How to Rename a File or Folder

It's easy to rename a file or folder when its contents change. These instructions should work for most operating systems.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computers
• Mac OS 9.0
• Microsoft Windows

1. Move through your folders until you have located the file or folder that you want to rename.

2. Click on the file or folder to select it.

3. Click the item's text box to select it, then type in the new name.

4. Press Enter (if using Windows) or Return (on a Mac) to save the new name.

Tips & Warnings

• Windows users can also select the file or folder, then choose Rename from the File menu, or right-click the file or folder and choose Rename from the context menu.
• Mac users can click the file or folder, then press Enter to select the text box more easily.
• A file that is open in a software application can be saved under a different name by choosing Save As from the File menu. This saves a copy of the original.
• Once you have renamed a file, any aliases or shortcuts that you were using will no longer be able to locate the file. You will need to delete the old aliases, if any, and create new ones.