Method in Finder for creating a new folder deep in a folder structure in one step?

I try to create a new folder deep in the folder structure, say at 'level 3', by selecting the intended parent folder in level 2, and then clicking on New Folder in the three dots area found in the upper left in the Finder window.

But I always find that the new folder appears in 'level one', which is the same level containing Desktop, Documents, Downloads, etc. I then have to move the new folder deeply into the folder structure, which is time-consuming and not so easy with a complex folder arrangement. Is there no way in Finder to create the new folder in one step directly under the intended parent folder?


Mac mini

Posted on Feb 16, 2025 02:21 PM

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8 replies

Feb 16, 2025 03:57 PM in response to Brandnewuserid

What do you mean by "intended parent folder"? There are several different views in Finder. It sounds like you are using the list (outline) view and then using the disclosure controls to expand folders. In this case, you are still in the top-level. If you double-click on one of those folders instead of just expanding it, then you'll actually be changing the current folder and your new folder will be created where you want it.


You could also use Niel's suggestion and create a service. This way, you could expand down to where you want and then control-click or right-click on a folder and choose your script "Create folder here".

Feb 16, 2025 04:54 PM in response to etresoft

I don’t have Niel’s skill level or much Mac familiarity either, but I will remember the idea. By intended parent folder, I mean the folder that I want to be directly above the new folder being created.

Example: Documents>ABC folder. I want the new XYZ folder to be directly under ABC, the intended Parent folder. I just googled the PC mag definition: A folder that is one level up from the current directory in a file hierarchy. So I am using that term correctly. 

Your suggestion parallels the one by Zurarczurx, in net effect, and is also the best solution in my opinion. My overall problems with Finder seem to center on being unable to see what is between the folder I want to create and the remaining folder structure to the left of it in the column view. This is somewhat the case in List view, since when I go to create the new subfolder in say Level 4, I can no longer see Levels 1-3 to the left. Instead, all I can see is a blank area, after double clicking on the intended parent folder. The blank area is disorienting, like a tiny part of a map when I am used to seeing the broader map of the area I want to navigate.

This situation is admittedly tolerable, but I much prefer being able to potentially see the entire folder structure (as much of it as I want to see) while working on part of a folder structure. This is what File Explorer offers, and it is my major objection to the Mac, even though I am going ahead with using it. Someone who has been all Mac or mostly so might puzzle as to why I think this point is of any importance, much like I puzzle as to why anyone would think of designing Finder in the way that it is in this respect.

Feb 17, 2025 05:21 AM in response to Zurarczurx

No special reason. The nitty-gritty of each person's life is different, and it is hard to imagine someone else's life in great detail. If I had to give one answer, it would be that I put a high value on rearranging things in better order, maybe like someone who rearranges furniture in their home more often than average, to potentially improve the use value of their home to them. Maybe 'less is more' is also a theme here. I would not say I do this "all the time", rather that whenever I do want to modify the structure of my folders, I want the experience to be rewarding rather than frustrating. My experience is improving somewhat with Finder, and this community has helped a lot with that. Since the user can potentially keep the entire (optionally expanded) folder structure in view all the time in File Explorer, in a fairly narrow left side column, I just wish Apple had taken that direction with the Mac.

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Method in Finder for creating a new folder deep in a folder structure in one step?

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