How to batch rename files in Mac OS X using Automator

Automator is a handy application that's included with Mac OS X, so it should already be on your Mac. Here's how to rename many files at once in Mac OS X using Automator.

Steps

Step 1. Open Automator

You can click on it in Launchpad, or double-click on it in the Applications folder.

Step 2. Select "Workflow"

Then click the "Choose" button.

Step 3. Click on "Files & Folders" in the first column, inside "Library"

Step 4. Drag the files you want to rename to the top right corner of the Automator window

It is recommended that you make copies of a couple of files and do a test run of these files first, in case something does not work out as you need

Step 5. Double click on "Rename Finder Items" in the second column

Step 6. Decide if you want Automator to make copies of your files

If so, click the "Add" button, if not, click "Don't Add."

The rest of the steps in this tutorial are based on clicking "Don't Add" at this point

Step 7. Decide if you want to add or replace any text in the file names

Select "Add Text" or "Replace Text" from the drop-down menu, respectively.

Step 8. Add text if needed

Just enter it in the text box.

• If you are adding text, select "after name" or "before name" or "as extension". Selecting "after name" will add text at the end of the file name and before the file extension type.

  

  Step 9. Replace the text if necessary

  Enter the text you are looking for and then enter the text you want to replace it with.

  • If you are replacing the text, select "full name" or "basename only" or extension only. "And if you want to select uppercase and lowercase letters, uncheck the box next to" Ignore Case ".

    

    Step 10. Click the Run button in the upper right corner of the Automator window

    If you only make one change to the names of your files, this is the last step. The file names should now be changed.

    

    Step 11. Continue if you need to make several changes

    If you are making more than one file name change, such as adding text at the beginning of file names and adding text at the end of file names, press these 2 Xs to close these 2 windows inside Automator. Then drag the files back to Automator again.