How Do I Rename a File in Excel?

You can rename an Excel file (workbook) using two primary methods, depending on whether the file is open or closed.

Methods to Rename Your Excel File

When you want to change the name of your Excel workbook, you can either do it directly in your file system or save a copy of the open workbook with a new name.

Method 1: Renaming the File in File Explorer (Recommended When File is Closed)

This is the standard way to rename any file on your computer. It's best done when the Excel file is not currently open.

Here's how to do it:

1. Locate the File: Open Windows Explorer (or Finder on a Mac) and navigate to the folder where your Excel workbook is saved.
2. Select the File: Click once on the name of the Excel file you want to rename.
3. Initiate Rename: Press F2 on your keyboard, or right-click on the file and select "Rename" from the context menu.
4. Type New Name: Type the new name you want for the file.
5. Confirm: Press Enter or click away from the file name to save the change.

• Note: If the file is open in Excel when you try to rename it this way, you might receive an error message saying the file is in use. Close the file in Excel first, then try renaming it in File Explorer.

Method 2: Saving a Copy with a New Name (Using "Save As" Within Excel)

If your workbook is already open in Excel and you want to rename it, the easiest way within the program is to use the "Save As" function. This method saves the current state of your workbook under a new name, effectively creating a copy.

Here's how to do it from within Excel:

1. Go to File: With the workbook open, click on the "File" tab in the ribbon.
2. Select Save As: From the menu on the left, click on "Save As".
3. Choose Location: Select where you want to save the new file (e.g., OneDrive, This PC, Browse).
4. Type New Name: In the "File name:" box, type the new name you want for the workbook.
5. Save: Click the "Save" button.

• Important: Using "Save As" to save the workbook with a different name will create a copy of the existing workbook. The original file will remain in its location with its original name, and you will now be working on the newly renamed copy.

Key Considerations

• Renaming in File Explorer is a true rename of the original file.
• Using "Save As" in Excel creates a new file with the chosen name; the original file is not deleted or renamed.
• Ensure the file is closed in Excel before attempting to rename it directly in File Explorer.