How to create folders in Gmail

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Don't know how to create folders in Gmail? You're not the only one. While Gmail does have an organisation feature that allows you to sort emails into categories, they don't give it an obvious name.

As opposed to folders, Gmail uses labels. They're basically the same thing, but multiple labels can be applied to one email at once, making for better organisation. Having one of the best laptops doesn't stop you from having a messy inbox, so read on to learn how to create folders in Gmail.

How to create folders in Gmail

1. Head to Gmail, then click the cog in the top-right hand corner to open settings. 

Step 1: How to create folders in Gmail

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2. Then, click “See all settings.” 

Step 2: How to create folders in Gmail

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3. Click "Labels" along the row at the top.

Step 3: How to create folders in Gmail

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4. Scroll to the very bottom of the page, then click “Create new label”.

Step 4: How to create folders in Gmail

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5. Type in a name for your label.

Note that you also have the option to “nest labels” here — basically create subfolders within folders. If you want to do this, use the drop-down menu to pick where you want your new label to live.

Step 5: How to create folders in Gmail

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6. Check the left-hand panel of your inbox for your new label. You may need to refresh the page.

Step 6: How to create folders in Gmail

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7. To add emails to your folder, click and drag them from your inbox to the newly created label.

Step 7: How to create folders in Gmail

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Alternatively, you can label emails as they come in by pressing the label icon (the last one in the row next to the three vertical dots) and then ticking how it should be labelled like so:

Step 8: How to create folders in Gmail

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More Gmail tips

Need more help with Gmail? We have plenty of other tutorials to help you get to grips with Google's email client. Check out our basic how to use Gmail tutorial for the essential tips and tricks, plus how to create a new Gmail account. We can also show you how to block emails in Gmail.

To keep your account secure, learn How to change your password in Gmail, how to turn on Gmail's two-factor authentication on your desktop and how to set up Gmail two-factor authentication (2FA) on your phone.

If you're done with Gmail, here's how to delete your Gmail account.

Next: How to find the Home folder on Mac and add it to Finder.

Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.