How to Create Folders in Outlook (Every Version, 2026)
Folders are the simplest way to take an overflowing inbox and make it findable again. Creating one takes a few clicks, but the steps differ depending on which Outlook you use. This guide covers all of them.
To create a folder in Outlook, right-click your account name in the folder pane and select Create new folder (new Outlook) or New Folder (classic Outlook). Type a name and press Enter. The exact steps vary by version — the sections below cover new Outlook for Windows, classic Outlook, Outlook on the web, Mac, and mobile.
Quick Reference: Create a Folder in Every Outlook Version
| Outlook version | How to create a folder |
|---|---|
| New Outlook for Windows | Right-click account name → Create new folder → type name → Enter |
| Classic Outlook for Windows | Right-click in folder pane → New Folder → type name → Enter (or press Ctrl+Shift+E) |
| Outlook on the web | Scroll to bottom of folder list → Create new folder → type name → Enter |
| Outlook for Mac | Right-click account or folder → New Folder → type name → Enter |
| Outlook mobile (iOS/Android) | Open folder pane → tap Add folder or + → type name → confirm |
New Outlook for Windows
The new Outlook app has been the default version since Microsoft began rolling it out in 2024, so this is what most people see today.
- Open the new Outlook desktop app and make sure Mail is selected.
- In the folder pane on the left, right-click your email account name (or hover over it and click the three-dot More options menu).
- Select Create new folder.
- Type a name and press Enter.
Classic Outlook for Windows
If your Outlook still has a ribbon toolbar across the top, you’re on classic Outlook.
- In the left folder pane, right-click the location where you want the folder (for a top-level folder, right-click your email address).
- Select New Folder.
- Type a name and press Enter.
You can also press Ctrl+Shift+E to open the New Folder dialog directly, which lets you pick the folder type and parent location before creating it.
Outlook on the Web (Outlook.com)
- Sign in at outlook.com.
- In the folder list on the left, scroll to the bottom and click Create new folder.
- Type a name and press Enter.
Outlook for Mac
- In the folder pane, right-click your account or an existing folder.
- Select New Folder.
- Type a name and press Enter.
Outlook Mobile (iPhone and Android)
Folder creation on mobile varies by app version and account type.
- Open the Outlook app and tap your profile or mailbox icon to open the folder pane.
- Look for an Add folder, plus (+), or three-dot menu option.
- Enter a name and tap to confirm.
If you don’t see the option, create the folder in Outlook on the web or the desktop app. It will sync to mobile automatically.
How to Create a Subfolder in Outlook
A subfolder nests inside an existing folder. The process is the same in every version, except you right-click the parent folder instead of your account name and choose Create new subfolder (or New Folder in classic Outlook). The subfolder appears indented beneath the parent.
Keep nesting to one or two levels. Past that, you spend more time navigating than finding. If your folder tree is getting deep, our guide to organising Outlook folders has templates for flatter, more practical structures.
Moving Emails Into Your New Folder
Once the folder exists, there are three main ways to file mail into it:
- Drag and drop — drag an email from the message list onto the folder in the sidebar.
- Right-click → Move — right-click an email, choose Move, and pick the folder.
- Keyboard shortcut — in new Outlook, press Ctrl+Shift+V to open the Move dialog and search for the folder by name.
For a hands-free approach, Outlook Rules can automatically move emails that match specific criteria. See our comparison of Outlook Rules vs AI-powered filing for the trade-offs.
Tips for a Folder System That Stays Useful
- Mirror how you actually work. Folders by client, project, or area of responsibility tend to outlast clever category schemes.
- Pin the folders you touch daily. Right-click any folder and choose Add to Favorites so it sits near the top of the sidebar.
- Archive instead of hoarding. Move old reference mail to Archive to keep your active list short without deleting anything.
- Use rules for the obvious stuff. Newsletters and automated reports can be sorted on arrival. In new Outlook or on the web, go to Settings > Mail > Rules. For more detail, see how to automatically file emails in Outlook.
When Filing Still Feels Like a Chore
Folders solve the storage problem, but they don’t solve the daily decision of which folder a given email belongs in. If you have dozens of folders, that choice slows you down every time.
Folder Suggest is a free Outlook add-in that uses on-device semantic AI to suggest the right destination folder for an email and moves it with one click. It reads the message and your existing folder names locally on your device — the email content never leaves your machine. It works alongside the folder structure you build using the steps above, and requires no setup, no rules, and no subscription.
You can install it from the Microsoft Marketplace in under a minute. It works in new Outlook for Windows, classic Outlook, and Outlook on the web.
Tired of deciding which folder every email belongs in? Folder Suggest uses AI to recommend the right folder and moves it with one click — free, private, and no rules to maintain.
Add to Outlook — FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the option to create a folder in Outlook?
The option is in a different place depending on your Outlook version. In new Outlook for Windows, right-click your account name in the folder pane and select Create new folder. In classic Outlook, right-click and select New Folder. If the new Outlook steps don’t work, try switching the toggle off to use classic Outlook, or right-click your account name rather than the Inbox.
What is the difference between a folder and a category?
A folder physically stores the email in one place. A category is a coloured tag that leaves the email where it is. Use folders for filing and categories for cross-cutting labels like “Follow up” or “Urgent.”
Where do deleted folders go in Outlook?
Deleted folders move to the Deleted Items folder and can be recovered from there until that folder is emptied.
Do Outlook folders sync across devices?
Yes, as long as you use the same account. A folder created on desktop appears in Outlook on the web and mobile, usually within a minute.
Can I reorder folders in Outlook?
In new Outlook for Windows you can drag folders up and down the sidebar. To sort alphabetically, go to View > Layout > Folder pane and choose Order folders A to Z.
What is the keyboard shortcut to create a folder in Outlook?
In classic Outlook for Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+E to open the New Folder dialog. This shortcut is not available in new Outlook or Outlook on the web.