Renaming files one at a time is fine for two or three. For a folder full of vacation photos, invoices, or exported clips, macOS has a batch rename tool built right into Finder — no app, no Terminal, no subscription. Here is exactly how to use it.
Batch rename in Finder (the fast way)
- Open the folder in Finder and select the files you want to rename. Click the first, then Shift-click the last for a range, or Command-click to pick specific files.
- Right-click (or Control-click) any selected file and choose Rename [N] Items… — the number matches how many you selected.
- Pick one of the three modes from the dropdown, fill in the fields, and click Rename. Done.
The three rename modes explained
1. Replace Text
Swaps a piece of text everywhere it appears in the selected filenames. Example: turn IMG_4821.jpg, IMG_4822.jpg into Hawaii-4821.jpg, Hawaii-4822.jpg by replacing “IMG” with “Hawaii”. Leave the “Replace with” field empty to simply delete unwanted text.
2. Add Text
Adds a prefix or suffix to every filename without touching the rest. Choose before name to prefix (e.g. add “2026-Q1-” in front) or after name to suffix. Note that “after name” inserts your text before the file extension, so report.pdf becomes report-final.pdf, not report.pdf-final.
3. Format
Renames everything to a clean numbered sequence. Set a base name (e.g. “Invoice”), choose Name and Index, pick a starting number, and Finder produces Invoice 1, Invoice 2, Invoice 3… You can also use Name and Counter (zero-padded like 001, 002) or Name and Date.
Undo a batch rename
Made a mistake? Press Command-Z immediately and Finder reverts every file in that batch at once. This only works right after the rename, before you do anything else, so check the result before moving on.
Tips and gotchas
- Extensions stay put. Finder renames the name, not the .jpg or .pdf extension, so you will not accidentally break file types.
- Sort before you number. The Format mode numbers files in the order Finder currently shows them. Sort the folder by date or name first so your sequence lands the way you expect.
- Preview at the top. The Rename dialog shows an “Example” line that updates as you type — confirm it looks right before clicking Rename.
- Need more power? For rules like regex or metadata-based naming you would reach for a dedicated app, but for prefixes, find-and-replace, and numbered sequences the built-in tool covers the vast majority of jobs.
More Mac file tricks
Once your files are named, keep going: learn how to zip and unzip files on Mac, how to show hidden files, and how to preview any file with Quick Look. New to macOS from a PC? Our switching from Windows to Mac guide walks through the Finder equivalents of everything you knew in File Explorer.
FAQ
Can I batch rename files on Mac without an app?
Yes. Finder has had a built-in batch rename tool since OS X Yosemite. Select your files, right-click, and choose Rename Items — no download required.
How do I add a prefix to many files at once?
Select the files, right-click and choose Rename Items, pick Add Text, type your prefix, and set the dropdown to “before name.” Every file gets the prefix in one click.
Does batch renaming change the file extension?
No. Finder only renames the filename portion, leaving extensions like .jpg or .pdf intact, so your files keep working normally.
How do I undo a batch rename?
Press Command-Z right after renaming. Finder undoes the entire batch at once, as long as you have not performed another action first.