How to rename several files at once on a Mac

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Select the files in Finder, right-click and choose Rename. Pick Replace Text, Add Text or Format, fill in the fields and click Rename. Command + Z undoes it.

Finder can rename a whole set of files in one step, for example turning IMG_4821, IMG_4822 into Holiday 1, Holiday 2. No extra app is needed.

Step by step

  1. Select the files

    Click the first, hold Shift and click the last, or hold Command and click each one. Sort the folder first if the numbering order matters.

  2. Right-click and choose Rename

    A panel slides down.

  3. Choose a method

    Replace Text swaps part of each name. Add Text puts words before or after each name. Format gives every file a new name with a number, counter or date.

  4. Fill in the fields

    For Format, type the new name under Custom Format and the first number under Start numbers at. The example at the bottom shows the result.

  5. Click Rename

    All the selected files change at once.

Good to know

Press Command + Z straight away if the result is not what you wanted.

File extensions such as .jpg are kept.

To rename one file, click it once and press Return.

In short: Select files, right-click, Rename, choose a method, Rename.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Rename files, folders and disks on Mac

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.