Apple’s latest Mac OS lets you rename files from the title bar

Aug 8, 2012 07:56 GMT  ·  By

The system-wide Rename function in OS X Mountain Lion now allows users to assign a different name to the files they’re working on without having to leave that file, access the menu, and perform additional commands. You can now do it with just one click!

Although Apple is attracting some heavy criticism over its changes involving the universal Save As… function, the company has made a few key improvements in the file management department.

One of those key improvements is the updated system-wide Rename function which allows you to change the name of a document much easier.

Previously (i.e. on OS X Lion and earlier versions of Mac OS X), you had to either use a keyboard shortcut, or access the File menu, select Rename, and input the new dubbing.

In Mountain Lion, all you have to do is click the name of the file in the application’s title bar. The system instantly makes the title editable, enabling you to save valuable time and effort, not to mention that it doesn’t break your workflow.

The function is particularly useful if you’re saving stuff to iCloud, Apple’s suite of web tools for syncing and storing your entire digital life. Review image Screenshot #1: selecting a file from the cloud to work with

Review image

Screenshot #2: renaming a TextEdit file by just clicking on the title bar

Review image

Screenshot #3: assigning a different name to the file, ready to be overwritten in iCloud

Preview, the standard image and PDF viewer in OS X, uses the same Rename function with iCloud integration. As shown in the screenshot below, all you need to do is click the title bar and assign the photo a new name. Review image Screenshot #4: renaming a file in Preview.app Once you hit Cmd+S (Save), it automatically overwrites using the new name, and beams over to the iCloud (in case you’re using it to store your stuff).

More OS X Mountain Lion tips are on the way, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can use the comments to recommend a subject (tutorial), or to ask for advice on how to use a certain function in OS X Mountain Lion.