# Second Brain Rename

> Rename a page safely: update the file, fix every inbound wikilink, add the old name as an alias, and log it. Use this skill whenever a page needs a different canonical title, the user says "rename X to Y", asks to fix an inconsistent title, or after a lint run flags naming problems. Do NOT use for merging two pages, for moving a page between folders without a name change, or for renaming files outside the wiki.

- Skill: `undefined-ui/second-brain-rename` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add undefined-ui/second-brain-rename`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/undefined-ui/second-brain-rename/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: undefined-ui (https://skillmd.com/u/undefined-ui)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/undefined-ui/second-brain-rename

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# Rename a page

An agent renaming a file directly is the single most common source of broken
links in an agent-maintained vault. Obsidian fixes links when you rename inside
the app; writing the file directly does not.

## Core rule

A rename is four operations, not one. All four, or none.

## Workflow

1. **Check the new name** against existing pages and aliases. A rename that
   collides with an existing alias creates ambiguity the graph cannot resolve.
2. **Rename the file** and update the `title` in frontmatter.
3. **Add the old title to `aliases`.** This keeps external references, the
   user's memory, and any link you miss working.
4. **Update every inbound link.** Search the whole vault, including `index.md`.
5. **Log it:** old name, new name, links updated.
6. **Verify** with a link check.

## Output format

```
Renamed: [[old]] -> [[new]]
Inbound links updated: <n> across <n> pages
Alias added: <old>
Remaining references: <none | list>
```

## Calibration

Do not rename to fix a style preference on a page with many inbound links. The
cost is real and the benefit is cosmetic.

If the correct name is genuinely ambiguous, ask rather than picking. A second
rename is more disruptive than the first.