This beginner’s guide teaches you how to create new folders on your Mac laptop or desktop computer, a simple task that works for all currently supported versions of macOS.
Follow these simple methods to make new folders on your desktop or within Finder. Creating folders is an essential step in organizing your files and decluttering your desktop.
To create a new folder on the desktop using the right-click method, start by right-clicking in an empty space on the desktop. A contextual menu will appear. Then, select New Folder. A new folder will be created on the desktop. Finally, type a name for the new folder.
Alternatively, you can create a new folder on the desktop using the menus. Click on an open space on your desktop. The menu bar at the top should now show Finder next to the Apple icon. Then, click the File menu in the menu bar and select New Folder. Name your new folder.
You can also create a new folder in Finder. Open Finder by clicking the Finder icon in your dock. Navigate to Documents (or any folder) in the Finder window. Right-click on an empty space in the Finder window and select New Folder. A new folder will be created in the active Finder window. Name your new folder.
Once you have created your folders, you can start organizing your files into them. To put documents in a folder, drag and drop the file into the folder. To move multiple documents, select them first (hold Command and click each one) and then drag them into the folder.
If you encounter issues moving certain files, check that they aren’t read-only, ensure your keyboard works in other apps, and avoid moving files while the desktop is in Stacks view.
To delete a folder, drag it to the Trash on the dock or control-click the folder and select Delete. Using descriptive names for your folders, like “Work Projects 2024” or “Personal Photos,” helps keep your files organized and easy to find later.
Once you’ve created your folders, start organizing your files by moving related documents, photos, or downloads into them. This helps declutter your desktop and makes searching for items much faster. Consider setting up a consistent folder structure, such as main categories like “Work,” “Personal,” and “Media,” with subfolders for more details.
You can also rename folders anytime by right-clicking and selecting Rename, or use keyboard shortcuts like Command + I for more file info. Regularly reviewing and cleaning up old folders maintains efficiency on your Mac.
