How to Organize Photos or Files Into New Folders in the Finder

2013-03-26 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: Apple macOS, How-To, macOS Finder, optimization, software

This shortcut is especially useful for organizing groups of related photographs, especially in icon view (enlarge the images for ease of distinguishing them).

The Apple OS X Finder offers a shortcut to select two or more files and put them into a new folder. This is a very handy way to organize things.

1. Select at least two files and/or folders in any Finder view*.
2. Right click then choose New Folder with Selection.
3. The new folder appears; rename it appropriately by typing**.

Repeat for as many folders as are needed.

For example, as shown below there are six tulip images selected; make the new folder and name it “Tulips”.

* The Finder does not allow the creation of a folder containing a single file, which can be handy for organizing methodically. You’ll have to create a new folder, then drag the file into it.

** Renaming requires a confusing delay should you start typing too soon; the eye-candy animation has to finish its business before a name can be entered for the new folder. Type too soon and the name is ignored (lost), which can be quite confusing.

How to create a new folder containing existing selected files in the Finder