Renaming a Workbook

Summary: Renaming a workbook from within Excel can seem daunting, but it is actually quite easy. All you need to do is use the Open dialog box as described in this tip. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

There is no intrinsic command within Excel that allows you to rename workbooks or files, as there is in some other programs. It is true that you can simply save a workbook out under a new name, but that results in two files on your drive instead of one. You can use the following steps to rename a workbook quickly and easily, all within Excel:

Make sure the workbook you want to rename is not loaded into Excel. (Close it if it is loaded.)
Display the Open dialog box. (In Excel 2007, click the Office button and then click Open. In older versions of Excel click on Open or choose Open from the File menu.)
In the list of files contained in the dialog box, right-click on the one you want to rename. This displays a Context menu for the workbook.
Choose Rename from the Context menu. The workbook name is highlighted, and you have the opportunity to change the name.
Once the document name is changed, press Enter.
Close the Open dialog box by pressing Esc or clicking on Cancel.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2234) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Renaming a Workbook