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How to Create A Folder in Word(A Step-by-Step Guide)

September 20, 2023 6.3K views

Do you want to avoid cluttered and messy desktops due to your frequent Word document creations? To maintain a neat desktop, you can use folders to better organize your files. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating a folder in Word using various methods, whether you're on a Windows PC, Mac, or Android device.

Part 1: Easy Steps to Create A Folder in Word

Creating a folder in Word is relatively easy, but it may vary depending on the device and the version of Word you are using. Here are some easy steps to create a folder in Word for different scenarios.

Create a Folder on the Desktop

If you want to create a folder on your desktop before saving your document in Word, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on a space on your desktop and select New > Folder from the context menu that appears. If you're on a Mac, simply click New Folder after right-clicking on the desktop.

steps to create a folder on the desktop



Step 2: Type a name for your folder and press Enter (or Return on Mac). You can use any name, but avoid using special characters like slashes, colons, semicolons, dashes, or periods.

File name restrictions



Following these steps will help you efficiently organize your documents by creating a folder on your desktop before saving them.

Tips:

  • For the keyboard-savvy, expedite the process using a simple shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Shift + Command + N on MacOS to instantly conjure a new folder at your command.

Create a Folder in Word on Windows

If you want to create a folder when saving your document in Word for Windows, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open your document in Word and click File > Save As.

Step 2: Under Save As, select where you want to create your new folder. You should click Browse or This PC and navigate to the location for your new folder.

save document in word



Step 3: In the Save As dialog box that opens, click New Folder.

save as window in windows



Step 4: Type a name for your folder and press Enter.

rename a new folder on windows



Step 5: Double-click on the folder you created and click Save.

save document in a folder on windows

Your document will be saved in the new folder.

Create a Folder in Word for Mac

If you are using a Mac, you can create a folder in Word by following these steps:

Step 1: Start by opening your Word document, then go to the File menu and select Save As.

save as function in word on mac

Step 2: In the Save As section, choose where to establish your new folder. You may need to select On My Mac or Online Locations and navigate to the desired location for your new folder.

Step 3: Within the opened Save As dialog box, expand the options by clicking on the arrow next to the file name field.

save as dialog box in word on mac

save as dialog box in word on mac


Step 4: Select the New Folder option.

create a new folder in word on mac

create a new folder in word on mac


Step 5: Type your newly created folder name and press the Return key.

rename a new folder on mac

rename a new folder on mac


Step 6: Now, click on the folder you've just made.

Step 7: Finally, click the Save button.

save document in a folder on mac

save document in a folder on mac


Upon completion, your document will be saved within the newly created folder.

Create a Folder in Word for Android

For those of us who use Android devices, here's how you can make a new folder in Word:

Step 1: Open your Word document, and in the top right corner, tap the Menu icon.

how to Create a Folder in Word on Android

how to Create a Folder in Word on Android


Step 2: Then select Save As.

save as function in word on android

save as function in word on android


Step 3: Now, choose Browse.

browse for saving location in word on android

browse for saving location in word on android


Step 4: After you've chosen your location, go to the spot where you want to create the new folder.

Step 5: Look at the top right of the screen, and you'll see a New Folder button.

Create a Folder button in Word on Android

Create a Folder button in Word on Android


Step 6: Tap on it, and a window will pop up where you can give your folder a name. Once you've done that, press OK.

rename a new folder on android

rename a new folder on android


Step 7: You've successfully created a new folder! Finally, tap Save.

save document in a new folder on android

save document in a new folder on android

That's it! Your document will now be neatly saved in the brand-new folder you've just made.

Note:

  • For Android users: Before saving your documents into a recently generated folder using the method provided, please ensure that you log into your Microsoft subscription account.

Part 2: How to Rename Folders

When you need to alter the name of a folder housing your documents, perhaps to align it with a different project or category, simply follow these steps for renaming folders:

Renaming Folders on Windows

Windows users can follow these steps to rename folders:

Step 1: Locate the folder you want to rename using File Explorer.

Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select Rename from the context menu.

rename a folder on windows

rename a folder on windows


Step 3: Type the new name for your folder and press Enter.

Tips:

  • In Windows operating systems, you can quickly use the F2 key to change a folder's name.

