How to Create a New Folder in Outlook

A crowded Outlook inbox turns simple mail sorting into extra work. Folders give receipts, projects, newsletters, and personal messages a clean place to go. Start with the Outlook version you use, then follow the exact folder path below.

1. Create a folder in new Outlook for Windows

1. 1.Open Outlook and find the folder pane on the left.
2. 2.Right-click your email address, or hover over it and select More options.
3. 3.Select Create new folder.
4. 4.Type the folder name.
5. 5.Press Enter.

2. Add a subfolder in new Outlook for Windows

Use a subfolder when the new folder belongs inside an existing one, such as Receipts inside Inbox. Select the parent folder in the left folder pane, then use More options > Create new subfolder, type the folder name, and press Enter.

3. Make a folder in classic Outlook for Windows

This fixes folder creation in the older desktop Outlook app.

1. 1.Go to the left pane in Mail, Contacts, Tasks, or Calendar.
2. 2.Right-click where you want to add the folder.
3. 3.Select New Folder. In Calendar, that command is replaced with New Calendar.
4. 4.Enter the folder name in the Name box.
5. 5.Press Enter.

4. Use the ribbon or keyboard in classic Outlook

1. 1.Select the Folder tab.
2. 2.Select New Folder.
3. 3.Choose where to place the folder.
4. 4.Type the folder name.
5. 5.Finish the dialog.

For the keyboard route, press Ctrl + Shift + E, then complete the folder name, folder type, and location.

5. Create a folder in Outlook on the web or Outlook.com

For Outlook on the web with a work or school account, use Folders > More options > Create new folder, enter a name, and press Enter. For Outlook.com with a personal Microsoft account, right-click Folders, select Create new folder, enter the folder name, and press Enter. To create a subfolder, right-click the parent folder and select Create new subfolder.

6. Set up a folder in Outlook for Mac

This fixes folder creation in Outlook for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Outlook 2024 for Mac, and Outlook 2021 for Mac.

1. 1.Find your email address in the left folder menu.
2. 2.Right-click the email address.
3. 3.Select New Folder.
4. 4.Type the folder name when the highlighted folder appears.

7. Show local folders on Outlook for Mac

Outlook for Mac can hide local-only folders under On My Computer. Open Outlook > Preferences > General, then under Sidebar clear Hide On My Computer folders. After that, create the folder from the Mac folder list with New Folder.

8. Create a folder in Outlook for iPhone or Android

1. 1.Tap and hold any message in your inbox to select it.
2. 2.Tap the menu icon.
3. 3.Select Move to Folder.
4. 4.In the folder list, tap the add-folder icon in the upper-right corner.

This mobile method starts from Move to Folder, so pick a message you are ready to sort.

9. Check managed account limits

Work and school mailboxes support folder creation where the mailbox allows it. Microsoft 365 Groups in Outlook on the web depend on organization and group owner settings. If folder controls are missing in a group mailbox, ask the group owner or admin to enable group folder editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a folder inside another Outlook folder?

Yes. In new Outlook, Outlook on the web, and Outlook.com, right-click the parent folder and choose Create new subfolder. On Mac, right-click the folder that should contain it and select New Folder.

What is the keyboard shortcut for creating a folder in Outlook?

In classic Outlook for Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+E. In Outlook for Mac, press Shift+Command+N to create a new folder in the folder pane.

Can Outlook create a folder while making a rule?

Yes, in classic Outlook for Windows. When creating a rule that moves messages to a folder, you can select or create a new folder during the rule setup.

Is a Search Folder the same as a regular Outlook folder?

No. A Search Folder is a virtual folder that shows messages matching selected criteria. It is different from a regular folder used for manually moved mail.