No matter who you are, mastering the art will elevate your file organization game and save you from the frustration of lost or mislabeled documents. Let’s begin the journey!
Why Renaming a PDF Matters?
Sometimes, your PDF files are named with a set of numbers which means nothing, for example, many files are named with the time when it was created. A clear and descriptive file name helps find the specific PDF document in a very short time. You can understand what the content is about by reading the file name and open the PDF without the second time. By naming a PDF file more descriptively, finding specific information would be an easy task.
How to Rename a PDF on Windows and Mac
The specific steps to rename a PDF may vary on different devices. In this part, we’ll show you how to do that on a PC/laptop, Mac, iPhone, and Android. You can jump directly to the section you need.
Let’s begin with how to rename PDF files on a Windows PC. We’ll show you two practices and they are both free and easy to follow. You can choose one that can better solve your problems.
Rename a PDF on Windows from the Local Folder
Renaming a PDF file in the local folder would be the easiest method. You only need to locate the PDF file on your computer and right-click this file. Then select Rename (Windows 10 and earlier versions) or click on the rename icon (Windows 11) and type a new name for the selected PDF. After that, press Enter or click on other areas with your mouse.
Rename a PDF on Windows and Mac with SwifDoo PDF
There’s an alternative method: utilizing a dedicated free PDF viewer, with which you can perform advanced functions when necessary. Here’s a top-rated Windows PDF editor named SwifDoo PDF waiting for being introduced to you. With its comprehensive features, lightweight file size, simple and navigable interface, SwifDoo PDF becomes an overnight sensation since its inception.
More Powerful Features of SwifDoo PDF:
- Translate the whole PDF file in a short time
- Convert PDF text to speech
- Measure distance in PDF file
- Perform OCR technology to recognize scanned PDF
- Convert PDF to other editable file formats and vice versa
Simply follow the steps below to rename a PDF file:
Step 1. Download SwifDoo PDF on your PC and launch it.
Step 2. Open the PDF file you need to rename.
Step 3. Click the SwifDoo icon in the top left corner and select Save as.
Step 4. Find a folder you want to save the PDF and type a new file name. Then click on Save.
Change the PDF Name on a Mac
Don’t worry if you’re running a macOS. We’ll also give you a hand in this part. You don’t need to rely on any third-party tool. You can also achieve this locally on your Mac.
Here’s how you can rename a PDF file on your Mac:
Step 1. Launch Finder, select a PDF file, and press Return. Alternatively, you can force-click the PDF’s name or click File > Rename.
Step 2. Enter a new PDF name and press Return again.
You May Also Like: For Mac Users: 7 Best PDF Editors for Mac Free 2023 >>
How to Rename a PDF in Adobe Acrobat
One way to rename an Adobe PDF file is to access the Document Properites in Adobe Acrobat subcription versions. You'll be able to change the file titile, author, and edit the metadata in the PDF. However, you can't really rename an opened file in Acrobat but only do that before opening in your file folder. This method doesn't change the actual file name but just the way the file is displayed in the program. Regarding how to rename PDF files in Adobe Reader, the free version of the software, refer to the above tutorial to change in the local folder.
Explore how to rename a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro or Standard.
Step 1: Open your PDF file in an Acrobar paid version by dragging and dropping.
Step 2: Click the Menu button at the top left corner to select the Document Properties option.
Step 3: Enter a new file name in the Title field, fill in the new author name in the Author field if you need to change the author name in the PDF file.
Step 4: Update other details and click the OK button to rename the PDF file.
How to Rename a PDF on iPhone and Android
After learning how to change the name of a PDF file on a computer, let's find out efficient practices for renaming PDFs on mobile devices. We'll mainly focus on iPhone and Android phones.
How to rename a PDF file on a mobile device? If you're using an iPhone, the Files app can solve your problem with ease. No matter where a PDF file is saved, you can save it to Files and then rename it in this app. Besides PDF files, you can rename any type of file with the help of Files as long as you can store it in the app. For Android users, simply open the file manager app, and you'll be able to change PDF files' names hassle-free.
Here are the specific steps to rename PDF files on mobile devices:
On an iPhone: Go to the Files app, long-press the PDF file you want to rename, select Rename, input a new file name, and press done.
On an Android phone: Open the file manager app, long-press a PDF, and select Rename. Then enter a file name and confirm it.
Also Read: Free Methods for Adding Hyperlink to Your PDF >>
Rename PDF Files in Bulk
Here are 2 methods to rename multiple PDF files at once for different purposes. You can rename them for reordering or indicating the content.
Batch Rename PDF Files from the Local Folder
PDF renaming in bulk is simple if you just want to arrange the files in order. Still no need external software and you can get the job done right from your File Explorer or Finder. Typically, this method will add a suffix to the same file name of each file, like (1), (2), etc.
just select all the PDF files you want to change a name, right-click a file, input a new name, and tap Enter. By doing so, all the other PDF files will be changed to the same name with a suffix of (1), (2) …
Step 1: Select all the PDF files in a file folder, and right-click them.
Step 2: Choose Rename from the context menu, and rename a PDF file first.
Step 3: Press Enter on your keyboard, and the rest of files will auto rename to the same new file name with a suffix (2), (3), (4)....
How to Rename PDF Files in Bulk Using Excel
Microsoft Excel can work as a PDF name changer that allows you to apply formulas and run the code command. If you are good at programming and Excel, try this method.
Step 1: Copy the code below and paste it into a module in Excel.
Sub Test()
Dim R As Range
Dim OldName As String, NewName As String
'Visit each used cell in column A
For Each R In Range("A1", Range("A" & Rows.Count).End(xlUp))
'Search for the old file
OldName = Dir(ThisWorkbook.Path & "" & R.Value & "*.pdf")
'While found
Do While OldName <> ""
'Prepare the new name
NewName = R.Offset(, 1) & " " & OldName
'Rename the file
Name OldName As NewName
'Search again
OldName = Dir(ThisWorkbook.Path & "" & R.Value & "*.pdf")
Loop
Next
End Sub
Step 2: Save the file to the location where the PDF files are.
Step 3: Backup the PDF files and code file. Then, execute the file to complete the bulk PDF file renaming.
You can also bulk rename PDF files from an Excel list if you excels at command line and formula. In this case, you will need the formula ="ren """&A1&""" """&B1&"""". You should have the full path in the old file name column and new file name column, enter this formula in the third column, drag the cell down to apply the formula to all cells. Copy the third column to paste as values and paste the value column to command line.
The Bottom Line
That's all about how to rename a PDF. We've offered you a comprehensive guide on solving this problem, with both laptop and mobile devices covered. Boosting your productivity in mastering PDF files starts by naming them more descriptively. In addition to changing PDF files' names, also try SwifDoo PDF to perform advanced editing functions. It can help address all your issues with PDF files. Free download it now!