Renaming Folders on Mac

Mac users can rename folders using Finder:

Step 1: Locate the folder you wish to rename in Finder.

Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select Rename.

rename a folder on mac

rename a folder on mac


Step 3: Type the new name and press Return to confirm.

Tips:

  • Rename a folder in MacOS by simply hitting the Return key after selecting it.

Renaming Folders on Android

Android users can rename folders using a file manager app:

Step 1: Open the file manager app and locate the folder you want to rename.

Step 2: Long-press the folder icon to select it.

Step 3: Tap the Rename option from the menu.

how to rename a folder on android

how to rename a folder on android


Step 4: Type the new folder name and tap OK or Rename.

rename a folder on android

rename a folder on android


Tips:

  • Renaming a folder can impact linked programs or shortcuts. For instance, renaming a desktop folder may break the shortcut. To fix this, delete the old shortcut and create a new one with the updated name.

  • Use underscores (_) or hyphens (-) to separate words in your file name. Avoid using spaces or special characters, which can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

  • Opt for descriptive folder names to make finding your files a breeze later.

Part 3: Free Alternative to Word – WPS Office

WPS Office stands out for its remarkable ability to work seamlessly with Microsoft Office files. Whether you're dealing with Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or PowerPoint presentations, WPS Office ensures you can open, edit, and save these files without compatibility issues. This compatibility extends to Windows and Mac platforms, making it a versatile choice for users on different operating systems.

Screenshot of the WPS Office home page showing its useful integrated tools

Screenshot of the WPS Office home page showing its useful integrated tools


Features of WPS Office

WPS Office is a versatile office suite with many features, making it a suitable alternative to Microsoft Office.

  • Compatibility with Microsoft Office Files: One of the standout features of WPS Office is its compatibility with Microsoft Office files. You can effortlessly open, create, edit, and save files in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.

  • Cross-Platform Availability: WPS Office is not limited to a single operating system. It is fully compatible with Windows and Mac, allowing users to switch between platforms effortlessly. This cross-platform availability enhances flexibility and convenience for users who work on different devices.

  • AI-Powered Functions: WPS Office incorporates AI features that streamline your workflow. For instance, it offers intelligent templates that help you create professional documents efficiently. The AI writing assistant also provides suggestions for improving your content, making it more polished and error-free.

  • PDF Editing: WPS Office includes a powerful PDF editing tool that allows you to annotate, convert, and edit PDF files easily. This functionality is precious for professionals who frequently work with PDF documents.

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FAQs

1. How do I add files to a folder?

When it comes to adding files to a folder, there are two primary methods:

  • Drag-and-drop: Open File Explorer (or Finder on Mac) and locate the folder where you want to add the file. Then, drag the file from your desktop and drop it into the folder.

  • Copy-and-paste: Right-click on the file on your desktop and select Copy from the menu. Then open File Explorer (or Finder on Mac) and locate the folder where you want to add the file. Right-click on a space in the folder and select Paste from the menu.

2. What is the difference between a file and a folder?

The critical difference between a file and a folder is that a file contains data or information. In contrast, a folder is a container for organizing and storing files and other folders within a hierarchical structure. Files are individual data units, whereas folders are organizational tools to help manage and structure those files.

3. Why can't I create a new folder in Windows 10?

These reasons may include lacking permission to create a folder in a specific location, exceeding the maximum character limit of 260 for a file path, or using invalid characters such as slashes in the folder name. To address these problems, check your permissions, ensure that you have the necessary write or modify access, and rectify any naming issues to resolve folder creation problems in Windows 10 successfully.

Summary

This article serves as an instructive guide, meticulously outlining the step-by-step on how to create a folder in Word on various devices and platforms, including Windows PC, Mac, and Android. It underscores the importance of maintaining an orderly digital workspace and presents a variety of methodologies for folder creation and renaming.

Additionally, the article introduces WPS Office as a feature-rich and free alternative to Microsoft Office, offering compatibility with Microsoft file formats, AI-driven enhancements, and robust tools for document creation, spreadsheet management, and presentation design. Whether you're a Windows or Mac user, WPS Office provides a user-friendly and powerful office suite for your productivity needs.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.