The fastest way to make a new folder

To create a new folder on your Mac, press Command + Shift + N while you are in Finder. A new folder will appear in your current location with the name "untitled folder" highlighted and ready for you to type over it. Type the name you want and press Enter.

That keyboard shortcut works almost everywhere on your Mac — on your Desktop, inside any folder, or in any open Finder window. It is the quickest method once you remember it.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Command + Shift + N to create a new folder when ready in Finder, and the name field will be ready for you to type.
  • You can also right-click in an empty space and select "New Folder" from the menu if you prefer not to use the keyboard shortcut.
  • The folder appears in whatever location you have open — your Desktop, a specific folder, or a drive — so make sure you are in the right place first.
  • Folder names can include letters, numbers, and most punctuation, but forward slashes (/) will cause an error.

Creating a folder using the menu

If you prefer not to use a keyboard shortcut, you can create a folder through the Finder menu. Open Finder (the blue and white face icon in your Dock), then go to the location where you want the folder to appear. Click the "File" menu at the top of your screen, then select "New Folder."

A new folder will appear in that location with "untitled folder" as the default name. The name will be highlighted, so you can type when ready to replace it. Press Enter when you are done typing.

Right-click method for creating folders

You can also create a folder by right-clicking (or Control-clicking on older Macs) in an empty area of Finder. A menu will pop up with several options. Select "New Folder" from that menu.

This method works on your Desktop, inside any folder, or in any Finder window. The new folder will appear where you right-clicked, with the name ready for you to replace.

Choosing where your folder appears

Before you create a folder, think about where you want it to live. If you want it on your Desktop, make sure your Desktop is visible or click the Desktop in the Finder sidebar. If you want it inside another folder, open that folder first in Finder.

Once you create the folder using any of the three methods above, it will appear in that exact location. You can move it later by dragging it to a different spot, but it is easier to put it in the right place from the start.

Naming your folder so you can find it later

When you create a folder, the name field is ready for you to type. Choose a name that tells you what is inside — "Tax Documents 2024" is more useful than "Stuff" or "Folder 1." You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation like hyphens and underscores.

Avoid using a forward slash (/) in the folder name, because macOS uses that character for its own file system and will not let you save a folder with one. If you try, you will see an error message. Other punctuation like periods, commas, and dashes work fine.

Organizing folders inside folders

Once you have created a folder, you can create folders inside it. Open the folder by double-clicking it, then use Command + Shift + N again to create a new folder within it. This lets you build a structure — for example, a "Medical Records" folder with subfolders for "Dental," "Vision," and "General."

You can nest folders as many levels deep as you want. However, very deep nesting (more than five or six levels) can make files harder to find later. A simpler structure with fewer levels usually works better.

What to do if the folder name is already taken

If you try to create a folder with a name that already exists in that location, macOS will not let you use that exact name. You will see an error or the system will add a number to the end — for example, "New Folder 2" if "New Folder" already exists.

You can rename the folder after it is created by clicking on the name once to select it, waiting a moment, then clicking again to edit. Type the new name and press Enter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a folder on my Desktop?

Yes. Make sure your Desktop is visible, then use Command + Shift + N, or right-click on an empty area of the Desktop and select "New Folder." The folder will appear on your Desktop when ready.

What if I create a folder in the wrong place?

You can move it by dragging it to the correct location in Finder. Click and hold the folder, then drag it to another folder or to your Desktop. You can also cut it (Command + X) and paste it (Command + V) in the new location.

Can I delete a folder I just created?

Yes. Right-click the folder and select "Move to Trash," or click the folder once to select it and press Command + Delete. The folder will move to your Trash. If the folder is empty, it will be removed completely when you empty the Trash.

Is there a limit to how many folders I can create?

No practical limit. You can create as many folders as your Mac's storage allows. However, organizing them logically — with clear names and a sensible structure — makes them easier to use.

Can I rename a folder after I create it?

Yes. Click the folder name once to select it, wait a moment, then click the name again to edit it. Type the new name and press Enter. You can also right-click the folder, select "Rename," and type the new name.