How to Automator Mac Rename File by Text: A Simplified Guide

Renaming multiple files at once can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially when dealing with large collections of files. However, for Mac users, there's an easy way to automate this process using Automator. In this article, we'll explore how to rename files using text in Automator on your Mac.

To get started, open the Automator application, which can be found under Applications in Finder. Once launched, you'll see a window with various options and actions. For our purpose, we'll use the 'Find Finder Items' action.

In the first drop-down list, choose 'Name' from the Any Content menu. This will help us specify the criteria for renaming files. The choice of 'Name' only matters if you have multiple criteria lines specified (steps 9 and 10). If not, it won't affect the outcome.

Next, select 'All' from the second drop-down list. If you don't see the folder containing your files, click on 'Other' and navigate to the desired location. To avoid including unnecessary files in your search results, choose the lowest level folder possible (e.g., instead of choosing 'Computer', choose a specific folder).

Now, drag the 'Find Finder Items' action from the secondary list onto the gray workflow space at the right. In the Library panel on the left, click on 'Files & Folders'.

You'll see a screen with various options. Here's where you can customize your search criteria to find the files you want to rename.

Once you've set up your search criteria, you can save this Automator workflow and use it again whenever needed, simply by changing the folder or file name criteria to search. This feature is incredibly convenient, as it saves time and effort in the long run.

For instance, when writing a book like 'Scrivener For Dummies', I took numerous screenshots. Renaming these files using Automator was a huge timesaver. Instead of manually renaming each file, I could simply set up an Automator workflow to rename them according to my desired naming convention.

In conclusion, using Automator on your Mac to rename files by text is a simple and efficient process that can save you a lot of time and effort. By following these steps, you'll be able to automate the renaming process for multiple files at once, making it easier to organize your digital files.

Automator mac rename file by text