Want to declutter your Mac and find files faster? Learning how to make a folder on a Mac is an essential first step towards a more organized digital workspace. Whether it’s sorting your work projects, personal photos, or app data, folders let you keep everything neatly arranged and easily accessible. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create folders, customize them, and optimize your Mac for peak performance. Stick around for tips that’ll make managing your files easier than ever to enhance your digital life.
Before we start:
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Here’s how to use it:
- Download MacKeeper from our website, then install it on your device.
- Open the app and select Safe Cleanup from the left menu.
- Click Start Scan and let MacKeeper find the files you don’t need.
- Review the results and click Clean Junk Files to instantly reclaim valuable space on your device.
In this article you will find the following:
How to create a folder on Mac
To create a folder on Mac, right-click on the desktop or within a Finder window and select New Folder. Alternatively, use the File menu or press ⌘ + Shift + N. Then, rename the folder by clicking the folder and typing the desired name for easy organization.
1. Make a folder using Finder
You can create a new folder on Mac with Finder, which is a precise way to organize files, ensuring they are located exactly where you want them. Whether this is for work documents or personal projects, Finder offers a straightforward method to structure your workspace effectively or even change folder color.
Here are the essential steps you need to follow to make a folder using Finder:
- Open Finder from your Dock to access your file system.
- Navigate to the desired location for the folder, such as Documents, Desktop, or Downloads.
- Click File in the menu bar, then select New Folder to instantly create it.
- Type a name for your folder and press Enter to finalize it.


2. Try keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts offer a quick and efficient way to create folders, which makes them ideal for Mac users who prioritize speed. You can instantly create folders without needing menus, making it perfect for heavy file management tasks.
Here’s how to create a folder with shortcuts:
- Open your desktop or navigate to a Finder location where the folder will appear.
- Simultaneously press ⌘ + Shift + N on your keyboard to create a new folder.
- The folder will appear immediately. Type the desired name and press Enter to rename it.

3. Create a folder with Desktop
We consider that the desktop method is a simple and intuitive option that’s great for beginners or anyone who prefers visual file organization. It’s an excellent way to group important files in a convenient location. Proper folder organization allows you to quickly find previously relocated items.
Follow these steps to create a folder on your desktop:
- Locate an empty space on your desktop and right-click (or two-finger tap on a trackpad).
- Select New Folder from the contextual menu to instantly create it.
- Click on the new folder’s name, type a custom title, and press Enter.

A useful tip from our team:
Do you want to uncover files your Mac keeps out of sight? Use the shortcut ⌘ + Shift + . to instantly show hidden files in Finder. Also, remember to toggle it off with the same shortcut to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free.
4. Make a folder via Terminal
Using Terminal allows for advanced file management, enabling you to create folders in bulk or within complex directory structures. From our experience, it’s a powerful tool for users who are comfortable with command-line operations.
Here’s how to create a folder via Terminal:
- Open the Applications folder: Terminal from Finder > Applications > Utilities.
- Navigate to the desired location with cd [folder path], then press Enter.
- Create a folder with mkdir [folder name]. For multiple folders, type mkdir [name1] [name2].
- Press Enter, and your folder(s) will appear in the specified directory.

![Enter cd [folder path] in Terminal to navigate, then type Enter cd [folder path] in Terminal to navigate, then type](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_AVQwU8go4e.jpg)
5. Use file selection
You can use file selection, which combines folder creation with organizing files. In our opinion, it’s a smart option when grouping related files in one action.
Here are the steps to create a folder with file selection:
- Highlight the files you want to group by clicking and dragging or holding Shift to select multiple files.
- Open the File menu and choose New Folder with Selection.
- The selected files will automatically be moved into a newly created folder.
- Type a custom name for the folder and press Enter to complete the process.

Conclusion
Getting your files in order by creating folders on a Mac is like giving your digital desk a tidy makeover. Whether you’re using Finder, keyboard shortcuts, or Terminal, organizing your workspace has never been easier. But here’s the kicker—clutter doesn’t just sit in plain sight; hidden junk files can silently bog down your Mac. That’s where MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup comes in to save the day.
To declutter your Mac with MacKeeper:
- Download and install MacKeeper—your digital cleaning crew.
- Open the app, select Safe Cleanup, and click Start Scan.
- Let it sniff out the junk, review the results, and hit Clean Junk Files.


A clutter-free Mac is a happy Mac! Enjoy it with our help.