Skip to content
Home > Articles > Master Organizing Files in the Cloud

Master Organizing Files in the Cloud

Our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology. Whether it’s for work, school, or personal use, we generate digital content each week. From documents and photos to videos and presentations, managing these files efficiently has become crucial.

This article will give you simple steps for organizing your files in the cloud. Following these steps will declutter your digital space, optimize your workflow, and enhance productivity.

The benefits of organizing files in the cloud:

  • Save time and frustration by locating files quickly and efficiently
  • Retrieve your files from any location with an internet connection, whether you’re at home, work, or traveling
  • Keeping files in the cloud ensures automatic backup and safeguards against data loss

There are four important parts to organizing your files (1) create folders, (2) create files in a folder or move files to the folder, (3) create subfolders, (4) and add a tag to each file (if available), Log into your free Microsoft account or free Google account (or paid account) and follow the instructions below.

Microsoft OneDrive

  1. In the internet address bar, type onedrive.com and login with your Microsoft email and password.
  2. The words My Files should be selected under your name on the left side of the screen.
  3. Press the button +New & Upload button above your name.
  4. Click Folder and name your folder with a subject name, project name, department name, or another relevant keyword.
  5. Click on a Folder to open it.
  6. To create a new file, open the appropriate Folder. Press the button +New & Upload and select the application in which to create your new file; for example, Word.
  7. To upload a file into the folder, press the button +New & Upload and click Files Upload. Select the file to upload. Press Open.
  8. You may also drag and drop files into folders.
  9. To assist with finding specific files, you can add a description to each file. Viewing the list of files in a folder, click on the More button (three dots) next to the file name. Select Details. Under the image of the document, there will be a field called Add a Description. Type a keyword or keyword phrase to use to search for the file.
  10. If you have a large number of files in a folder, create subfolders to separate the files into categories for easier retrieval. Open a folder, then press the button +New & Upload and click Folder. Type the name of your subfolder. Then, repeat the process of creating new files or moving files to the folder.
In Microsoft OneDrive, the New & Upload button is selected. The drop down contains options to create a new folder, upload a file or folder, or to create a new document with different Microsoft applications such as Microsoft Power Point.
Create new folders and new files in Microsoft OneDrive to organize your digital documents.

Microsoft Support Article: Manage files and folders in OneDrive

Google Drive

  1. In the internet address bar, type drive.google.com and login with your Google email and password.
  2. Under the words Welcome to Drive and next to the word Suggested, select the Folder button to view a list of folders.
  3. To create a new folder, press +New in the left side bar and select New Folder. Type a folder name using a school subject name, project name, department name, or another relevant category name.
  4. Double-click a on a folder to open it.
  5. To create new file, open the appropriate Folder. Press the +New button select the application in which to create your new file; for example, Google Docs.
  6. To upload a file into the folder, press the +New button and click File Upload. Select the file to upload. Press Open.
  7. You may also drag and drop files into folders.
  8. If you have a large number of files in a folder, create subfolders to separate the files into categories for easier retrieval. Open a folder, then press the +New button and click New Folder. Type the name of your subfolder. Then, repeat the process of creating new files or moving files to the folder.
In Google Drive, the New button is selected. The drop down contains options to create a new folder, upload a file or folder, or to create a new document with different Google applications such as Google Slides.
Create new folders and new files in Google Drive to organize your digital documents.

Note: With a paid school or work Google account, you can add tags to files. Tags are keyword descriptors to assist with finding the file at a later date. Learn more in the Google Help Article: Apply labels to files in Google Drive.

Google Help Article: Organize your files in Google Drive

Executive Functioning Toolkit (page 1 of 2)
Download the Executive Functioning Toolkit for FREE!
1. Type your first name and email in the form fields. Check the checkbox. Press submit.
2. Look in your inbox for an email from Digital Support Tools (if you don't see it, please check your spam or promotions folder).
3. Confirm your subscription and get the link to the folder with multiple freebies!
We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Additional Tools for Organization

Start your journey to greater efficiency

Are you ready to transform the way you learn, work, or manage tasks at home? My mission is to help you implement mainstream assistive technology to enhance your daily life. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to identify your unique needs and preferences, and create a plan that helps you reach your goals with confidence.

Contact me today to explore how digital support tools can make a real difference in your life. Your journey to greater efficiency and empowerment can begin now.

Book a Free 20-minute Consultation

< To the Executive Functioning Toolkit page