How to Bulk Rename Files on Mac: Complete macOS Guide 2025

Mac users have powerful built-in tools for batch renaming. Here's every method available.

Method 1: Finder Bulk Rename

The easiest way to batch rename on Mac:

1. Select multiple files in Finder
2. Right-click → "Rename..."
3. Choose your rename option

Finder Rename Options

Replace Text: Find and replace text in filenames

Before: vacation_photo_001.jpg
Replace: vacation → hawaii
After: hawaii_photo_001.jpg

Add Text: Add prefix or suffix

Before: photo.jpg
Add: 2024-01- (before name)
After: 2024-01-photo.jpg

Format: Complete rename with counter

Format: beach-sunset
Counter: 001
Result: beach-sunset 001.jpg, beach-sunset 002.jpg

Method 2: Terminal Commands

For power users:

Basic batch rename

for file in *.jpg; do
  mv "$file" "photo-$file"
done

Rename with counter

counter=1
for file in *.jpg; do
  mv "$file" "image-$(printf '%03d' $counter).jpg"
  ((counter++))
done

Replace text in filenames

for file in *vacation*; do
  mv "$file" "${file//vacation/hawaii}"
done

Method 3: Automator Workflow

Create reusable rename workflows:

1. Open Automator
2. Choose "Quick Action"
3. Add "Rename Finder Items" action
4. Configure rename options
5. Save workflow
6. Access from right-click menu

Method 4: Third-Party Apps

A Better Finder Rename - Advanced patterns - Metadata support - Preview before apply - ~$25 one-time

Renamer - Simple interface - Drag and drop - Chain operations

Method 5: AI-Powered Renaming

Traditional methods use patterns. File Renamer AI understands content:

Before: IMG_4521.jpg
Pattern-based: photo-001.jpg
AI-powered: sunset-beach-palm-trees.jpg

Best Practices for Mac File Naming

• Use lowercase letters
• Use hyphens instead of spaces
• Include dates in YYYY-MM-DD format
• Add version numbers at the end

Try File Renamer AI - Smart renaming for Mac users.