How to Create a New Folder on Mac: An Easy Guide

In this article, we’ll show you a number of methods you can use to create a new folder on your Mac. Navigating your Mac’s file system is a key part of keeping your workspace tidy and organised. One of the most basic skills you need to master is creating new folders. It may seem like a simple task, but it plays a huge role in how effectively you can manage your files. Whether you’re new to Mac or have been using it for years and want to optimise your workflow, learning the ins and outs of creating folders is something that will definitely make your life easier. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that having a well-organised folder system makes everything from finding important documents to keeping track of projects a whole lot easier.

Key conclusions

• Many methods:You can create new folders on your Mac using a variety of methods, including right-clicking, using the Finder menu, or using a keyboard shortcut.
• Desktop and more:Folders can be created on the desktop, in existing folders, or in specific locations like Documents, iCloud Drive, or external drives.
• Increased efficiency:Knowing how to quickly create and organize folders increases your productivity because your files are organized and easy to access.
• Additional tips:Renaming, moving, and color-coding folders are useful techniques to further refine your organizational system.

Creating a new folder on the desktop

The desktop serves as a convenient place to store frequently used files and folders. Here’s how you can easily create a new folder right on your desktop:

Using the right click method:

1. Start by right-clicking (or Control-clicking) in an empty area of ​​the desktop.
2. From the context menu that appears, select “New Folder.”
3. A folder named “untitled folder” will appear. You can immediately type the desired folder name and press Enter.

Using the Finder menu:

1. Click the “Finder” icon in the taskbar to open a Finder window.
2. Go to the menu bar at the top of the screen and click “File.”
3. Select “New Folder” from the drop-down menu.
4. A new folder will be created on your desktop that you can name.

Using keyboard shortcut:

If speed is your top priority, you’ll appreciate this shortcut. With your desktop in focus, simply press Shift + Command + N to immediately create a new folder.

Creating a new folder in an existing folder

To keep your files organized, you may need to create folders within other folders. Here’s how:

Using the Finder window method:

1. Open a Finder window and navigate to the folder where you want to create the new folder.
2. Right-click (or Control-click) in an empty space in the folder.
3. From the context menu that appears, select “New Folder.”

Using the Finder toolbar:

1. Once you have the appropriate folder open in Finder, click the “File” button in the toolbar at the top.
2. Select “New Folder” from the drop-down menu.

Using keyboard shortcut:

You can also use Shift + Command + N A shortcut in any Finder window that allows you to quickly create a new folder in a selected directory.

Creating a new folder in specific locations

Sometimes you might want to create a new folder somewhere other than your desktop, or in existing folders. Whether it’s in Documents, iCloud Drive, or even an external drive, here’s how you can do it:

In the Documents folder:

1. Open a Finder window and select “Documents” from the sidebar.
2. To create a new folder, use any of the previously mentioned methods – right-click, select the Finder menu, or use a keyboard shortcut.

In iCloud Drive:

1. Open Finder and click “iCloud Drive” in the sidebar.
2. Follow the steps below to create a folder using your preferred method.

On external drives:

1. Connect your external drive to your Mac.
2. Open Finder and locate your external drive in the sidebar.
3. Use any creation method to generate a new folder on your disk.

Additional tips and notes

Creating folders is just the first step in effective file management. Here are some additional tips to help you get organized even better:

• Changing folder names: If you want to change the name of a folder, click on its name once to select it, then click again to enable editing of the name. Type the new name and press Enter.
• Moving folders: You can easily move folders by dragging and dropping them to the desired location in Finder or on the Desktop.
• Nested folders: If you want a more organized file structure, consider creating folders within folders. This will allow you to establish a hierarchy that suits your needs.
• Color-coded folders: To visually distinguish different folders, right-click on the folder, select “Tags,” and choose a color that will help you quickly identify its contents.

Abstract

Mastering the art of creating folders on your Mac is a simple process that can greatly improve your file management. Whether you organize files on your desktop, in specific directories, or even on external drives, these methods will help you maintain a well-structured system that makes it easier to access and manage your digital content. With these skills in your toolbox, you’ll be well on your way to a more organized and efficient workflow.

Image Source: Triyansh Gill

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