How to Rename Files and Directories in Linux Using the mv Command

In Linux, working with files and directories often includes tasks like renaming, organizing, or moving them between locations. One of the most efficient ways to rename a directory is by using the mv (move) command, which allows you to rename files or directories by assigning them a new name within the same path.

This guide explains how to rename files and directories in Linux using the mv command.

Prerequisites

• Access to a Linux-based system as a non-root user with sudo privileges.

mv Command Syntax

The mv command in Linux is used to move or rename files and directories. When applied for renaming, it changes the name without altering the content or location.

Syntax:

mv [OPTION]... SOURCE DEST

Parameters

• SOURCE: The current name of the file or directory to rename or move.
• DEST: The new name you want to assign to the file or directory.

Common Options

• -i or –interactive: Prompts before overwriting an existing file or directory.
• -n or –no-clobber: Prevents overwriting existing files or directories.
• -v or –verbose: Shows detailed output of the operation.
• -T or –no-target-directory: Treats the target as a standard file or directory name instead of a container for the source.

Renaming a Directory with mv

To rename a directory, simply provide the current name followed by the new name. The following examples demonstrate different scenarios using mv along with useful flags.

Basic Rename

Example: rename current_dir to renamed_dir:

$ mv current_dir renamed_dir

If renamed_dir already exists, current_dir will be moved into it rather than renamed.

Force Target as Normal Directory

$ mv -T current_dir renamed_dir

This treats the target as a standard directory name. The -T option only works if the target is empty.

Prompt Before Overwriting

$ mv -iT current_dir renamed_dir

If the target exists, you’ll be asked:

mv: overwrite 'renamed_dir'? — Enter Y to confirm or N to cancel.

Prevent Overwriting

$ mv -nT current_dir renamed_dir

This prevents overwriting if the target already exists.

Show Verbose Output

$ mv -vT current_dir renamed_dir

Example output: renamed 'current_dir' -> 'renamed_dir'

Important Note

If renaming directories you don’t own or system directories, prepend sudo to the command:

$ sudo mv current_dir renamed_dir

Never rename critical system directories (e.g., /etc, /var, /usr) unless you are certain of the consequences.

Renaming a Subdirectory with mv

Renaming subdirectories works the same way, using either a relative or absolute path.

Using a Relative Path

$ mv parent_dir/sub_dir parent_dir/renamed_sub_dir

This changes sub_dir to renamed_sub_dir inside parent_dir.

Using an Absolute Path

$ mv /home/user/project/parent_dir/sub_dir /home/user/project/parent_dir/renamed_sub_dir

This method is useful when you are in a different location or working in scripts that require full paths.

Note

Ensure the target path does not already exist unless you intend to overwrite or move into it. Use options like -i, -n, -T, or -v for safer operations.

How to Rename Files and Directories in Linux Using the mv Command

In Linux, tasks such as renaming, organizing, or relocating files and directories are common. One of the most efficient ways to rename a directory is by using the mv (move) command, which can rename files or directories by assigning a new name within the same path.

This guide explains how to rename files and directories in Linux using the mv command.

Prerequisites

• Access to a Linux-based system as a non-root user with sudo privileges.

mv Command Syntax

The mv command is used to move or rename files and directories. When used for renaming, it changes the name without altering the location or content.

Syntax:

mv [OPTION]... SOURCE DEST

Parameters

• SOURCE: Current name of the file or directory to be renamed or moved.
• DEST: The new name to assign.

Common Options

• -i or –interactive: Prompts before overwriting an existing file or directory.
• -n or –no-clobber: Prevents overwriting an existing file or directory.
• -v or –verbose: Shows detailed output of the operation.
• -T or –no-target-directory: Treats the target as a normal directory name rather than a container for the source.

Renaming a Directory with mv

To rename a directory, specify its current name followed by the new name. The examples below show different use cases with helpful flags.

Basic Rename

$ mv current_dir renamed_dir

If renamed_dir exists, current_dir will be moved into it rather than renamed.

Force Target as a Normal Directory

$ mv -T current_dir renamed_dir

Ensures the target is treated as a directory name rather than a container. The -T option works only if the target is empty.

Prompt Before Overwriting

$ mv -iT current_dir renamed_dir

If the target exists, you will be prompted with:

mv: overwrite 'renamed_dir'? — Press Y to confirm or N to cancel.

Prevent Overwriting

$ mv -nT current_dir renamed_dir

Skips the operation if the target already exists.

Show Verbose Output

$ mv -vT current_dir renamed_dir

Example output: renamed 'current_dir' -> 'renamed_dir'

Important Note

For directories you do not own or system directories, prepend sudo:

$ sudo mv current_dir renamed_dir

Avoid renaming critical system directories like /etc, /var, /usr unless certain of the outcome.

Renaming a Subdirectory with mv

Subdirectories can be renamed using relative or absolute paths.

Using a Relative Path

$ mv parent_dir/sub_dir parent_dir/renamed_sub_dir

Changes sub_dir to renamed_sub_dir inside parent_dir.

Using an Absolute Path

$ mv /home/user/project/parent_dir/sub_dir /home/user/project/parent_dir/renamed_sub_dir

Useful when working from another location or within scripts that require full paths.

Note

Ensure the target path does not exist unless you intend to overwrite or move into it. Use options like -i, -n, -T, or -v for controlled operations.

Renaming Files with mv

Renaming files uses the same syntax as directories. Provide the current filename and the desired new name.

Basic File Rename

$ mv file.txt new_filename.txt

Preserve the file extension unless you intend to change it.

Warning

If the target file exists, it will be overwritten without warning unless -i is used.

Prompt Before Overwriting

$ mv -i file.txt new_filename.txt

Prompts for confirmation before overwriting the target file.

Prevent Overwriting

$ mv -n file.txt new_filename.txt

Skips renaming if the target file exists.

Show Verbose Output

$ mv -v file.txt new_filename.txt

Example output: renamed 'file.txt' -> 'new_filename.txt'

Use sudo for Restricted Files

$ sudo mv file.txt new_filename.txt

Only use sudo when necessary; renaming system or configuration files incorrectly can cause issues.

Conclusion

You have learned how to rename directories, subdirectories, and files in Linux using the mv command. You also learned how to apply options like interactive (-i), verbose (-v), no-clobber (-n), and no-target-directory (-T) for better control, use both relative and absolute paths for subdirectories, and apply sudo when required. For further details, run the man mv command in your Linux terminal to view the manual page.