Unsure what to call a file or just tired of typing it out? Your Mac can help. Find out here how to enable and use content-based file name suggestions on a Mac ⤓ in Finder and while editing documents.
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How to Use Content-Based File (and Folder) Name Suggestions on a Mac
⚡ Quick Fix
Enable Suggest file names in Finder settings. Then, start renaming a file or folder and pick from the suggestions that appear beneath the name.
In Mac Finder
Time needed: 2 minutes
To have your Mac suggest file names derived from the document’s content in Finder:
- Enable file name suggestions for your Mac; see below.
- Start renaming the file or folder.
Here’s how: Click the current name once, for example, to start editing.
Finder keyboard shortcut: With the file or folder highlighted, press Enter to start renaming.
Using the menus: You can also select Rename from the right-click context menu or File | Rename in the top menu, of course. - Wait for file name suggestions to appear.
Here’s where: You will get up to three suggested names just beneath the existing file name under the heading Suggested; they appear like auto-complete suggestions.
- Choose the desired name with the mouse.
Using the keyboard: You can also use the down and up keys to highlight a name, then press Enter to choose, of course.
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When Saving a File
To get content-aware file name suggestions when you are saving or editing a document on your Mac:
- Bring up the file-saving dialog.
Here’s how: Use File | Save in the menu for a new document and File | Save As… to save a copy.
No “Save As”: If you do not see Save As… in the File menu, try holding the Option key to bring up additional choices. - Wait for file name suggestions to appear beneath the Save As: or Save field.
Indicator: You’ll see a spinning pinwheel while suggestions are created. - Choose the desired file name suggestion.
When Editing and Renaming a Document
With many apps on macOS, you can also use the title bar to rename a document:
- Click the current file name in the document’s title bar.
- Wait for file name suggestions to appear beneath the Name: field as auto-suggestions.
- Select the suggested name that fits best.
You’ve got more than names and folders to help you organize:
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How to Enable File Name Suggestions Across macOS
To turn on file name suggestions on your Mac:
- Open Finder.
- Select Finder | Settings… from the menu.
Mac keyboard shortcut: You can also press Command , (comma) to open settings while Finder is in focus. - Go to the General tab.
- Turn on Suggest file names.
How to Use Content-Based File Name Suggestions on a Mac: FAQ
Why are my file name suggestions in a different language?
Siri uses the active keyboard input source for the file name suggestions. To get suggestions in a different language, switch the input source, if only temporarily.
Does it work for all kinds of files?
No.
Siri needs to be able to analyze the content. File name suggestions work best with documents heavy in text and clearly identifiable images.
Can I get folder name suggestions, too?
Yes.
If you rename a folder, Finder will suggest a name based on the documents in the folder.
Now that the name is perfect:
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Do file name suggestions work for documents in iCloud Drive?
Yes.
For files that have been downloaded as a copy to your Mac, you will get content-based file name suggestions.
Do I have to open or preview the file using Quick View?
No.
Content analysis happens when you select to rename a file. You don’t have to open or preview the file before for it to work.
Exception: Files in iCloud Drive not yet on your Mac will not be downloaded to create file name suggestions; do open these documents in an editor, Pages or Preview, for example, or click the download icon to get content-based suggestions.
Can I get file name suggestions for bulk renaming?
No.
macOS suggests names for individual files. When you rename files in bulk in Finder, you might get a suggestion for the custom format derived from the existing file names.
Can I rename with a suggestion using the Info window?
No.
Oddly enough, the file Info window (reached using File | Get Info in Finder) does not offer content-based suggestions when you edit a file’s name.
Can I get a different set of suggested names?
Somewhat.
When you start editing a file or folder name again, Finder will offer fresh suggestions. They are usually identical to the previews set — but not always.
Does file content leave my Mac for file name suggestions?
No.
Content analysis for file name suggestions happens locally on the Mac.
(Tested with macOS Golden Gate 27; first published September 2026)