Modern smartphones allow you to install hundreds of applications, which inevitably leads to chaos on the main screen. Icons for social networks, banking apps, games and utilities are scattered across all available pages, making it difficult to quickly find the right tool. Organizing space becomes a critical task for comfortable use of the gadget.
Creating folders is a basic but extremely effective way to bring order to the interface of your operating system. Grouping apps by topic not only improves visual perception, but also reduces the cognitive load when unlocking the device. In this article we will analyze in detail all existing methods for structuring icons on devices running Android.
Basic method by dragging icons
The most intuitive and common way to organize space is available on any device without the need to delve into complex settings. You just need to change the arrangement of elements on the desktop. This method works on stock versions of the system, as well as on shells from Samsung, Xiaomi and OnePlus.
First, find two application icons that you want to combine into one group. Tap one of them and hold your finger on the screen until you feel a slight vibration or an animation of the object “raising” appears. Without releasing your finger, drag the icon directly on top of the second app that you want to add to the same category.
As soon as the top icon touches the bottom one, the system will automatically create a container. At this point, you will see a translucent frame or circle that combines both elements. Release your finger to complete the action. Now you have a ready-made folder into which you can add other applications using a similar principle.
- 📁 Hold the icon until vibration appears before moving.
- 📁 Drag the item strictly on top of another icon, and not next to it.
- 📁 Release your finger only after the visual appears merging effect.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom launchers, the drag and drop function may be blocked if the "Lock Layout" mode is enabled. Check your home screen settings if the action doesn't work.
If you accidentally release an icon next to one instead of on top of another, simply repeat the action. The system will not create a folder if the objects do not intersect at one coordinate point.
Creating an empty folder through the interface menu
Sometimes the user needs to create a structure in advance, before applications appear in it. Some shells Android provide the ability to create an empty container directly from the widget menu or desktop settings. This is convenient for planning the navigation structure.
To use this method, long press on any free space on the screen where there are no icons or widgets. A menu bar will appear at the bottom of the display. Select an item that may be named Folder, New folder or have a corresponding icon. After this, an empty object will appear on the screen asking you to enter a name.
If your launcher does not have a direct button for creating an empty folder, you can use a workaround. Create a temporary folder using any method, rename it, and then delete all applications inside by dragging them back to the desktop. The container will remain empty and ready to be filled.
It is important to consider that the behavior of the menu depends on the firmware version. In pure Android (Pixel, Motorola), creating an empty folder through the menu is often unavailable, while in MIUI or ColorOS this function is built deep into the interface settings.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces of smartphone manufacturers are frequently updated. Menu items can change names or move to other settings sections. Check the current names in the help of your device.
Customizing the appearance and naming of groups
After creating the structure, you need to give it a meaningful name in order to quickly navigate the contents. By default, the system assigns names like “Folder” or takes the name of the first added application, which is not always informative. Editing the title takes a few seconds.
Click on the created folder to open its contents. At the top of the window that opens you will see a field with the current name. Tap it once to bring up the keyboard. Enter a new name that reflects the nature of the apps inside, for example, “Work”, “Games” or “Finance”.
Visual customization also affects ease of use. Many launchers allow you to change the folder size, the number of preview icons displayed, and even the background color. Accessing these options often requires a long press on the folder itself and selecting Edit or Folder Settings.
Some advanced users prefer to use emoji in folder names for better visual identification. This is especially useful if you have poor eyesight or are used to perceiving information in images. Just add an emoticon to the beginning or end of the name using a standard keyboard.
Short and clear folder names speed up the search for applications by 30-40% compared to standard system names.
Adding and removing applications from the container
Managing the contents of a folder is a dynamic process. You can add a new app or remove an unnecessary one at any time without deleting the structure itself. This allows you to flexibly adapt your desktop to changing needs.
To add a new item, find the application icon outside the folder. Hold it and drag it inside the open group. Release your finger anywhere on the grid inside the folder. The application will automatically move to the nearest free position.
If you need to remove an application from the group, open the folder, hold down the icon and drag it outside the container to the main desktop. An alternative option is to drag the icon to the top of the screen, where the inscription Delete or the trash can icon will appear. In this case, the app will be completely removed from the device, and not just from the folder.
There is also an automatic sorting mode. In the settings of some launchers, you can enable an option in which newly installed applications of a certain type automatically fall into the corresponding thematic groups. This saves time on manual organization.
- ➕ Drag icons inside the open folder to add.
- ➖ Drag icons out to extract without deleting.
- 🗑️ Drag and drop to the trash bin deletes the application completely from the phone.
Comparison of capabilities of standard launchers
Different smartphone manufacturers implement the folder function in different ways. Understanding these differences will help you make better use of your device's capabilities. Below is a table comparing popular shells.
| Shell / Launcher | Creating an empty folder | Folders within folders | Sorting inside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Android (Pixel) | No | No | By name / Manual |
| One UI (Samsung) | Through menu | No | By name / By color |
| MIUI (Xiaomi) | Yes | Yes (in new versions) | Automatic |
| Nova Launcher | Yes (widget) | No (without plugins) | Flexible configuration |
As can be seen from the table, stock Android offers a minimalistic approach, while Asian manufacturers seem to Xiaomi implement more complex structures, including the ability to create nested directories. Users who lack functionality often turn to third-party solutions.
What are subfolders?
Nested folders allow you to create a hierarchy by placing one folder inside another. This is useful for a very large number of applications, but can complicate navigation.
Using third-party launchers for an advanced organization
If the standard system tools do not suit you, installing an alternative launcher opens up endless customization possibilities. Applications like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher allow you to manage folders at a professional level.
In third-party launchers, you can customize the folder grid, removing the padding between icons to fit more apps on one screen. The function of changing background transparency, opening animation, and even assigning gestures to quickly launch the contents of a folder is also available.
To install a new launcher, download the application from the store Google Play. Once installed, press the Home button and select the new app as your default home app. All your current folders may be reset, so it is recommended to take screenshots of the icon locations in advance.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party launchers may consume more RAM than standard ones. On budget devices, this may lead to a slight decrease in performance.
☑️ Installing a third-party launcher
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the size of an already created folders?
In standard launchers, the folder size is usually fixed and depends on the number of icons inside. However, in advanced launchers, such as Nova, you can manually set the number of rows and columns in the settings of a specific folder.
What happens if you delete a folder without removing the applications?
When you delete the container, all applications inside will not disappear from the phone. They will automatically return to the main screen or application menu in the order in which they were before merging.
How to rename a folder if the name does not change when clicked?
Try long pressing on the folder itself on the main screen and selecting Rename in the context menu. On some devices, you need to first open the folder and then click on the name at the top.
Why can't I drag one folder into another?
Most versions Android do not support folder nesting (a folder within a folder) at the level systems. To implement such a structure, you must use third-party launchers that support this function.
Is it possible to make a folder transparent?
This cannot be done using standard system tools. The transparency of the folder background can only be adjusted through the settings of third-party launchers or by installing special themes.