Rename files, folders and disks on Mac
You can change the name of most files, folders and disks, including the internal hard disk (named Macintosh HD by default). If you change the name of your hard disk, it still appears with its original name on a network.
Rename one item
On your Mac, select the item, then press Return. Or force click the item’s name.
Enter a new name.
You can use numbers and most symbols. You can’t include a colon (:) or start the name with a full stop (.). Some apps may not allow you to use a slash (/) in a filename.
Press Return.
Rename multiple items
On your Mac, select the items, then Control-click one of them.
In the shortcut menu, choose Rename Items.
In the pop-up menu below Rename Finder Items, choose to replace text in the names, add text to the names, or change the name format.
Replace text: Enter the text you want to remove in the Find field, then enter the text you want to add in the “Replace with” field.
Add text: Enter the text you want to add in the field, then choose to add the text before or after the current name.
Format: Choose a name format for the files, then choose to put the index, counter or date before or after the name. Enter a name in the Custom Format field, then enter the number you want to start with.
Click Rename.
These are some items you should not rename:
App folders and any items that came with your system, such as the Library folder. (If you change the name of an item and experience problems, change the name back. If this doesn’t help, you may need to reinstall the software.)
Filename extensions — the full stop followed by a few letters or words that you see at the end of some filenames (for example, .jpg). If you change an extension, you may no longer be able to open the file with the app that was used to create it.
Your home folder — the one with your name on it.