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Creating Subfolders in macOS High Sierra . . . or Not

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|  Updated:  
2017-09-18 0:42:42
macOS High Sierra For Dummies
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How full is too full? When should you begin creating subfolders in High Sierra? That's impossible to say, at least in a one-size-fits-all way, but having too many items in a folder can be a nightmare — as can having too many subfolders with just one or two files in each one.

If you find more than 15 or 20 files in a single folder, begin thinking about ways to subdivide it. On the other hand, some of your biggest subfolders might contain things that you don't often access, such as a Correspondence 1992 folder. Because you don't use it often, its overcrowded condition might not bother you.

Here are some tips to help you decide whether to use subfolders or just leave well enough alone:

  • Don't create subfolders until you need them. That way, you avoid opening an empty folder when you're looking for something else — a complete waste of time.
  • Let your work style decide the file structure. When you first start working with your Mac, you may want to save everything in your Documents folder for a while. When a decent-size group of documents has accumulated in the Documents folder, consider taking a look at them and creating logical subfolders for them.

About This Article

This article is from the book: 

About the book author:

Bob LeVitus, aka "Dr. Mac," is a veteran Mac enthusiast who has penned the "Dr. Mac" column for the Houston Chronicle since 1996. A regular contributor to tech publications, Bob believes computer books can actually be fun. He's written more than 80 of them on topics that include iPhone, iPad, and GarageBand, as well as various macOS versions.