Understanding files and folders

In short: A file is a single document, picture or program. A folder groups files, like a ring binder holds sheets. Folders can contain further folders.

In more detail: Files have a name and an extension that shows the type (for example .docx for Word documents, .jpg for photos, .pdf for PDFs). In File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) you see the tree of folders. Good organisation saves a lot of searching later.

In Depth

• Path: The “route” to a file, for example Documents\School\Essay.docx.
• Standard folders: Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop.
• Creating a new folder: Right-click empty space → New → Folder.
• Renaming: Select the file → F2 or right-click → Rename.
• Changing the extension: Do not just rename it. The file may no longer open.
• Drives: C: is usually the internal disk, USB sticks appear with their own letter.
• Organising tip: Meaningful names with a date, for example 2026-10-12_Invoice_Electricity.pdf.

See also: Saving a file and finding it again, Copy, cut and paste