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How to bulk rename files and footage on a Mac

By Suraj, Unloop Studio · Updated

Short answer

Select the files in Finder, right-click and choose Rename. Finder can replace text, add text, or apply a format such as Name and Index, Name and Counter, or Name and Date. For patterns like PROJECT_DATE_SEQUENCE across many folders, a custom renamer is faster and repeatable.

Rename with Finder

  1. 1Select all the files you want to rename.
  2. 2Right-click › Rename…
  3. 3Choose Replace Text, Add Text, or Format.
  4. 4For Format, pick Name and Index / Counter / Date, type a custom name and a start number.
  5. 5Click Rename.

Where Finder stops

Finder renames one selection at a time, can’t read metadata like recording date or camera name, and can’t apply the same pattern across many subfolders in one go.

A naming pattern that works for editors

A pattern like PROJECT_YYYY-MM-DD_CAMERA_001 keeps clips sortable, searchable and unique across cards. The key is applying it the same way every time.

FAQ

Can I undo a Finder bulk rename?

Immediately after renaming you can use Edit › Undo Rename in Finder.

Can Finder rename by recording date?

Finder’s Name and Date format uses the current date, not the file’s recording date. Renaming by capture date needs a tool that reads file metadata.