Ticket Options

Question Profile

Question Details

TICKET ARCHIVE -> naming mac files with spaces

macquestions - Mar 12, 2008 - 12:53 pm

what are the rules for naming MAC files with spaces? i have been doing this for years. is this ok and why is it ok?

i use only a mac.

thanks!!

earthsaver - Mar 12, 2008 - 1:42 pm

This has been possible and fine from the beginning. Why do you ask?

- Ben

macquestions - Mar 12, 2008 - 1:45 pm

thank you. when naming files with spaces, does it corupt the mac files? can you please explain why it is ok to have spaces?
buz

earthsaver - Mar 12, 2008 - 1:56 pm

No corruption. Mac filenames have always supported spaces. The only character not available is the colon, because it's used to designate hierarchical path in the filesystem. Slash is usable but not recommended in Mac OS X because it's UNIX's way of designating hierarchical path.

Again, what is the basis for your question? Do you have an issue wherein a space in a filename seems to cause corruption or error? Please elaborate.

macquestions - Mar 12, 2008 - 2:38 pm

hey, thanks again.....the reason for all this is i have a...lets say a person i report to that is a butt!! and he seem to think that spaces are wrong. i have been working on a mac longer than he has been alive.

i just need a person like you that can tell me the right and wrong of naming files.
thanks...any more info for me would be greatly appreciated!!
buz

earthsaver - Mar 12, 2008 - 4:07 pm

Let's just say that this person is still stuck in the days when DOS and Windows 3.1 only allowed 8.3 filenames, that is eight character names without spaces and three character extensions. The Mac has always allowed spaces in filenames so names are descriptive enough to have meaning. Same with Windows since 95.

I suppose he can feel free to continue name files that way, but can't expect that recipients have a clue about their content until they open them. Nor can he expect that files he receives match his personal (however obsolete) naming conventions.

macquestions - Mar 13, 2008 - 4:14 pm

oh, i'm sorry i did not know i was suppose to answer this box....YES you answered my question great!! i emailed this am with another question...how many letters can i name a mac file?
thanks
buz

earthsaver - Mar 13, 2008 - 4:26 pm

I searched Mac Help for to find these official instructions:

1. Select the item you want to rename and press Return. NOTE: Because the items in the Finder window sidebar are aliases, you can’t rename them. To change the name of an item in the sidebar, locate the original item and rename it.

2. Type a name. You can use numbers and most symbols. You cannot include a colon ( or start the name with a period (.). Some applications may not allow you to use a slash (/) in a filename.

3. Press Return.

Wikipedia has the full answer about filenames and operating systems. Generally, the modern limit is 255 characters.

macquestions - Mar 13, 2008 - 4:36 pm

that will do it!! i really appreciate all your help!! i am closing this session. oopps do i need to click on the above button?

can i ask you more questions in the future?
buz

earthsaver - Mar 13, 2008 - 5:26 pm

You can't click that button until after you've submitted your final words, as on the page after you submit response. Macosx.com is designed so you can ask as many different questions as you like. Happy computing!