---
title: "How to rename many files at once on a Mac - PaneStack"
description: "How to batch rename files on a Mac: Finder's Rename sheet, and PaneStack's batch rename with numbers, photo dates, find and replace, regular expressions and a live preview."
canonical: https://panestack.app/batch-rename-files-mac.html
---

# How to rename many files at once on a Mac

Select the files, then rename them together. Finder can replace text, add text, or number them. PaneStack goes further, with the date a photo was taken, regular expressions, a live preview of every new name, and one undo for the lot.

## In Finder

1. Select the files.
2. Right-click › **Rename…**.
3. Choose Replace Text, Add Text or Format (a name plus a number), then click Rename.

## In PaneStack

1. Select the files and press **Return**.
2. Build the new names: numbers, dates (including the date a photo was taken), find and replace, regular expressions, upper or lower case, and added text.
3. Watch the live preview of every new name, then rename.
4. Not right? **⌘Z** puts every name back in one step.

Renaming one file keeps its extension unless you change it, and PaneStack warns you before changing an extension.

## Rename without doing it yourself

- **Let it name your scans.** Right-click a scan or screenshot › Suggest a Name… proposes a name from the file's own text, such as `2026-03 Acme Invoice.pdf`.
- **Folder rules.** Rename files as they arrive, for example by date, with placeholders such as `{name}`, `{date}` and `{counter}` (⌥⇧⌘R opens Folder Rules).
- **Sort photos by date.** Right-click a folder › Reorganise › Sort into Year › Month Folders, using the date each photo was taken.

## Common questions

### How do I number files in order on Mac?

Select them in PaneStack, press Return, and add a counter. The preview shows each new name before anything changes.

### Can I rename photos by the date they were taken?

Yes. PaneStack's batch rename can use the date the photo was taken, read from the photo itself.

## Try PaneStack

PaneStack is a Finder alternative for Mac with up to 16 panes and undo for everything. One purchase, from $4.99, with every future version included. [See pricing](https://panestack.app/#pricing) or read [more tips](https://panestack.app/tips.html).