How to Create a Folder

Creating folders, also called directories, helps you organize your files. For example, you might want to make a folder called "Job Search" to store your resume, cover letters, references and other documents. These instructions should work for both Windows and the Mac.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mac OS 9.0
• Microsoft Windows

From the Finder (Mac), Windows Explorer (Windows), or Any Disk or Folder Window

1. Locate and select the place where you want to create your new folder. For example, if you want to put the new folder inside the My Documents folder, then first open My Documents.

2. Open the File menu, then click on New.

3. Click Folder. A new, unnamed folder icon will appear.

4. Name your new folder by typing the name in the text box provided.

From Inside a Software Program

1. To make a new folder when you are saving a file from within a software program, first choose Save from the File menu as usual. A box will appear.

2. Browse through your folders to open the location where you want to place your new folder.

3. When you have opened the correct location, click on the icon to the right reading "Create New Folder." (In Windows, place your mouse arrow over the icon to reveal its name.)

4. Name your new folder and click OK, then save the file as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• To change the name of a folder, select the folder, then click its text box and type a new name. On the Mac, you can select the folder and press Enter to select the text box. In Windows, you can right-click on the folder and select Rename from the menu that appears.

• To create a folder on the desktop using Windows, right-click on the desktop and choose New from the menu that appears, then choose Folder from the submenu.