How to do it
- Drop your photos into Batch File RenamerOr select them in Finder and use the Quick Action. Files from several folders can go in one batch.
- Pick the "Date-prefix photos" recipeIt adds the date taken in front of each name.
- Adjust the formatPick a preset date format or write your own, like
%Y-%m-%d. Add a word like Beach after it. - Check the preview, then RenameEvery file shows its new name first. Undo puts them all back.
Created date vs date taken
A file's created date changes when you copy or AirDrop it. The EXIF date taken is written by the camera and doesn't. Lite can use created, modified or today's date; Pro reads EXIF date taken (with subseconds, so burst shots stay in order), plus camera model, lens and GPS.
Fix the file dates too
Pro can set each file's created and modified dates in the same run, for example to the date taken, so Finder sorts them correctly as well.
Questions
Can I rename photos by date on Mac for free?
Yes, by created or modified date with Lite. Date taken from EXIF needs Pro, since created dates change when files are copied.
Does it work with HEIC and RAW files?
Yes. EXIF date taken is read from JPEG, HEIC and common RAW formats.
What happens to two photos taken in the same second?
The preview flags the duplicate name before you rename. Turn on Auto-fix to add " 2" automatically, or add a number step.