Linux Command Reference: mv

mv moves or renames a file or directory.

Contents 1 Using mv 1.1 mv Options 2 Rename a File or Directory 3 Move a File or Directory to a New Parent Directory 4 Help and Manual 5 Related Commands

Using mv

Usage: mv <options> <source_path> <destination_path>

<source_path> - Name of the existing file or directory

<destination_path> - Destination directory and/or file name

mv Options

• -b - Create a backup of each file or directory which would otherwise be removed or overwritten
• -f - Force the completion of the command without prompting for user input
• -i - Always prompt before overwriting a file or directory
• -v - Verbose output

Rename a File or Directory

Enter mv <old_name> <new_name> where <old_name> is the present name of the file or directory and <new_name> is the file or directory's new name.

Move a File or Directory to a New Parent Directory

Enter mv <source_name> <parent_name> where <source_name> is the name of the file or directory and <parent_name> is the parent directory's new name.

Help and Manual

Enter mv --help to see basic command line options and syntax or enter man mv to read the manual.

Related Commands

• cp