SharePoint Document Issues

How to Apply a Custom Folder Content Type in SharePoint

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 13, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to understand how to add custom columns to SharePoint folders by applying a custom folder content type and safely migrating existing folders without losing their structure or files.

How to Apply a Custom Folder Content Type in SharePoint

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing SharePoint document libraries by adding custom folder properties and migrating existing data to the new folder structure.
Observed behavior: A default SharePoint folder content type cannot be simply replaced in place. The system requires users to manually create new folders with the custom type and migrate the existing folder contents over.

Before you start

Ensure you have SharePoint administrator or site owner privileges to publish custom content types and modify advanced library settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Create Custom Folders and Migrate Existing Files

Since default folder content types cannot be swapped in place, you must create new root folders using your custom content type and migrate your existing data to them.

Applying a new custom content type to a library does not automatically convert all your existing folders. The safest and most reliable method is to enable custom content types, create new destination folders, and copy your structures over.

Publish the Custom Folder Content Type

Navigate to the SharePoint admin center, create your custom folder content type (adding any necessary custom columns), and publish it so it becomes available across your site.

Enable Content Types in the Target Library

Open your target SharePoint document library. Go to 'Settings' (gear icon) > 'Library settings' > 'More library settings' > 'Advanced settings', and select 'Yes' under 'Allow management of content types'.

Add Content Type to the Library

Return to the main library settings page and click 'Add from existing site content types'. Select your newly published custom folder content type and add it to your library.

Create New Root Folders

Go to the library's main view and create new root folders. Ensure you select the newly added custom folder content type from the 'New' dropdown menu instead of the default folder option.

Migrate Existing Files and Folders

Move your existing files and nested folder structures into the newly created custom folders. You can perform this manually using the 'Copy to' command in SharePoint, or automate the bulk migration using Power Automate or Microsoft Graph.

Create Custom Folders and Migrate Existing Files

Verify Before Deletion: Always verify that the entire folder structure and all internal files have been successfully migrated to the new custom folders before deleting your original default folders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace an existing SharePoint folder's content type directly?

No, a default SharePoint folder content type cannot simply be replaced in place. You must create new folders using your custom content type and physically move or copy your existing contents into them.

How do I automate migrating files to the new custom folders?

You can automate the creation of new custom folders and the migration of existing folder structures and files by writing a script with the Microsoft Graph API or by building workflows in Power Automate.

Will applying the content type to a library update my existing folders?

No. When you apply a custom folder content type to a document library, it merely becomes an available option for new items. It does not automatically convert, overwrite, or update any existing folders in that library.

Document & File Issues