropriate wildcard characters. This approach is more complicated but doable.

Q) Can I rename files on Mac OS multiple times?

A) Yes, there are no limitations; users can easily rename files on a Mac multiple times.

Time to Say Goodbye

Rename files and folders on Mac can be accomplished in various ways. Using Finder on your desktop is the easiest option, although those who are familiar with Mac Terminal may prefer the command-line method, which is more convenient for renaming folders in Mac Terminal.

In any case, you may choose between several different paths. I hope that one of those solutions works for you.