Save yourself some time
Automator is Apple’s software for creating workflows.
Instructions in this article apply to Mac OS X 10.7 and newer.
It’s easy to use this workflow as a starting point and modify it to meet your needs.
The new 27 inch iMac with 5K Retina display.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Launch theAutomatorapplication, located in theApplicationsfolder.
SelectNew Documentin the window that pops up when you first open Automator.
Older versions of Mac OS X don’t have theNew Documentstep.
it’s possible for you to click onApplicationfirst.
In theLibrarylist on the left of Automator, selectFiles & Folders.
Drag theGet Specified Finder Itemsworkflow item to the workflow pane or double-click it.
In this case, click theDon’t Addbutton.
Start by clickingOptionsin theGet Specified Finder Itemsbox.
Place acheckmarkin theShow this action when the workflow runsbox.
In theRename Finder Itemsbox, tap the dropdown menu that’s currently showingAdd Date or Time.
SelectMake Sequentialfrom the list of available options.
Click thenew nameradio button to the right of theAdd number tooption.
pop in the root name you want to use for your files in the text box.
Click theOptionsbutton at the bottom of the action box.
pick the checkbox next toShow this action when the workflow runs.
Adjust the other prefs in the action box.
These options include:
TheExamplefield gives a preview of how the files will look based on your choices.
The Rename Files and Folders workflow is complete.
Now it’s time to trigger the workflow to see if it works properly.
To do so, click theRunbutton located in the top right corner.
The Get Specified Finder Items dialog box will open.
Browse to and snag the folders you want to rename.
TheMake Finder Item Names Sequentialdialog box will open.
ClickContinueto trigger the workflow.
The workflow will run.
The renamed files will appear in the same folder you selected them from.
How to Save the Workflow as an tool
Typically, you’ll run workflows within Automator.
Here’s what to do to convert this workflow into a drag-and-drop app.
Click theOptionsbutton in theGet Specified Finder Itemsaction box if the options aren’t already visible.
Remove the checkmark fromShow this action when the workflow runs.
To save the workflow, selectFile, Save.
The keyboard shortcut isCommand+S.
Enter a name for the workflow and a location to save it to.
Use the dropdown menu to set the file format toApplication.
