Finder batch rename guide
How to batch rename files on Mac
Finder already has a capable batch rename tool: select multiple items, Control-click, choose Rename, then replace text, add text, or apply a formatted name. SADFinder keeps batch rename inside a keyboard-first file manager with undo and redo for file operations.
Quick answer
Finder already has a capable batch rename tool: select multiple items, Control-click, choose Rename, then replace text, add text, or apply a formatted name. SADFinder keeps batch rename inside a keyboard-first file manager with undo and redo for file operations.
Batch rename with Finder
- Select the files
Use Shift-click for a range or Command-click for separate items. Check the selection before changing names.
- Control-click and choose Rename
Finder opens the Rename Finder Items dialog for the current selection.
- Choose the naming rule
Replace text, add text before or after the existing name, or apply a name format with an index or counter.
- Preview and apply
Review the example shown by Finder, then click Rename. Avoid changing extensions unless that is intentional.
Finder's native batch rename is often all you need
The built-in tool handles the most common cleanup jobs without scripts or another app. Replace Text fixes repeated wording, Add Text adds a shared prefix or suffix, and Format creates consistent numbered names.
For more complex rules, metadata-driven naming, or regular expressions, use a dedicated renaming utility. Neither Finder nor SADFinder should be presented as automatic parity with every specialist batch-renaming tool.
Batch rename without leaving the file-manager workflow
SADFinder includes batch rename alongside its normal navigation and file operations. Select the items in the current folder, run the batch rename action, then continue with tabs, the editable path bar, quick filtering, and familiar Enter/Backspace/Delete keys.
Undo and redo cover rename operations, providing a practical safety net after the batch. SADFinder's advantage is the surrounding workflow, not a claim that Finder lacks batch rename.
| Action | Finder | SADFinder |
|---|---|---|
| Rename one item | Return | Command–R |
| Rename multiple items | Control-click > Rename | Built-in batch rename action |
| Undo rename | Command–Z when available | Command–Z operation history |
Native Mac reference: Apple: Rename files, folders and disks.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Finder rename multiple files at once?
Yes. Select the items, Control-click one, choose Rename, then replace text, add text, or apply a name format.
Can I add sequential numbers to Mac filenames?
Yes. In Finder's batch rename dialog, choose Format and select an index or counter format.
Can SADFinder undo a batch rename?
SADFinder includes undo and redo for rename operations. Review the selection and preview first, then use Command–Z promptly if the result is not what you intended.