ARCHIVED: In Mac OS X, how do I rename a file, folder, or volume?

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In Mac OS X, the procedure is the same for renaming files, folders, and volumes. (Volumes include hard drives and removable media.) Single-click the name of the file, folder, or volume. You may have to press Return after clicking the name to highlight it. In the highlighted field, type the new name.

If the item is write protected, you must first unlock it. To unlock a file, single-click the filename, and from the File menu, select Get Info or Show Info.... Deselect Locked. There may be some files you won't have permission to rename. To rename these files, you will have to log into your computer as either an administrator or the owner of the file or folder.

It usually is not possible to rename read-only media such as CDs or files within them.

This is document aeco in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 09:30:01.