Organizing your emails is essential, especially if you receive messages from multiple contacts, projects, or services. Microsoft Outlook 2013 makes this easier by allowing you to create custom folders and subfolders. These folders help you separate work emails from personal ones, categorize projects, and maintain a clean inbox that’s easy to navigate.
This guide walks you through exactly how to create folders in Outlook 2013 so you can stay organized and save time.
Why Create Folders in Outlook 2013?
Creating folders can help you:
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Keep your inbox clutter-free
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Group messages by topic, sender, or project
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Make it easier to locate emails later
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Improve productivity and workflow
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Automatically sort emails using rules
How to Create a New Folder in Outlook 2013
Follow these simple steps:
1. Open Outlook 2013
Launch Microsoft Outlook 2013 on your computer.
2. Go to the Folder Pane
Make sure your Folder Pane (left sidebar) is visible.
If you do not see it:
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Click View on the top ribbon
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Select Folder Pane
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Choose Normal
3. Right-Click the Email Account or Folder
In the folder list:
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Right-click your email address
OR -
Right-click Inbox, Sent Items, or any existing folder
4. Select New Folder
A dialog box will appear, letting you create your custom folder.
5. Name Your Folder
Type the folder name, such as:
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Work
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Personal
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Bills
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Projects
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Clients
Choose names that match how you want to organize your email.
6. Choose Where the Folder Will Be Created
If you right-clicked:
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Inbox → folder will be created inside the Inbox
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Email account → folder will be created at the top level
Click OK when finished.
Your new folder instantly appears in the folder pane.
How to Create Subfolders in Outlook 2013
Subfolders make organization even easier.
To create one:
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Right-click the parent folder
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Select New Folder
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Enter the subfolder name
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Click OK
This helps you create folder structures like:
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Work
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Clients
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Reports
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Invoices
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Move Emails into Your New Folders
You can organize mail by:
✔ Drag and Drop
Click an email and drag it into the new folder.
✔ Right-Click → Move → Choose a Folder
More precise and helpful for bulk organization.
Bonus Tip: Use Rules to Automatically Move Emails
To automate your inbox:
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Go to Home tab
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Click Rules
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Choose Create Rule
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Set criteria (e.g., sender, subject)
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Select Move the item to folder
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Pick your custom folder
Outlook will sort emails for you automatically.
Troubleshooting Folder Creation Issues
If you can’t create a folder:
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Make sure your account supports folder creation (most do)
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Check if your mailbox is full
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Restart Outlook
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Run ScanPST.exe if data file is corrupted
Conclusion
Creating folders in Outlook 2013 is an easy and effective way to manage your emails. With just a few clicks, you can add folders, subfolders, and even automate email sorting using rules. Whether you’re organizing personal messages or managing professional communication, using folders helps you stay productive and keeps your inbox clutter-free.