There’s more to renaming multiple files on a Mac than you think

Batch renaming files in batches under Mac systems is not easy, and the options are staggering. This article will introduce in detail how to efficiently rename files in macOS.

Step for batch renaming files in Mac system

First, select all files that need to be renamed. You can use the shortcut key Cmd A to select all files in the folder, or hold the Shift to click to select consecutive files, or hold the Cmd to select Any file. Flexible combination of these methods can effectively complete file selection.

Next, start renaming. Unlike the simple right-click "rename" in Windows system, a dialog box will pop up in the Mac system, providing three renaming modes:

Add text

This is the easiest mode. You simply enter the text in the text box and select before or after adding it to an existing file name. The renamed file name effect will be previewed in real time at the bottom of the dialog box. For example, if the original file name is "IMG_2002", after adding "Wedding", you can get "WeddingIMG_2002" or "IMG_2002Wedding".

Replace text

This mode allows you to find and replace specific characters in file names. For example, if you enter "IMG" in the "Find" field and "Wedding" in the "Replace with" field, then "IMG" in all file names containing "IMG" will be replaced by "Wedding", for example, "IMG_2002" will Change to "Wedding_2002". It should be noted that this function will match exactly and replace all found strings, such as "imG" in the file name "TimGrant" will also be replaced.

Format

This is the most complex but flexible pattern, offering three number-based options, each containing a Custom Format text box and a Start Number field.

• Name and Index: In this mode, the text you enter in the text box will replace the existing file name and add standard numbers such as "Wedding 1" and "Wedding 2".
• Name and Counter: In this mode, the text you enter in the text box will replace the existing file name and the number will always contain at least five digits, such as "Wedding00001" and "Wedding00002". You can increase the number of digits as needed.
• Name and Date: This mode is different from the first two, it does not add a number counter, but adds the date and time of the file (accurate to seconds) and then adds its own number, e.g. “Wedding 2022-01-19 at 3.03.15 PM” and “Wedding 2022-01-19 at 3.03.15 PM 2”.

After selecting the appropriate mode and setting it, click the "Rename" button to complete the batch renaming operation.

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