How to Create Folders (Labels) in Gmail

Gmail does not have folders. It uses labels, which work like folders. To make one on a computer, go to Gmail, click the + (Create new label) next to Labels in the left sidebar, type a name, and click Create. Then drag emails onto the label, or use the Labels button to file them.

These steps come from Google’s Create & manage labels in Gmail help page, checked in October 2026. This guide covers Gmail on a computer, the Gmail app on iPhone and Android, and how to label emails automatically.

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Labels vs. Folders

Google says labels are different from folders in a few ways that are worth knowing:

One email can have several labels. A receipt can be in both “Receipts” and “Taxes” at once.
Only you can see your labels. The people you email do not get them.
Deleting an email removes it everywhere. It disappears from every label and your inbox.
You can have a lot of them. Gmail allows up to 5,000 labels.

How to Create a Label on a Computer

Illustration of steps to create a label in Gmail — Illustration: creating a label in Gmail on a computer.

Open Gmail on your computer. Result: your inbox appears.
In the left sidebar, find Labels and click Create new label (the + next to it). Result: the New label box opens.
Type a name, like Work or Receipts. Result: the name appears in the box.
To put it inside another label, like a subfolder, check Nest label under and pick the parent label. Result: the new label will sit under the parent.
Click Create. Result: the label appears in your sidebar.

How to Put Emails in a Label

Labels button: check the box next to one or more emails, click Labels at the top, and select the label. The email keeps its place in your inbox.
Move to: select emails, click the Move to button at the top, and pick the label. This labels them and removes them from the inbox, just like moving to a folder.
Drag and drop: drag an email from your inbox onto the label in the sidebar.
New email: while writing, click More options at the bottom right, then Label.

To move an email to a different label, check the box next to it, click Labels, uncheck the current label, and select a new one.

How to Create a Label in the Gmail App

Illustration of ways to use Gmail labels like folders — Illustration: labeling, moving, and filtering emails.

iPhone and iPad

Open the Gmail app and tap Menu at the top left. Result: the side menu opens.
Under Labels, tap Create new. Result: the new label screen opens.
Enter a name and tap Save. Result: the label is created.

To label emails, touch and hold one or more messages, tap More at the top right, tap Labels, check the labels you want, and tap Done.

Android

Open the Gmail app and tap Menu at the top left. Result: the side menu opens.
Under All labels, tap Create label. Result: the new label screen opens.
Enter a name and tap Save. Result: the label is created.

To label emails on Android, touch and hold one or more messages, tap More, then Label as.

Edit, Color, Hide, or Delete a Label

Edit: hover over the label in the sidebar, click More (three dots), and change it.
Color: click More > Label color, then pick a color or click Add custom color. Google allows up to 100 custom colors.
Delete: click More > Remove label.
Show or hide: click Settings > See all settings > Labels, then choose Show or Hide next to each label.

On iPhone and iPad, rename or delete labels in Menu > Settings > Inbox customizations > Labels. On Android, go to Menu > Settings, pick your account, and tap Manage labels.

File Emails Automatically With a Filter

A filter labels new emails as they arrive, so you do not have to sort them by hand. Google explains the steps:

In the Gmail search box, click Show search options. Result: the search options open.
Enter what to match, such as a sender’s address or a word in the subject. Result: your criteria are set.
Click Create filter. Result: the filter actions appear.
Choose Apply the label, pick a label, and click Create filter. Result: new matching emails are labeled automatically.

On iPhone and iPad, you can also set this up in Menu > Settings > Inbox customizations > Labels: tap a label, tap Add, and enter a sender in the From field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make subfolders in Gmail?

Yes. When you create a label, check Nest label under and choose a parent label.

Why does an email show up in more than one label?

Gmail lets one email have several labels. That is normal and does not create copies.

Do labels appear for the people I email?

No. Google says only you can access your labels.

Matthew Burleigh

Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.

Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.

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