How to Create a New Folder in Gmail (Desktop, iPhone, and Android)

Do you want to create folders in Gmail? Well, this’s the right place to get all the details.

Gmail doesn’t have folders, but we can use labels. Creating labels makes it easier to sort, categorise, and group emails to aid in easy searching and retrieval. Unlike folders, you can assign multiple labels to a Gmail email. It’s like applying multiple categories to the same blog post, such as Facebook and social media.

Let’s check how to create Gmail folders on desktop, iOS, and Android devices.

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How to Create a New Folder in Gmail (Desktop)

There are two ways to create labels on the Gmail web interface – through settings or the left pane of the Gmail screen.

Open your browser and sign in to Gmail. Scroll down through the left pane and click on ‘more’.

2. Scroll down again to locate options to create and manage labels. Select the last option, ‘Create new label’.

3. A pop-up screen will appear like this,

Enter a label or folder name in the first field. If you want to place it in another folder (sub-folder), choose the parent folder in the second field. Otherwise, leave it blank.

Finally, click on Create.

That’s it. The new folder is successfully created and added to the left pane of your Gmail screen.

Creating a New Gmail Folder through Settings

This is another way to create a new Gmail folder on the Desktop. Let us check how it works,

Open Gmail on your web browser. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.

Visit ‘See all settings’.

2. Head to the second tab – Labels. Scroll down to locate the ‘Create New Label ‘ option.

Enter your new label or folder name in the pop-up box. Tap the Create button.

Done.

How to Create a New Folder in Gmail (Android & iPhone)

Both iPhone and Android have similar settings to create new labels.

Open Gmail on your Android or iOS device. Tap the three dots icon on the top screen. Gmail should serve a slide menu now with all your email folders and labels.

Scroll down to find the ‘Create New’ option to create a new folder. A pop-up box will appear. Enter a name for your new label.

Done.

If you are not getting the ‘Create New’ option on the Gmail app, open Gmail in your mobile browser. Switch to the desktop version to view all options like a desktop browser. From there, you can create and manage labels, as we mentioned in the previous session.

Read How to Create a Group and Send Mass Emails in Gmail

FAQ

What is the purpose of the “Starred” folder in Gmail?

The “Starred” folder in Gmail allows you to mark important emails for quick access. It serves as a way to prioritise and highlight specific messages amidst your inbox clutter.

Can I create custom folders in Gmail to organize my emails?

While Gmail doesn’t support traditional folders, you can use labels as a workaround. Labels act as tags, allowing you to categorize and group emails without moving them from the main inbox.

How can I retrieve emails from the “Spam” folder in Gmail?

To recover emails mistakenly marked as spam, open the “Spam” folder, select the message, then click “Not spam.” This action moves the email back to your inbox.

What happens when I archive an email in Gmail?

Archiving an email removes it from the inbox but keeps it accessible in the “All Mail” folder. It’s a way to declutter your inbox without deleting important correspondence permanently.

How does archiving differ from deleting an email in Gmail?

Archiving removes an email from the inbox but retains it in the archive for future reference, while deleting permanently erases the message from your account with no retrieval option.

Are there ways to customize the appearance of folders and labels in Gmail?

While Gmail doesn’t offer extensive customization for folders and labels visually, you can assign colors to labels for easier identification and organization within your mailbox.

What is the purpose of the “Important” folder in Gmail?

The “Important” folder houses emails that Gmail’s algorithm identifies as essential based on your interactions with specific contacts and past email behavior, aiding in prioritizing critical messages.

How do I move emails between different folders or labels in Gmail?

Simply drag and drop emails from one label or folder to another within Gmail’s interface. This action allows you to reorganize your messages effortlessly according to your preferred categories.