# How to Rename a File?

When a file name is unclear or contains a mistake, you can change it right in the list — without uploading the file again. This instruction shows how.

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## When It Will Be Useful
- A file has an unclear name (for example, `IMG_0421`) and you want to give it a meaningful one.
- There is a typo or extra characters in the name.
- You want to tidy up the file list before working with clients.

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## What's Important to Know
- Renaming changes **only the name** — the file itself, its content, and size stay the same.
- The name cannot be empty and must not contain the characters `/` or `\`.
- The file extension (for example, `.pdf`) is preserved automatically.
- The action is available if you have permission to manage files.

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## Before You Start
- [x] You are logged into ConnectiveOne
- [x] You have access to the FileManager module
- [x] You know which file to rename and the new name

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## How to Do It

1. **Open the File manager** — in the main menu go to `Menu -> File manager`.
2. **Find the file** — in the list or in the file card.
3. **Click the "Rename" button** — the button with a pencil icon next to the file.
4. **Enter the new name** — the file name becomes an editable field.
5. **Save the change** — press `Enter` or the checkmark button. To cancel, press `Esc` or the cross button.

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## What Happens After
The file immediately appears with the new name in the list. The file content does not change.

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## How to Verify Everything Worked
- The message `File renamed` appears
- The file appears in the list with the new name

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## Possible Issues
- **`A file with this name already exists`** — choose a different name, this one is already taken by another file.
- **`Name cannot be empty`** — enter a name before saving.
- **`Name contains invalid characters`** — remove the `/` and `\` characters from the name.

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## Be Careful
- **If you already shared a link to this file** — after renaming, copy the link again to be sure it points to the file. See [How to copy a file link](/en/filemanager/how-to/copy-file-link.md).

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## See Also
- [How to copy a file link](/en/filemanager/how-to/copy-file-link.md)
- [How to view the file list](/en/filemanager/how-to/view-files.md)
- [How to delete a file](/en/filemanager/how-to/delete-file.md)