mv: Move and Rename Files and DirectoriesThe mv command is a versatile tool used to move files and directories to new locations or rename them. It’s a core part of Linux file management and is indispensable for organizing your filesystem.
I recently created a video covering this topic you can check it out here: YouTube: mv Command. In this guide, I’ll share tips and examples to complement the video.
For me, mv is like a digital organizer. It’s the command I reach for when I need to clean up directories, rearrange files, or quickly rename something without leaving the terminal.
mv is Importantmvmv [OPTIONS] source destination
Move a File:
mv file.txt /path/to/destination/
Example:
mv report.doc /home/user/Documents/
Rename a File:
mv oldname.txt newname.txt
This renames oldname.txt to newname.txt in the same directory.
Move and Rename:
mv file.txt /new/path/renamed_file.txt
Move a Directory:
mv /path/to/directory /new/path/
Overwrite Without Confirmation:
mv -f file.txt /destination/
The -f (force) option skips the confirmation prompt when overwriting files.
Move Multiple Files:
mv *.txt /path/to/destination/
Moves all .txt files to the specified directory.
Move Files with Specific Patterns:
mv file[1-3].txt /path/to/destination/
Moves file1.txt, file2.txt, and file3.txt.
Interactive Mode:
mv -i file.txt /destination/
Prompts for confirmation before overwriting files.
Verbose Output:
mv -v file.txt /destination/
Shows detailed output of the operation.
Backup Before Overwriting:
mv -b file.txt /destination/
Creates a backup of the existing file in the destination.
Organizing Files:
Move files into year-based directories:
mv *.jpg /Photos/2025/
Batch Renaming:
Rename all .log files to .txt:
for file in *.log; do mv "$file" "${file%.log}.txt"; done
Avoid Overwriting:
Add a backup suffix if a file exists:
mv -b file.txt /destination/
Fix Mistakes Quickly:
Accidentally move a file? Move it back:
mv /destination/file.txt ./
-i flag can save you from accidental overwrites, especially when working with critical files.mv with shell scripting for renaming multiple files efficiently.find: Locate and move files in one step:find /source -name "*.log" -exec mv {} /destination/ \;
mv is a FavoriteThe mv command is an essential part of my workflow, especially when organizing files in my home lab or preparing directories for projects. Its simplicity and power make it one of the first commands I learned, and it’s something I use almost every day.
man mv in your terminal.If you haven’t explored the full potential of mv, now’s the time. Watch my video and try out the examples in this guide—you’ll see just how versatile this command can be!