Organize your files in Google Drive

To organize your files in Drive, you can create folders to make files easier to find and share with others.

Note: If you organize a lot of files or folders at once, it might take time for you to see the changes.

Create, move, and copy files

Create a folder

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. On the left, click New and then Folder.
  3. Enter a name for the folder.
  4. Click Create.
Move a file or a folder

You can move an item from anywhere in Google Drive: the main window, the left panel, or search results.

Note: If you move folders with a lot of files or subfolders, it might take some time for you to see the changes.

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Right-click the item you want to move.
  3. Click Move to…
  4. Choose or create a folder, then click Move.

Drag to a folder

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Click and hold the item you want to move.
  3. Move the item over the folder and release it.

Tip: Use the left panel to move items into any folder in Google Drive.

Save an item to multiple folders

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Click the item you want to move.
  3. On your keyboard, press Shift + z.
  4. Choose the folder you want.
  5. Click Add here.
Create a shortcut for a file or folder

Shortcuts make it easier for you or your team to find and organize files and folders in multiple Google Drives. A shortcut is a link that references another file or folder. 

Create a shortcut

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Right-click the file or folder you want to make a shortcut for.
  3. Click Add shortcut to Drive.
  4. Choose where you want the shortcut to be.
  5. Click Add shortcut.

Note: You can create a copy of a shortcut in a Drive folder, but you can’t create a shortcut to another shortcut file.

Delete a shortcut

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Right-click the shortcut you want to remove.
  3. Click Remove.

To permanently delete the shortcut, empty your trash.

Important: If you delete a shortcut, the original file is not deleted.

Make a copy of a file
  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Right-click a file.
  3. Click Make a copy Make a copy.

Notes:

  • You can’t copy folders, only files. 
  • You can create a shortcut to a folder to find it easier.
Delete a file or folder
  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Right-click the file or folder you want to delete.
  3. Click Remove.

If you accidentally put an item in the trash, you can restore your item.

Change the color of your folder
  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Right-click the folder you want to change.
  3. Click Change color and choose the color you want.

Use Workspaces and Priority in Google Drive

Some Google Drive features are only available with a Google Account through work, and you're not signed in. To sign in to your work or school account, click here.

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