Is it safe to rename Applications in the Application folder? (or to arrange in folders?)

[RedTomato]

I have various fine apps that I use maybe once a year, called things like XRG or VLC or IINA or Keka or Mos or Amphetamine, and I can never remember what they're for, or remember the name when I need to open it again. I'd like to add short descriptions to the names or put them into folders.

I'm a bit wary as the last time I did this (many years ago) I buggered up OSX and had to wipe and re-install. Hopefully things have now improved.

(Am on Big Sur 11.4, not that it matters for this particular question)

 

[rpmurray]

If you do a Get Info on the application there is a field called Comments where you can enter notes. An alternative is to create a text document in the Applications folder with that information.

A lot of applications expect to be sitting in the Applications folder and don't behave well when moved elsewhere or renamed.

 

[Ritsuka]

Yes it's safe, but it will be probably reverted to the default name when they update. Just don't rename them while they are open.
Built-in apps are read-only, you can't rename them so there is no way to break macOS.