#493 · Utility & Safety Text Tool

Mac Filename Cleaner

Prepare filenames for macOS Finder and APFS by removing unsafe characters, normalizing Unicode, detecting hidden dotfiles, and checking cross-platform filename safety for shared files.

Text Input

Paste or upload text
chars

Recent History

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How to use this text tool

  • Paste a macOS filename.
  • Choose replacement and normalization options.
  • Check hidden file and cross-platform issues.
  • Copy the cleaned Finder-friendly name.

What this tool does

The tool focuses on macOS filename safety while optionally checking stricter Windows compatibility for shared folders.

Colon characters, invisible characters, Unicode normalization, hidden filename patterns, and length limits are handled.

macOS supports many characters that Windows does not, so enable cross-platform mode for files shared with Windows users.

Example

Input: Project:Résumé 2026.pdf → Output: Project-Résumé 2026.pdf

Use cases

  • Preparing files for iCloud Drive
  • Cleaning names for APFS archives
  • Sharing macOS files with Windows users
  • Normalizing Unicode in filenames

Tips for better output

  • Use cross-platform mode before sending files to Windows users.
  • Avoid starting names with a dot unless creating hidden files intentionally.
  • Normalize Unicode for cleaner search behavior.
  • Keep extensions clear and unchanged.

Processing details

Colon characters, invisible characters, Unicode normalization, hidden filename patterns, and length limits are handled.

macOS supports many characters that Windows does not, so enable cross-platform mode for files shared with Windows users.

FAQ

How do I clean a filename for macOS Finder?

This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for mac filename cleaner workflows.

Why does a filename work on Mac but fail on Windows?

This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for mac filename cleaner workflows.

How do I normalize Unicode in macOS filenames?

This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for mac filename cleaner workflows.

How do I remove colons from Mac filenames?

This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for mac filename cleaner workflows.

How can I prepare Mac filenames for shared cloud folders?

This tool helps with that by processing pasted text locally, showing safety issues, and generating copy-ready output for mac filename cleaner workflows.

Tool modules

ModuleRole
Finder cleanupCleans macOS-visible filename issues
UnicodeNormalizes text to NFC
Cross-platformOptional stricter compatibility check
Batch modeProcesses many filenames

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