How to Batch Rename Files on Mac | Full Guide for All Users
Renaming files one by one on a Mac can quickly become frustrating, especially when you’re dealing with photos, documents, or downloads in bulk. So, how do you bulk rename files on a Mac efficiently without missing anything?
The good news is macOS offers several built-in options, and there are also smarter tools that make the process even faster. This guide explains how to batch rename files on Mac, from one-click solutions to advanced methods for power users.
Part 1. Fatest: Best macOS File Renamer to Batch Rename Multiple Files at Once in One Click
When speed, simplicity, and safety matter, using a dedicated Mac file renaming software is the most efficient solution. Instead of dealing with Finder rules, Terminal commands, or Automator workflows, a professional tool lets you rename dozens or hundreds of files in seconds.
Tenorshare Cleamio is an all-in-one Mac optimization tool that includes a built-in Mac file renamer. It allows users to bulk rename multiple files in one click, including images, documents, videos, and downloads, without requiring any technical knowledge.
Unlike Finder’s limited rename rules, Cleamio offers a cleaner interface, safer previews, and instant results, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced Mac users.
How to Rename a Bunch of Files at Once on Mac using Cleamio
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Download and install Tenorshare Cleamio on your Mac. Open Cleamio and navigate to the "AI File Renamer” section then click “Start”.
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Select the files you want to rename by clicking the “+” button (you can choose images, PDFs, Word files, or mixed formats).
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Click the "Gear Icon" at the bottom and set your “Rename Preferences” and “Output Language” from the options available.
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Click the “Start" or “Start Renaming” button, and Cleamio will start renaming your files automatically.
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Check the preview of the renamed files and click the "Confirm” button when you are satisfied.
Part 2. How to Batch Rename Files on Mac in 5 Common Ways
Not everyone wants to install additional software. Fortunately, macOS includes several built-in ways to rename files in bulk. Each method serves a different type of user, from beginners to advanced users who prefer more control. Below are five common ways to batch rename files on Mac, explained step by step.
1. Batch Rename Files in macOS Finder (Built-in, Free & Easiest Way)
macOS Finder includes a built-in batch rename feature that allows users to rename multiple files at once without installing any additional software. This method is ideal for everyday tasks such as organizing photos, documents, or downloads with consistent naming patterns.
Since it’s integrated directly into Finder, it’s intuitive, fast, and safe for beginners. For most users, Finder’s batch rename tool is the simplest and most accessible solution available on a Mac.
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Open Finder and select multiple files, then right-click the selected files and choose "Rename.
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Choose "Format" from the dropdown and select your desired format for renaming the files, then click "Rename.
2. Use Mac Rename File Shortcut (No Batch Renaming Support)
macOS provides a quick keyboard shortcut that makes renaming individual files extremely efficient. Instead of right-clicking or navigating through menus, users can instantly edit a filename using a single key press.
This method is perfect for quick corrections, minor edits, or renaming files one at a time while working. Although it does not support batch renaming, it remains one of the fastest ways to rename a single file on a Mac. Here is how to rename a file on Mac with this shortcut:
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Click a file on your Mac to select it and press the "Return” key↩️ on your keyboard.
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Type the new name of the file and press "Return" again to save.
Alternative: Right-click > Rename.
Batch renaming requires the menu method—no native shortcut exists, but you can add one via System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts > App Shortcuts for Finder's "Rename" command.
3. Rename Multiple Files in Mac Terminal (Advanced Tip)
Using the macOS Terminal offers the highest level of control when renaming files, making it a powerful option for advanced users. With command-line tools, you can rename hundreds or even thousands of files using complex rules, patterns, or scripts.
This method, using Mac terminal to change file names, is especially useful for developers, data analysts, or power users who need precision and automation. However, it requires technical knowledge and careful execution to avoid accidental file changes.
Open Terminal (Spotlight: Cmd + Space, type "Terminal").
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Navigate to the folder: cd /path/to/folder (drag folder into Terminal for path).
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Use mv oldname.ext newname.ext to rename.
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For batch (e.g., replace spaces with underscores): In the folder, enter: for f in ; do mv "{f// /_}"; done
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Or add sequential numbers: Use a loop like: i=1; for f in .jpg; do mv "$f" "photo_$i.jpg"; ((i++)); done
4. Bulk Rename Files on Mac with Automator (No Coding)
Automator is a built-in macOS utility designed to help users automate repetitive tasks, including batch file renaming. It allows you to create custom workflows using visual actions instead of code, making automation accessible to non-programmers.
This method is ideal if you frequently rename files in the same way and want a reusable solution. While powerful, Automator can feel overwhelming at first and may require some experimentation to master. Here is how to batch rename Mac files:
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Open "Automator" from the "Apps" on your Mac and click "New Document", then choose “Quick Action or Workflow”.
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Select "Files and Folders," then select the location where you want to rename your files.
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Drag “Rename Finder Items” into your workflow on the right side and click “Don't Add" in the pop-up window.
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Click “Options” and then go to the "Rename Finder Items" box to select your renaming method. You may adjust these settings as desired and click "Run."
5. Rename Multiple Files with Sequential Numbers on a Mac Using Excel
Using Excel for file renaming is a creative workaround when filenames must follow a strict sequence or match a predefined list. This method is useful when working with large datasets, structured naming conventions, or external data sources.
By generating filenames in Excel and applying them through Terminal or Automator, users gain precise control over naming formats. However, this method to batch rename files on Mac using Excel is more time-consuming and best suited for users who are comfortable with spreadsheets and technical steps.
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Launch the Terminal app and use the cd command to go to the folder containing the files you want to rename. For example: “cd ~/Desktop/YourFolder”
List all file names with the command "ls -1" and copy them.
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Open Excel and create columns with file name sections like name, type, etc and one original name section, then paste the copied names in the “Original Names” column.
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In the new column, enter the new name you want for each file. This is where you can use Excel formulas to set sequential numbers or naming patterns (e.g., Photo_001, Photo_002, etc.).
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Copy the new names into a plain text format with the "Text Editor" app and save this file as "rename.sh".
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Now, go back to terminal and run “chmod +x rename.sh” then “./rename.sh”.
People Also Ask about Mac Mass Rename Files
Q1: Is there a shortcut for Rename on Mac?
Yes. Press Return (Enter) to rename a selected file. This shortcut does not support batch renaming.
Q2: How to rename a file on Mac without deleting it?
Simply select the filename and press Return; this edits the name without affecting the file content.
Q3: What is the best free batch file renamer for Mac?
Finder and Automator are free, but for ease and speed, tools like Tenorshare Cleamio offer a more efficient experience.
Q4: Can't rename files on Mac? What should I do?
Check file permissions, ensure the file isn’t in use. When a file is open somewhere, the OS may prevent you from renaming it.
Q5: How do I rename multiple files with sequential numbers on a Mac?
Use Finder’s Format feature, Automator, Terminal, or a professional Mac file rename tool.
Conclusion
If you frequently work with photos, documents, or downloads, learning how to batch rename files on Mac can save you hours of manual work. While Finder, Terminal, and Automator offer built-in options, they often lack flexibility or ease of use.
For the fastest and safest experience, Tenorshare Cleamio stands out as a reliable Mac file renaming tool, offering one-click bulk renaming with full control and preview, perfect for all Mac users.
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By Jenefey Aaron
2026-01-08 / File Tips