Best Ways to Rename Mul­ti­ple Files at Once on Mac

Renaming a bunch of files one by one is tedious. Whether you’re organizing photos, managing downloads, or prepping files for a project, macOS gives you solid tools to batch rename files quickly and easily. Here’s how to do it.

1. Use Finder’s Built-in Batch Rename Tool

macOS has a simple built-in feature for batch renaming files using Finder. No extra software needed.

Here’s how:

1. Select all the files you want to rename.
2. Right-click and choose Rename [X] items.
3. Pick one of the three options:
   • Replace Text – e.g., change “IMG_” to “Vacation_”.
   • Add Text – e.g., add “_2024” to the end of each name.
   • Format – rename with a custom format like “Photo 1, Photo 2…”

It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for everyday use.

2. Use the Terminal for More Power

If you’re comfortable with commands, Terminal gives you more control, especially with patterns or complex naming.

Example: Rename all .jpg files in a folder to Image_1.jpg, Image_2.jpg, etc.

cd /path/to/your/files
a=1
for i in *.jpg; do
  mv "$i" "Image_$a.jpg"
  let a=a+1
done

This approach is great when you need precision or want to automate renaming with scripts.

3. Use Automator for Reusable Workflows

Automator is a built-in Mac app that lets you create custom workflows.

Steps:

1. Open Automator and choose Workflow.
2. Add “Get Specified Finder Items” or “Ask for Finder Items”.
3. Add “Rename Finder Items”. Choose how you want to rename.
4. Save the workflow and run it any time.

Automator is a good middle ground between Finder and Terminal—more flexible than Finder, but no coding required.

4. Third-Party Apps: More Features, Better Control

If you batch rename files often, third-party apps offer even more features.

Recommended apps:

• NameChanger (Free) – Simple, fast, supports regular expressions.
• A Better Finder Rename – Powerful and professional-level options.
• Renamer – User-friendly, flexible, great for photo and music libraries.

These tools are especially useful for large batches or files with tricky naming rules.

Final Tips

• Always preview your changes before confirming the rename.
• Keep backups if the files are important.
• Use consistent naming to stay organized long-term.

Conclusion

Whether you stick with Finder or dive into Terminal or Automator, macOS gives you plenty of ways to rename multiple files without wasting time. Choose the method that fits your workflow and file type—and rename smarter, not harder.