How to Create a New Folder on Computer: Windows and macOS

How to Create a New Folder on Computer: Windows and macOS

Why Create a Folder?

Folders help in:

1. Organizing files for easy retrieval.
2. Structuring directories for projects, documents, or media.
3. Enhancing productivity by maintaining a clean and systematic workspace.

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Creating a Folder: Step-by-Step Guide for Various Platforms

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1. Creating a Folder on Windows

Windows provides multiple methods for folder creation, both graphical and command-line-based. This section explores each method in detail.

Method 1: Using File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer:
   • Press Win + E on your keyboard or click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the Desired Location:
   • Browse to the directory where you want to create the folder (e.g., Desktop, Documents, or another folder).
3. Right-Click to Open Context Menu:
   • Right-click on an empty space within the directory.
4. Select “New” > “Folder”:
   • Hover over the New option, then click Folder from the submenu.
5. Rename the Folder:
   • The folder will appear with a default name (New Folder). Type the desired name and press Enter.

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Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

1. Navigate to the Desired Directory:
   • Open the directory where you want the folder.
2. Use the Shortcut:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + N. A new folder will appear.
3. Rename the Folder:
   • Immediately type the new name for the folder and press Enter.

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Method 3: Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Directory:
   • Use the cd command to navigate to the target directory (e.g., cd Desktop).
3. Create the Folder:
   • Type mkdir FolderName and press Enter. Replace FolderName with your desired folder name.
4. Verify the Folder:
   • Open File Explorer to confirm the folder creation.

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Method 4: PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell:
   • Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell.
2. Navigate to the Directory:
   • Use the cd command to move to the target location.
3. Create the Folder:
   • Type New-Item -ItemType Directory -Name "FolderName" and press Enter.

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2. Creating a Folder on macOS

macOS offers intuitive options for creating folders using Finder, the desktop, and Terminal.

Method 1: Using Finder

1. Open Finder:
   • Click the Finder icon from the Dock.
2. Navigate to the Desired Location:
   • Browse to the directory where you want to create the folder.
3. Use the Context Menu:
   • Right-click in an empty space or use the menu bar to select File > New Folder.
4. Rename the Folder:
   • Type the desired name and press Return.

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Method 2: Using Desktop

1. Click on the Desktop:
   • Ensure no other window is active.
2. Right-Click to Open Context Menu:
   • Select New Folder.
3. Rename the Folder:
   • Enter the folder name and press Return.

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Method 3: Using Terminal

1. Open Terminal:
   • Use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and type Terminal.
2. Navigate to the Directory:
   • Use the cd command to change the directory (e.g., cd Documents).
3. Create the Folder:
   • Type mkdir FolderName and press Return.

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3. Creating a Folder on Linux

Linux provides flexibility with GUI-based methods and terminal commands.

Method 1: Using File Manager

1. Open the File Manager:
   • Access your default file manager (e.g., Nautilus, Dolphin).
2. Navigate to the Location:
   • Go to the directory where the folder will be created.
3. Right-Click to Access Context Menu:
   • Choose New Folder or Create Folder.
4. Rename the Folder:
   • Enter the desired name and press Enter.

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Method 2: Using Terminal

1. Open Terminal:
   • Use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T or search for Terminal.
2. Navigate to the Directory:
   • Use the cd command (e.g., cd ~/Documents).
3. Create the Folder:
   • Type mkdir FolderName and press Enter.

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Method 3: Using a Script

Write a script to automate folder creation

#!/bin/bash

mkdir -p ~/Documents/NewFolder

1. Run the Script:
   • Execute the script using bash scriptname.sh.

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4. Creating a Folder on Android

Creating folders on Android devices is straightforward but varies slightly between file manager apps.

Method 1: On Home Screen

1. Long-Press on an Empty Area:
   • On your home screen, long-press until customization options appear.
2. Select “Create Folder”:
   • Choose New Folder or a similar option.
3. Name the Folder:
   • Enter a name and tap OK or Save.

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Method 2: In File Manager

1. Open the File Manager:
   • Access your phone’s default file manager or a third-party app.
2. Navigate to the Location:
   • Browse to the directory where the folder is needed.
3. Create the Folder:
   • Tap the + or New Folder button, name the folder, and confirm.

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5. Creating a Folder on iOS

Folders can be created on iPhones and iPads both on the home screen and in the Files app.

Method 1: On Home Screen

1. Drag an App Over Another:
   • Tap and hold an app icon, then drag it over another app.
2. Create Folder:
   • A folder will automatically be created, grouping the apps.
3. Rename the Folder:
   • Tap the folder name to edit it.

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Method 2: In Files App

1. Open the Files App:
   • Access the Files app from the home screen.
2. Navigate to Location:
   • Browse to the directory where the folder is needed.
3. Create a New Folder:
   • Tap the More Options icon (three dots) and select New Folder.
4. Rename and Save:
   • Enter the folder name and tap Done.

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6. Creating a Folder in Cloud Services

Folders can be created in cloud-based storage systems like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

Google Drive

1. Open Google Drive:
   • Access the app or website.
2. Click “+ New”:
   • Select Folder.
3. Name the Folder:
   • Enter a name and confirm.

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Dropbox

1. Open Dropbox:
   • Log in to the app or website.
2. Create a Folder:
   • Click New Folder and provide a name.

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OneDrive

1. Open OneDrive:
   • Navigate to the desired location.
2. Select “New”:
   • Choose Folder, name it, and save.

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Conclusion

Creating folders is a fundamental task that is consistent across devices. By mastering these techniques, users can efficiently organize and manage files in any environment. Whether on desktop platforms, mobile devices, or in the cloud, folders are essential for a productive and structured workflow.