Renaming folders in Linux is a fundamental skill. Follow these methods to rename directories via command line or graphical interface.
Method 1: Using Command Line
Execute these terminal commands:
- Open Terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T
- Navigate to parent directory: cd /path/to/parent
- Rename folder with mv:
mv OldFolderName NewFolderName
- Verify result: ls
Example:
To rename "Documents" to "ProjectFiles":
cd ~/Desktop
mv Documents ProjectFiles
Method 2: Using File Manager
- Open your file manager (e.g. Nautilus, Dolphin)
- Navigate to target folder location
- Right-click folder → Select Rename
- Type new name → Press Enter
Troubleshooting Tips
- Permission denied: Prefix command with sudo (admin privileges required)
- Folder not found: Confirm path with pwd before renaming
- Name conflicts: Ensure no files/folders already use the new name
Important Notes:
- Case sensitivity matters: "Folder" ≠ "folder"
- Special characters require escaping (use before ? [ ])
- Spaces in names should be quoted: mv "Old Name" "New Name"
