The quickest way to make a folder

On iPhone, you create a new folder by opening the Files app and tapping the three dots in the top right corner, then selecting "New Folder". Name it whatever you want, and it appears when ready in whatever location you were viewing — your iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, or inside another folder you already had open.

That's the entire process. The folder exists right away and you can start moving files into it. If you're using an older iPhone running iOS 15 or earlier, the three-dot menu might be in a slightly different spot, but the "New Folder" option is always there once you find it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Files app, tap the three dots in the top right, and select "New Folder" to create one in your current location.
  • You can create folders inside iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, or inside other folders you already have.
  • Name your folder anything you want — you can change the name later by tapping and holding the folder, then selecting "Rename".
  • Files you move into a folder stay synced across your devices if they're in iCloud Drive, but stay only on this iPhone if they're in On My iPhone.

Where your folder actually lives matters

Before you create a folder, decide whether you want it in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone. This changes what happens to the files inside it. If you create a folder in iCloud Drive, any files you put there sync to your other Apple devices — your iPad, Mac, or another iPhone. If you create a folder in On My iPhone, the files stay only on this phone and don't appear anywhere else.

To choose the location, look at the top of the Files app before you tap the three dots. You'll see either "iCloud Drive" or "On My iPhone" displayed. Tap that name to switch between them. Once you're in the location you want, then create your folder.

Most people use iCloud Drive for documents they might need on multiple devices, and On My iPhone for files that are specific to this phone — like screenshots or downloads you're only keeping temporarily.

Creating folders inside folders

You can nest folders as deep as you want. Open any folder by tapping it, then use the three-dot menu to create a new folder inside it. This is useful if you have a broad category — like "Work" — and want to break it into smaller sections like "Work > Contracts" or "Work > Invoices".

The three-dot menu works the same way no matter how deep you are. If you get lost in your folder structure, look at the top of the screen — you'll see the path showing you where you are, like "iCloud Drive > Work > Contracts". Tap any folder name in that path to jump back up one level.

Renaming or moving a folder after you create it

If you change your mind about the name, tap and hold the folder until a menu appears, then select "Rename". Type the new name and tap "Done". You can do this anytime, even after you've filled the folder with files.

To move a folder to a different location, tap and hold it and select "Move". The Files app will show you all your available locations — tap where you want it to go, then tap "Move" again. This works whether you're moving a folder to a different part of iCloud Drive, into another folder, or between iCloud Drive and On My iPhone.

Why a folder might not appear where you expect

If you create a folder and it doesn't show up, the most common reason is that you were in a filtered view. The Files app sometimes shows you only certain file types — like only images, or only PDFs. A new empty folder won't appear in a filtered view until you put a matching file inside it. Tap the filter icon (it looks like three horizontal lines with a funnel) and select "All Files" to see everything.

The second reason is that you created it in iCloud Drive but you're not signed into iCloud. Check Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud to make sure you're logged in and that Files is toggled on. If you're not signed in, any folders you create go to On My iPhone instead, which is why they might not sync to your other devices.

Using folders to organize by file type or project

The most useful folder structure depends on how you work. If you handle multiple projects, create a folder for each one — "Kitchen Renovation", "Tax 2024", "Car Repairs" — and put all related documents, photos, and notes inside. If you work with specific file types, organize by type instead: "Receipts", "Contracts", "Medical Records".

You can also combine both approaches. Create a "2024" folder, then inside it make folders for "January", "February", and so on. Or create a "Personal" folder with subfolders for "Health", "Finance", and "Home". The Files app doesn't limit how many folders you can make, so build whatever structure makes sense for finding things later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a folder on my home screen instead of in the Files app?

No. The home screen folders on iPhone are only for apps, not for documents or files. To organize files, you must use the Files app. Home screen folders and Files app folders are completely separate systems.

What happens to a folder if I delete it?

Everything inside the folder gets deleted too. If you delete a folder from iCloud Drive, it goes to the Recently Deleted section and stays there for 30 days before being permanently removed. You can recover it during that time by tapping "Recently Deleted" at the bottom of the Files app.

Can I share a folder with someone else?

Yes, but only if it's in iCloud Drive. Tap and hold the folder, select "Share", and choose how you want to share it — via link, AirDrop, or by inviting specific people. Folders in On My iPhone cannot be shared because they only exist on your phone.

Do I need to pay for iCloud storage to create folders?

No. You get 5 GB of iCloud storage free with every Apple ID, and you can create as many folders as you want within that limit. You only pay if you need more than 5 GB of total storage space for all your files combined.

Can I create a folder on my iPhone and see it on my Mac?

Only if you create it in iCloud Drive. Folders in On My iPhone are invisible to your Mac and other devices. If you want files to appear everywhere, use iCloud Drive folders and make sure you're signed into iCloud on all your devices.