Find out how to rename a batch of information on the Mac

It’s simple to rename a number of information without delay on a Mac utilizing the Finder’s batch rename device. When you’ve got a giant collection of images, movies, screenshots or paperwork in a collection, you should utilize this function to rename all of them in an identical format and sequence.

You don’t should tackle such a tedious job by hand.

Find out how to batch rename a number of information on the Mac

Renaming a gaggle of information is straightforward on Mac. This function is offered on each Mac, within the Finder.

Desk of contents:

1. Open the Finder and choose your information
2. Open the Rename device
3. Decide a format and provides the information a brand new identify

1. Choose a bunch of information without delay

Open the Finder and browse to the folder you need.

You’ll be able to sort Command-A (⌘A) to pick out all.

If you wish to choose a particular vary, however not the whole lot within the folder, click on one file, maintain shift, after which click on one other. It’ll choose the entire vary between them inclusively.

If you wish to add or take away a few objects from the choice, maintain Command and click on on them.

2. Open the Rename device

Go to File > Rename… or right-click on one of many chosen objects and hit Rename… to open the Rename panel.

3. Rename the group of information utilizing considered one of three codecs

You could have three choices for renaming all of the information. Decide one utilizing the dropdown field within the higher proper.

Right here’s what they do:

• Change Textual content will substitute any a part of the file identify with one thing new. For instance, to rename “IMG_9034.HEIC” to “Trip Image 9034.HEIC” put in “HEIC_” within the Discover field and “Trip Image ” into the Change With field.
• Add Textual content will add a little bit of textual content to the start or the top of all of the information. That is helpful if you wish to preserve the unique identify whereas including an additional element like “- Remaining Venture” to make the information simpler to seek out later.
• Format will substitute your complete filename with a brand new one. You could have a couple of choices right here:
  • Identify and Index permits you to rename the information “Image 1,” “Image 2,” “Image 3,” and many others., in a collection. Set whether or not you need the quantity firstly or finish. Give it a reputation within the Customized Format subject. You’ll be able to set whether or not it begins relying on 1 or every other quantity (0 in case you’re a programmer).
  • Identify and Counter works the identical as Identify and Index, besides it offers the numbers a number one zero — it shows quantity 5 as “00005” as an alternative of “5,” as an example. macOS already does job of sorting numbers correctly, however in case you’re accessing these identical information on Home windows, it’s greatest to make use of Counter in order that, for instance, 11 seems after 2.
  • Identify and Date will rename the information with a reputation you give them adopted by the final time they’ve been modified. This fashion, it doesn’t matter if the file browser is sorting by identify or by date — they’ll seem in the identical order since they’ll all gave a reputation like “Screenshot 2023-08-21 at 1.13.45 PM.png.”

Why batch rename information on Mac?

Personally, I exploit this function on a regular basis. As an illustration, when managing my Plex library of TV exhibits that I … discovered … I can provide entire collection of information easy-to-read names like “Physician Who Season 16 Episode 1” with only a few clicks and keystrokes.

The following time you’re placing collectively a bunch of images for a presentation, or sorting a large folder of receipts and doc scans in your accountant, do your self a favor — use the rename a number of function to wash up the folder first.