TITLE
    Mac OS: File, Folder And Volume Name Limitations
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		25010
9/30/99
9/30/99
TOPIC

    What are the limitations of file, folder and volume names in the Mac OS?

DISCUSSION

    For all Mac OS versions up to and including Mac OS 9.x:

    File and Folder names are limited to 31 characters.

    Volume names are limited to 27 characters.

    Names cannot include the colon (:) character. This character is reserved by Mac OS to denote catalog hierarchy. A colon typed in a character name will be replaced by a dash (-) automatically by Mac OS.

    Note: There are a few known instances where a user could at times name a volume over 27 characters, but in order for the volume name to work correctly with file sharing and all Mac OS versions, file names should not exceed 27 characters.

Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: General OS
Sub Category: General Topics

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