OS X Mountain Lion: Rename files and folders
You can change the name of most files, folders, and disks in the Finder. You can’t rename your home folder (the one with your name on it).
App folders and any items that came with your system (such as the Library folder).
Filename extensions—the period followed by two or three letters you see at the end of some filenames (for example, .jpg). If you change an extension, you may no longer be able to open the file with the application that was used to create it.
- Select the item you want to rename and press Return.
Note: The items in the Finder window sidebar are aliases. To change the name of a sidebar item, locate the original and rename it.
- Type a new name for the item.
You can use numbers and most symbols. You can’t include a colon (:) or start the name with a period (.). Some applications may not allow you to use a slash (/) in a filename.
- Press Return.
If you change the name of an installed item (such as an app) and experience problems, change the name back. If this does not help, you may need to reinstall the software.