How to rename several files at once on a Mac

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-rename-several-files-at-once-on-a-mac/ · Checked 3 October 2026 · MacBook Pro · macOS Tahoe 26

4 of 5 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device

Mac

Shown on

macOS Tahoe 26 (MacBook Pro)

App

Finder

Real screenshots

4 of 5 steps

Checked

3 October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

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.

   Done

2. 

   Right-click and choose Rename

   A panel slides down.

   Done

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.

   Done

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.

   Done

5. Click Rename

   All the selected files change at once.

   Done

About this guide

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.

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 > Control-click > Rename... > choose Replace Text, Add Text or Format > fill in fields > Rename.

📷 Camera Lab: the same 6 scenes photographed with 11 phones, side by side.