Linux/Unix: Rename Directory With Spaces In Name

I have directory named My Personal Files. How do I rename folders / directory containing white space in name on Unix-like operating systems?

You need to use the mv command to rename file or directory names on Linux or Unix-like operating systems.

Tutorial details
Difficulty	Easy (rss)
Root privileges	No
Requirements	mv
Time	1m

Rename Directory With Spaces

The syntax is as follows:

Syntax # 1 – Using single quotes

Enclosing directory name in single quotes ('dir name') preserves the literal value of directory name within the quotes:

mv 'old name here' 'new dir name here'

Open the Terminal and type the following command to rename “My Personal Files” to “Files”:
mv 'My Personal Files' Files
ls -l

Syntax #2 – Using escape character

A non-quoted backslash \ is the shell escape character. It preserves the literal value of the next character that follows, with the exception of newline: The syntax is:

mv old\ name\ here 'new\ dir\ name\ here'

Open the Terminal and type the following command to rename “My Personal Files” to “Files”:
mv My\ Personal\ Files Files
ls -l

Sample session

Recommend readings

• mv(1) command man page
• mv command examples and usage

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