Bulk Create Folders in Google Drive with Google Sheets

If you are looking to batch create hundreds of folders in your Google Drive, then FileDrop is your solution. By default in Google Drive you can’t create more than one folder at a time.

With FileDrop you can create a list all the folders you plan to create in Google Drive in a Google Sheet with a simple formula.

What is FileDrop?

FileDrop is a file management add-on for Google Sheets, Docs and Slides. You can install FileDrop from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

This tool is a part of our Plus Tools sidebar, and I’m here to walk you through how incredible this feature is. This new feature in FileDrop is about to make your digital organization a whole lot easier. To use this feature you need to be on one of our Business+ plans.

Now, FileDrop automatically creates those exact folders in your Google Drive with just a single click of the “Create” button. It sounds simple, right? That’s because it is, and its simplicity is exactly what makes it powerful.

How to Bulk Create folders in Google Drive with FileDrop

Create new Google Sheet and add your main folder in column A and subfolders in column B like this example:

Column A: The main client folder name: Client A
Column B: Subfolder structure in the format: Policies A(Personal Policies A.1(Personal Policies – Auto A.1.1,Personal Policies – Home A.1.1),Commercial Policies A.2)

In the sidebar add the folder ID or folder link where you want the folders to be created.

If you don’t add a folder ID, the folders in column A will be created directly in your Drive root.

This is the setup for 3 clients, each with it’s own structure of subfolders.

This is the result, the top folder appears in the Google Sheet.

This is the folder structure result.

Not only can you create primary folders, but you can also dive deeper by creating subfolders within those folders. I created three subfolders, proving just how layered and organized your Google Drive can become with this feature.

Initially, if you don’t specify a folder ID, the folders would default to being created at the root of your Google Drive. However, for the purpose of this demonstration, I specified where I wanted each folder, showcasing the flexibility and control this feature offers.

Update

We improved the feature and added a new way to make even more complex hierarchies inside your Google Drive.

In Column A, list your main folder names, and in Column B, define subfolders using parentheses to show folder levels and commas to separate folders at the same level (e.g., Policies A(Personal Policies A.1(Personal Policies – Auto A.1.1, Personal Policies – Home A.1.1), Commercial Policies A.2)).

Conclusion

The creation process is a breeze. With a simple click on the “create” button, the folders quickly come to life in your Google Drive. There might be a slight delay in their appearance due to synchronization, but rest assured, they’re there.

Wrapping up, I can’t help but express how amazing this tool is. If you’re someone who regularly juggles multiple folders and finds the task of creating them one by one a bit tedious, this feature is a godsend. It’s not just a time-saver; it’s a neat leap towards more streamlined, efficient digital organization.

Thank you for letting me share this latest FileDrop feature with you. I’m confident it’ll make a significant difference in managing your digital files.

FAQ

How does the batch folder creation feature work?

You list all the folders you want to create in a Google Sheet. FileDrop reads this list and creates the folders automatically in your Google Drive with a single click of the “Create” button.

Is there a limit to how many folders I can create at once?

Depending on your folder structure, you can create up to 250 folders at once due to the timeout of the Google Drive API and functions we use for this feature.

Do I need a specific FileDrop plan to use this feature?

Yes, the batch folder creation feature is available on FileDrop’s Business+ plans.

Where will the folders be created in my Drive?

• If you don’t specify a folder ID, the folders will be created in the root of your Google Drive.

• If you specify a folder ID, FileDrop will create the folders inside the specific folder you choose.

Can I create subfolders too?

Absolutely! FileDrop lets you create subfolders within your main folders, allowing for a deeper, organized folder structure in your Drive.

What format should I use for subfolders?

Use parentheses () to indicate folder levels, and commas , to separate folders at the same level.
This helps FileDrop understand the folder hierarchy you want to create.

Why is this method useful?

If you need to create a lot of client folders, project folders, or complex folder structures, this method saves a huge amount of time compared to manually creating each one.