Google Docs

How to Make a Folder in Google Docs on iPad

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Google Docs

Creating folders in Google Docs on an iPad might seem a bit tricky at first, especially if you're used to doing it on a desktop. But don't worry. It's actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. Let's walk through the process together, and by the end, you'll have your documents neatly organized and easy to find.

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Getting Started with Google Drive

First things first. Let's understand where these folders actually live. Google Docs doesn't have a dedicated app for managing folders. Instead, it relies on Google Drive. Think of Google Drive as your digital filing cabinet where all your Google Docs hang out. So, to create a folder, you'll need to open the Google Drive app on your iPad.

If you haven't already installed it, head over to the App Store and download Google Drive. Once it's installed, sign in with your Google account. You'll see that the interface is quite user-friendly, even on the iPad. You've got your main menu on the left, your files in the center, and a few other options scattered around.

Now that you're in Google Drive, you'll be able to see all your files, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This is where you'll create your folders to organize them.

How to Create a Folder

Creating a folder in Google Drive on your iPad is pretty simple. Here's how you do it:

  • Open the Google Drive app.
  • In the bottom right corner, you'll see a colorful "+" button. Tap that.
  • A menu will pop up. Select "Folder."
  • Enter a name for your new folder. Try to choose something descriptive, so you know what kind of documents you'll store there.
  • Tap "Create." Your folder will now appear in the list of files.

Voila! You've just created a folder. It's a simple action, but it can really help keep your documents organized. By the way, this is where using Spell can come in handy. If you're dealing with loads of documents and need them organized at lightning speed, Spell's AI capabilities can help streamline your workflow, saving you time and effort.

Moving Google Docs into Your Folder

Now that you've got your folder set up, let's move some Google Docs into it. This is where you start to see the real benefit of organizing your files.

  • Go back to your main list of files in Google Drive.
  • Find the document you want to move. Tap and hold on it until it's selected.
  • You'll see a menu at the bottom of the screen. Tap the folder icon labeled "Move."
  • Select the folder you just created.
  • Tap "Move here."

And that's it! Your document is now nestled safely in its new home. Repeat these steps for any other documents you want to organize. It's a great way to keep related documents together, like project files or notes for a specific class.

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Renaming Folders for Better Organization

Sometimes, after you've created a folder, you might realize that the name doesn't quite fit. Maybe it was "Project X," but now you want to be more specific. Renaming a folder is easy peasy.

  • In Google Drive, find the folder you want to rename.
  • Tap the three dots next to its name to open the options menu.
  • Select "Rename."
  • Enter the new name and hit "OK."

Renaming folders is a small tweak, but it can make a big difference in how quickly you can find what you need. And if you're working with a team, a clear naming convention can help everyone stay on the same page. Speaking of efficiency, if you're managing a lot of documents, Spell can help you edit and organize your content much faster than traditional methods, making it ideal for collaborative projects.

Sharing Folders with Others

One of the great things about Google Drive is the ability to share folders with others, making collaboration a breeze. Whether you're working on a group project or sharing family documents, here's how you can share a folder.

  • Open Google Drive and navigate to the folder you want to share.
  • Tap the three dots next to the folder's name to open the options menu.
  • Select "Share."
  • Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with.
  • You can also adjust their permissions, allowing them to view, comment, or edit.
  • Tap "Send" to share the folder.

Sharing is caring, as they say, and Google Drive makes it simple to collaborate with others. If you haven't tried it yet, give it a go. It's much easier than emailing files back and forth. Plus, having Spell at your side can be a game-changer for real-time collaboration. It allows you to edit and refine documents on the fly, so you're always ready to present your best work.

Organizing Files Within Folders

Once you've got your folders set up and your documents moved, you might want to take it a step further by organizing files within folders. This could mean creating subfolders or simply arranging your documents in a logical order.

  • Go to the folder where you want to organize files.
  • To create a subfolder, tap the "+" button and select "Folder."
  • Enter a name for the subfolder and tap "Create."
  • You can move documents into subfolders the same way you moved them into the main folder.
  • If you prefer to rearrange documents, tap and hold the document, then drag it to your desired position. Note that while this works in Google Drive, the order won't necessarily reflect in the Google Docs app.

Organizing files within folders might seem like a small detail, but it can greatly improve your productivity. A well-structured folder system means less time searching for documents and more time getting things done. And remember, if you're writing or editing a document, Spell can help you create high-quality work quickly. It's like having a personal assistant to handle the nitty-gritty while you focus on the big picture.

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Using Google Drive Search to Find Your Folders

Even with the best organization system, sometimes you just can't find that one document. Thankfully, Google Drive's search functionality is pretty robust and can save you a lot of time.

  • Open Google Drive and tap the search bar at the top.
  • Enter keywords related to the folder or document you're looking for.
  • Use the filters to narrow down the results by file type, owner, or date modified.
  • Once you find what you're looking for, tap to open it.

Search is a lifesaver when you're juggling multiple projects or working under tight deadlines. It can help you find what you need in seconds, so you can get back to the task at hand. And while we're on the subject of saving time, Spell can help you draft and edit documents much faster than traditional methods, thanks to its integrated AI capabilities.

Tips for Naming Folders and Files

We've touched on renaming folders, but let's dive a little deeper into naming conventions. A good naming system can make all the difference in keeping your Google Drive organized and efficient.

  • Be Descriptive: Use names that clearly describe the contents of the folder or document. For example, "Meeting Notes - March 2023" is more helpful than just "Notes."
  • Use Dates: If you're dealing with ongoing projects, including dates in your folder and file names can help you keep track of versions and updates. Stick to a consistent format like "YYYY-MM-DD" for easy sorting.
  • Keep It Short: While it's important to be descriptive, try to keep names relatively short so they're easy to read at a glance.
  • Use Numbers: Numbering can be a great way to keep related files in order. For example, "1. Project Overview," "2. Timeline," "3. Budget."

These tips might seem simple, but implementing a consistent naming system can save you a lot of headaches down the line. And if you're working on a document that needs to be polished and professional, Spell can make the process a breeze. Its AI-driven capabilities can help you create high-quality content quickly, without the usual hassle of formatting and editing.

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Backing Up Your Google Drive

While Google Drive is a reliable service, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan. You never know when technology might throw a curveball your way. Here's how you can back up your Google Drive on your iPad:

  • Open Google Drive and tap the three lines in the upper left corner to open the menu.
  • Select "Settings" and then "Backup."
  • Choose what you want to back up (e.g., photos, videos, documents).
  • Tap "Start Backup" to begin the process.

Backing up your Google Drive ensures that your important files are safe, even if something goes wrong. And while you're at it, consider using Spell to create and manage your documents efficiently. Its AI features can help you streamline your workflow, so you spend less time on admin and more time on what truly matters.

Final Thoughts

Creating and managing folders in Google Docs on your iPad doesn't have to be a hassle. With a few simple steps, you can keep all your documents organized and easy to access. Plus, using Spell can make the process even smoother, allowing you to draft, edit, and organize documents faster than ever. Happy organizing!

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.

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