Deep dive into renaming files by their creation date

The new "Rename File as Date Created" shortcut offers a seamless way to organize your digital assets. This feature automatically renames selected files based on their creation date, establishing a consistent naming convention. It eliminates manual renaming efforts, making it easier to sort and locate your documents, photos, or any other files.

What's new

This shortcut introduces a direct method to standardize file names by leveraging their inherent creation date metadata. It automatically converts original file names into a YYYY-MM-DD format, ensuring uniformity across your chosen files. You can use this shortcut as a standalone tool, selecting files manually, or integrate it into a Folder Automation on macOS for completely hands-free organization as new files are added.

How to use this feature

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your device.

2. Locate and run the Rename File as Date Created shortcut.

3. Select the file(s) you wish to rename from the file picker.

4. The shortcut will automatically rename the file(s) to a format like 2025-11-28.

5. (Optional for macOS) To automate, navigate to the Automation tab in the Shortcuts app on your Mac.

6. Click the + button to add a new automation and choose Folder as the trigger.

7. Select the folder you want to monitor, and ensure When Any Item Is Added is selected.

8. In the actions, search for and select the Rename File as Date Created shortcut.

9. New files added to the specified folder will now be automatically renamed.

Key capabilities

• Batch Renaming: Efficiently rename multiple files at once, saving significant time for large collections.
• Consistent Naming: Enforce a uniform YYYY-MM-DD naming structure for easy chronological sorting.
• Automated Organization: Set up folder automations (on macOS) to automatically rename new files as they are added, maintaining an organized system effortlessly.
• Direct File Access: Run the shortcut directly and select files from any accessible location on your device or iCloud Drive.

Tips for getting the most out of this feature

For frequently updated project folders, consider setting up a dedicated Folder Automation on your Mac to ensure all incoming files are instantly renamed by their creation date. This is particularly useful for managing digital photos, scanned documents, or project assets where chronological order is crucial. Always back up important files before performing any bulk renaming operations.

Summary

The "Rename File as Date Created" shortcut simplifies file management by automating the renaming process using a file's inherent creation date. This powerful tool ensures that your digital library maintains a clean, consistent, and chronologically ordered structure, drastically improving your ability to manage and retrieve files efficiently. Embrace this shortcut to bring order and efficiency to your daily file handling.