How to Rename Files in Linux

September 11, 2025 / Tutorial

This guide will illustrate how to retitle files in Linux.

Retitling files in Linux can be done in several ways, using either command-line tools or file managers. You will explore some of the common methods with examples here.

Let us follow the steps to rename files in Linux:

  1. Using the ‘mv’ Command: The mv (move) command is the most common way to rename a file.
    1. Syntax: 
      mv old_filename new_filename
    2. Example: 
      mv report.txt checked_report.txt

      This renames ‘report.txt’ to ‘checked_report.txt’ in the current directory.
      Note: If you specify a different path, the file will be moved instead of just retitled.

  2. Using the ‘rename’ Command: The rename utility is useful for retitling multiple files at once, particularly with patterns.
    1. Syntax: 
      rename ‘s/old_pattern/new_pattern/’ files
    2. Example: 
      rename ‘s/.txt/.bak/’ *.txt

      This retitles all ‘.txt’ files in the directory to ‘.bak’.

    3. The availability of retitle depends on your Linux distribution. Install it if needed: 
      sudo apt install rename # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo yum install rename   # CentOS/RHEL
  3. Using GUI File Manager: If you are using a desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, etc.):
    1. Open the file manager.
    2. Right-click on the file.
    3. Choose Rename and enter the new name.
  4. Using ‘mmv’ (Multiple Move): The mmv tool lets bulk retitling of files with flexible patterns.
    1. Example 
      mmv “*.jpg” “image_#1.jpg”

      This renames all ‘.jpg’ files with a prefix ‘image_’.

    2. To install mmv: 
      sudo apt install mmv # Debian/Ubuntu

This way, you can retitle files in Linux and choose the method that best fits your needs, whether it’s a quick single rename or bulk changes.

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