How to Batch Rename Files on Mac

Finder already handles batch text replacement and numbered names. SaneClick adds ready-made actions for common renaming jobs in the same right-click menu.

Use Finder's Rename

Built into macOS, with no extra app to install.

  • 1
    Select your files in Finder, then right-click and choose Rename.
  • 2
    Choose Replace Text to swap text, including spaces for underscores.
  • 3
    Choose Add Text for a prefix or suffix, or Format for an index, counter, or date.
  • 4
    Check the example name, then click Rename.

Apple's Finder renaming guide

Use SaneClick's Actions

Enable the actions you need, then select files and choose one from SaneClick's Finder menu.

  • ✓
    Rename with Sequence: Number files as 001, 002, 003, keeping their extensions.
  • ✓
    Lowercase Filenames: Change names such as My Photo.PNG to my photo.png.
  • ✓
    Replace Spaces with Underscores: Change my photo.jpg to my_photo.jpg.
See SaneClick

Check Names Before a Large Batch

Renaming changes the selected files in place. Test a small selection first, especially when another file already has a name you want to use. The direct-download actions skip existing destinations rather than replace them, so a conflicting name can leave a file unchanged. Check the resulting filenames after the action.

Choose the Shortest Route

Use Finder when its Rename dialog covers the job. SaneClick is useful when you repeat the same action and want it ready in the context menu.