How do I rename multiple files at once on a Mac?

In Finder, select the files, right-click and choose Rename, then replace text, add text or format them with a number. Our guide walks through each, and where a bulk rename tool helps.

Can I undo a bulk rename?

Yes. Peekaboo records the rename as one session, so ⌘Z or Activity puts every name back. If a file’s old name has been taken since, that file is left as it is rather than overwriting anything.

Does it keep file extensions?

Yes. Only the name before the extension changes, so files still open in the same app.

Can the Assistant rename files for me?

Yes, on Macs with Apple Intelligence. Ask in plain words and it plans a bulk rename you check file by file before pressing Run.

Peekaboo · Bulk rename

Rename hundreds of files at once, and see every name first

IMG_4821 to IMG_5104 should be “Lisbon 001” to “Lisbon 284”. Peekaboo shows each old name beside its new one as you type, stops on any clash, and records the whole rename so one Undo reverses it.

Download free trial14 days free · macOS 14+ · Added in 0.1.0 · Updated November 7, 2026

What it does

Four ways to rename: A pattern built from {name}, {n}, {date} and {ext}; find and replace, with or without matching case; a number before or after the name; or the date each file was created in front.
Every name, previewed: The list shows old name and new name side by side and updates as you type. Choose the start number and how many digits it pads to. The extension stays as it was.
Clashes caught first: A new name that matches another file, in the batch or already in the folder, is flagged, and Rename stays off until there are none. Nothing is overwritten.
One Undo for the lot: The rename is one session in Activity: ⌘Z right away, Undo in the toast, or later from the list. Select files anywhere in the app, search results included.

How to use it

1Select the files, then choose Rename.⌥⌘R
2Pick Pattern, Find & Replace, Add Number or Add Date, and read the preview.
3Press Rename. Not what you wanted? Undo it.⌘Z

When another app fits better

Finder has a built-in batch rename that replaces text, adds text and numbers files, and for a quick job it’s enough. Peekaboo has no regular expressions, case changes or names taken from photo metadata; for those, A Better Finder Rename goes much deeper, and NameChanger is free.

Questions

How do I rename multiple files at once on a Mac?: In Finder, select the files, right-click and choose Rename, then replace text, add text or format them with a number. Our guide walks through each, and where a bulk rename tool helps.
Can I undo a bulk rename?: Yes. Peekaboo records the rename as one session, so ⌘Z or Activity puts every name back. If a file’s old name has been taken since, that file is left as it is rather than overwriting anything.
Does it keep file extensions?: Yes. Only the name before the extension changes, so files still open in the same app.
Can the Assistant rename files for me?: Yes, on Macs with Apple Intelligence. Ask in plain words and it plans a bulk rename you check file by file before pressing Run.