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

  author
Jamie Kaler   Contribution
Rollins Duke
Rollins Duke  Approved By
Published On May 30th, 2024 • 4 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.

Renaming files and folders is a simple task, but there are several methods to achieve this depending on the preference and the maximum number of files you need to rename. Here is the comprehensive guide to batch rename 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 and folders on Mac OS requires just a few mouse clicks.

In this write-up, we will show you a complete and step-by-step guide for renaming files and folders on Mac.

Also Read: Permanently Delete Mac Files & Folder Instantly

Methods for Renaming Files and Folders on MacOS

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

1 Method: Select on the Name

  1. Select the required file or folder, that you want to change.

    Select the required file

  2. Now hit on the name of the files and folder, as you can see below.

    name of the files

  3. After that, type the new name of the file for renaming files and folders on Mac.

    rename file

  4. Lastly, click on the screen (anywhere) and the name will save.

2 Method: Using Return Key

  1. Once again choose the file or folder on Mac Machine.

    choose the file

  2. hit the “RETURN Key” to select the folder name.
  3. and then, enter the new file or folder name on Mac.

    enter the new name

3 Method: Using Rename Option

  1. select the folder by clicking on it once.
  2. Now click right on the file or folder to rename files and folders on Mac.

    click right

  3. Then select the “Rename” option from the list.
  4. Now put the new name of the file and click on the screen.

    rename files and folders on mac

4 Method: Rename Files and Folders On Mac Terminal

  1. Go to the terminal from Mac OS to rename a folder in the Mac terminal.
  2. Now open the location, where your file contains which, you want to rename.
  3. After that, utilize the MV command to rename a file in the Mac terminal.
  4. Now enter the command like this:

mv CurrentName NewName

Example: mv test2.txt newname.txt

Rename Files and Folders On Mac Terminal

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 facing errors and issues during the renaming files and folders on the Mac process.

5.  Rename Multiple Files on Mac

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) I am facing an error, while I am renaming the files on 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 Mac.

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

A) Yes, macOS allows numerous file and folder renaming. Then utilize the context menu. A popup 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 utilizing the mv command in conjunction with the appropriate wildcard characters. This approach is more complicated but doable.

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

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

Time to Say Goodbye

rename files and folders on Mac may 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 really hope that one of those solutions works for you.

As always, feel free to contact me with any inquiries or feedback. I really hope that we can keep in touch.