Changing the name of a file in Google Drive is a simple process that anyone can do. All you need to do is locate the file you want to change, right-click on it, select ‘rename’, and then type in the new name you want for the file. Once you’ve typed in the new name, hit ‘enter’ on your keyboard, and voila! Your file has a brand new name.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change the Name of a File in Google Drive
Before we dive into the step by step process, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. Changing the name of a file in Google Drive makes it easier to organize and find your documents. Whether you made a typo or just want to give the file a more descriptive name, following these steps will get you there.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Go to drive.google.com and log in if you’re not already.
Once you’re logged into Google Drive, you’ll see all your files and folders. If you have a lot of them, you might want to use the search bar at the top to find the one you want to rename quickly.
Step 2: Locate the File
Find the file you want to change the name of.
Remember, you can change the name of any file, whether it’s a document, a spreadsheet, a presentation, or even an image. Just make sure you’ve got the right file before you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Right-Click on the File
Right-click on the file to bring up a menu of options.
When you right-click on the file, you’ll see a menu that has options like ‘Share’, ‘Get link’, and ‘Download’. But for now, we’re interested in the ‘Rename’ option.
Step 4: Select ‘Rename’
Click on ‘Rename’ in the menu.
This is the step where you actually get to change the name of your file. Once you click ‘Rename’, a box will pop up that allows you to type in a new name.
Step 5: Type in the New Name
Type the new name for your file in the box that pops up.
Be careful when typing the new name – make sure it’s spelled correctly and is the name you really want. You don’t want to have to go through this process again because of a typo!
Step 6: Press ‘Enter’
Hit ‘Enter’ on your keyboard to save the new name.
And just like that, your file has a new name! You can now close the tab or continue working in Google Drive with your newly named file.
After you complete these steps, your file will have its new name, and it will be updated across all devices where you access Google Drive. This means that if you change the name of a file on your computer, it will also show the new name on your phone or tablet.
Tips for Changing the Name of a File in Google Drive
- Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account before you start. You can’t rename files in someone else’s Google Drive!
- If you’re renaming a shared file, be aware that the new name will be visible to everyone who has access to the file.
- Use descriptive names for your files so you can easily find them later.
- Don’t use special characters in file names – some characters are not allowed and can cause problems.
- If you change your mind about a file name, you can always rename it again following the same steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I rename a folder in Google Drive?
Just like files, right-click on the folder and select ‘Rename’. Then type in the new name and press ‘Enter’.
Can I rename a file that someone shared with me?
Yes, as long as you have editing rights to the file. If you only have viewing rights, you won’t be able to change the name.
Is there a limit to how many times I can rename a file?
Nope, you can rename a file as many times as you like.
Will renaming a file break any links I’ve shared?
No, any links you’ve shared will still work. Google Drive keeps track of the file itself, not the file name.
What if I accidentally rename a file and want to go back to the old name?
Just repeat the steps above and type in the original name.
Summary
- Open Google Drive
- Locate the file
- Right-click on the file
- Select ‘Rename’
- Type in the new name
- Press ‘Enter’
Conclusion
Changing the name of a file in Google Drive is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s a great way to keep your files organized and make sure they’re easy to find when you need them. Plus, it only takes a few seconds to do, and there’s no limit to how many times you can rename a file. So go ahead and give those files names that make sense to you. And if you make a mistake or change your mind, it’s no big deal—just rename it again. Remember, the most important thing is that your files work for you and not the other way around. Keep this guide handy for the next time you need to change the name of a file in Google Drive, and you’ll be a pro in no time.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.