How to rename a file or folder in Mac OS X
Mac OS X, Tips & Tricks - March 18th, 2010 - 6 Comments
Renaming a folder in Mac OS X is very easy, and there’s a few different ways you can do it.
Rename a file or folder by selecting it and hitting the ‘return’ key – just click on the icon of the file/folder and hit the return key, then type in the new name.
Rename a file or folder by selecting it and clicking on the filename with your cursor – after you have selected the icon, click on the actual filename text and hover for a moment, then you can rename the item.
Rename a file or folder via command line – you can also rename any file or directory via the Terminal, from the command line type: mv oldfilename newfilename
A note on file extensions: be aware when renaming certain files that changing the file extension (.jpg or .txt, etc) can effect the behavior of that file and how applications respond to it. Generally speaking, you should leave the file extension the same.
I realize this is pretty rudimentary stuff to many of our readers, but two recent switchers have asked me this question so surely they can’t be alone in wondering, both were trying to do the Windows right-click -> rename method which is sure to cause some confusion in Mac OS X.
Nice tricks even though I knew these, but these are something that you just use, use and use after learning.
Thanks very much. I have been a switcher for over a year now, and to change a file name I have been using the “Get Info” mini menu option. I always knew there was an easier way but just could not figure it out. Great stuff
I have never seen this before. I have always been able to change the name the way you described, however, this folder “Projects” will not let me change the name. I tred going into the Info mini menu as described and could not see an option to change the name either.
Thanks,
S
@Steve Zoni,
I’m guessing that the folder is locked or has restrictions beyond what you have permission to edit. The easiest way to change the name of a locked folder or file is by using the Administrator account on the Mac, or by going into the terminal and using sudo like:
sudo mv Project OldProject
which will require an admin password but will definitely change it
hope that helps
armando
It’s also worth setting up an automator action to batch rename files, and adding it as a “service” so that it can be accessed via the drop-down menu in the Finder.
If you need to rename many folder &/or files, you can use the AppleScript Utility. Check off “Show Script menu in menu bar.” Under Finder scripts, you will a variety of scripts to help you manage files and folders more efficiently.