How to simultaneously rename multiple files (pictures, documents). – macOS / Windows

When you need to simultaneously rename several files (pictures, documents) located in a folder, this tutorial is definitely helpful, even if you have a computer Windows or Mac (macOS).

How do you rename a file on macOS or Windows

Renaming a single file (Rename File) is done relatively the same, both on macOS as well as on Windows.

All you have to do is right-click on the file you want to rename, then change the name very easily with the option "Rename"In Context Menu. users macOS they also have the option to select the file, then press “Return” and enter the new file name.

So far it's nothing spectacular, but things change when we need to rename hundreds of pictures, documents or other files in a folder. Selecting them one by one and renaming them would take some time. It is not a solution. The solution is to rename them all at once.

How to simultaneously rename multiple files (pictures, documents). – macOS / Windows

Let's take the scenario where there are several hundred pictures from an event in a folder and you want to rename them all with the name of the event.

Simultaneously rename multiple files on Windows computers.

1. Open the folder with files you want to rename.

Photos folder
Photos folder

2. Select all the pictures in the folder with the command: Ctrl + A (Select All), then press the key F2.

After pressing the key F2 the name edit field of a single picture appears active.

How to simultaneously rename several files (pictures, documents) -  Windows
Rename Multiple Photos in Windows

3. Enter the new name, then press Enter. The new name will apply to all selected photos or documents in that folder.

New Name for files
New Name for files

Since it is impossible for two or more files in a folder to have the same name, a suffix will be added automatically with order number.

This is the easiest way to rename multiple files on computers at once Windows.

Simultaneously rename multiple pictures - macOS.

To simultaneously rename several pictures or documents in a folder on operating systems macOS, the operation is a little more complex, due to the fact that several file renaming options are provided.

1. Select all the pictures or files you want to rename. Command + A (Select All Files).

2. Right-click on trackapd or the mouse, and in the context menu you find the option to rename all selected files. Rename selected items.

Rename multiple files at once on macOS
Rename selected items

3. After you click on rename optionThis will open a menu (Rename Finder Items) in which you have more renaming options of selected files.

How to simultaneously rename multiple files (pictures, documents).
Rename Finder Items

Add Text – Option to add characters before or after existing names (Where: before name / after name).

Replace Text – You can replace common words in file names, with another word or words.

Format – This option gives us several options for renaming the selected files.

We can choose to include in the new name the date it was renamed (Name and Date), numbering with name addition (Name and Counter) or Name and Index, option also used by us in the example above.

4. Choose the new name for the files and the renaming option you want to use, then click the button "Rename".

Rename Multiple Files on macOS
Rename Multiple Files on macOS

The files will be renamed according to the rules set by the user. These are the easiest ways to rename multiple files at once on operating systems macOS or Windows.

Passionate about technology, I enjoy writing on StealthSettings.com since 2006. I have a rich experience in operating systems: macOS, Windows, and Linux, as well as in programming languages and blogging platforms (WordPress) and for online stores (WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop).

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