Create a New Folder from Selected Files in Windows
Organizing Files with Files 2 Folder
Previously, we discussed a utility for generating multiple folders simultaneously from a list of terms. But what if your need is to create folders based on existing, selected text files?
A straightforward and cost-free solution is available in the form of a tool called Files 2 Folder. Installation of this program integrates an option directly into the Windows Explorer context menu.
Installation Process
Begin by extracting the downloaded .zip archive (a link to which is provided at the article’s conclusion). Then, right-click the Files2Folder.exe file and choose "Run as administrator."
Should the User Account Control dialog appear, confirm by clicking "Yes" to proceed with the installation.
Note: The appearance of this dialog is contingent upon your current User Account Control settings.
A prompt will then appear, requesting permission to register the shell extension. Select "Yes" to continue the setup.
A confirmation message will indicate that the Files 2 Folder option has been successfully added to the Windows Explorer context menu. Click "OK" to dismiss this message.
Following the addition of the context menu option, a shortcut is created within the same directory as the Files2Folder.exe file. This shortcut allows for the unregistration of the shell extension if desired. Simply double-click the shortcut to remove it.
A notification will confirm that the shell extension has been successfully unregistered.
Using Files 2 Folder
To move a single file into a newly created folder, right-click the file and select the Files 2 Folder option from the displayed menu.
A new folder will be generated, adopting the file's name (excluding its extension), and the file itself will be moved – not copied – into this new folder.
When multiple files are selected, right-clicking and choosing Files 2 Folder presents a dialog box with several options.
Folder Creation Options
- Move all selected items into a subfolder named: This option consolidates all selected files into a single new folder, allowing you to specify the folder’s name.
- Move each file to individual subfolders based on their names: This creates a separate folder for each file, using the file's name (without the extension) as the folder name.
- Move each file to subfolders based on their file extensions: This organizes files into folders categorized by their respective file extensions.
In each of these scenarios, the files are moved, not copied, to their designated folders.
Folders themselves can also be moved into new folders. Right-click on the folder you wish to move, select Files 2 Folder, and a new folder will be created with the original folder’s name appended with a tilde (~).
Download and Compatibility
You can download Files 2 Folder from http://skwire.dcmembers.com/wb/pages/software/files-2-folder.php.
While officially supporting only 32-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, we successfully tested it on a 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate system. Ensure you run the program as an administrator on Windows 7, Vista, and Windows 8 to guarantee the context menu option is added correctly.