Create Files and Folders

Your Google Drive is made up of a collection of files and folders. If you need to create a new file from scratch, you can do it from right within Drive. After you’ve added a number of files, you may find you need to create folders to keep your work organized.

Create a Google File

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files are the most common types of files to create. When you create a new file, you can create a blank one or start from a template.

1. Open the folder in Google Drive where you want to create a new file.
2. Click the New button.
3. Select a file type.

   To create a file from a template instead, click the arrow next to the file type and select From a template.

4. Click Create and Share.
5. Type a name for the file in the field at the top of the page.
6. Press Enter.

Copy a File

There may be times when you want to make changes to a file but also keep a separate, unedited version, or you may have a file that will serve as a starting point for a secondary file. Copying a file creates an exact duplicate.

1. Select a file you want to copy.
2. Click the More actions button.
3. Select Make a copy.

You can also right-click a file and select Make a copy from the menu.

Rename a File

When a file is copied, the file name is automatically created and the text “Copy of” is added to the existing file name. You’ll likely want to rename it to something more meaningful.

1. Select a file you want to rename.
2. Click the More actions button.
3. Select Rename.

   You can also right-click a file and select Rename from the menu.

4. Enter a new name.
5. Click OK.

Create a Folder

Folders are an easy way to organize your documents and keep similar items together in one location.

1. Click the New button.
2. Select Folder.

   You can also right-click in the white space below the files and folders and select New folder from the menu.

3. Enter a folder name.
4. Click Create.

The new folder is created and shows up with all your other files in Google Drive