How to use MakeNewFolder version 2
This page describes MakeNewFolder, a program available in the Downloads section.
What it does
MakeNewFolder pops up a window from which you can create new folders in Windows Explorer. Advantages over the built-in folder creation tool:
- Avoids the delay encountered on some systems
- MakeNewFolder window stays open so you can create multiple folders more easily
- Advanced syntax enables multiple folder and sub-folder creation in one command (see below)
Compatibility
Tested on Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP Pro. Should work on any version of Windows with the desktop enhancements introduced in IE 4, provided Explorer has been configured as described below.
Important installation notes
- Install MakeNewFolder
- Read the disclaimer at the end of this file
- Go to Start, Programs, MakeNewFolder
- Right-click the MakeNewFolder program item and select Properties
- Set up a shortcut key. I use Alt+F2 but pick whatever you like
- In Windows Explorer, ensure that the address bar is on view
- Under Tools, Options (or Folder Options), View, ensure that "Display the full path in the address bar" is ticked. MakeNewFolder reads the address bar to discover the full path to the current folder
Usage
- Ensure that Windows Explorer is the active window, unless you wish to create folders on the desktop
- Press the shortcut key defined above
- Enter the new folder name in the dialog and click Create or press the Return key
- Alternatively click Quit to abort
The history list
Command lines can be saved in a history list for future reuse.
- Click the '+' button to add the current command line to the history
- Click the down arrow on the right of the command line entry box to see and select items in the history
- The '-' button deletes the currently selected item from the list
Advanced syntax
To create multiple folders separate the names with vertical bars (probably [Shift][\]). Example:
Some folder | Another folder | Yet another folder
This would create three folders in the current directory.
Create sub-folders by naming them inside angled brackets.
Example:
Some folder <Another folder>
This would create "Some folder" and, inside (beneath) it, "Another folder". Whenever you type a '<' character, MakeNewFolder automatically adds the closing '>' and places the insertion point between them. This helps keep your brackets balanced.
The syntax can be extended and nested to create any folder structure you like. Examples:
Some folder < Folder A > | Another folder | Yet another folder Some folder < Folder A | Folder B > | Another folder | (continues...)
Yet another folder Some folder < Folder A | Folder B > | (continues...)
Another folder < Folder C | Folder D (continues...)
< Folder E | Folder F | Folder G >> | Yet another folder
The last example would give this structure:
Current folder
|
----------------------------------------------
| | |
Some folder Another Folder Yet another folder
| |
------------- ----------------
| | | |
Folder A Folder B Folder C Folder D
|
-----------------------
| | |
Folder E Folder F Folder G
Tips
- A properly constructed command line has equal numbers of < and > characters. To help keep track of a complex structure, type them as pairs (<>) and then fill in the folder names
- To make command lines clearer, separate names and symbols with spaces. Leading and trailing spaces will be stripped from names before creation
Notes
- If Explorer is not the foreground window when MakeNewFolder starts, or if it cannot find Explorer's address bar, the program will offer to quit or to make folders on the desktop
- If MakeNewFolder is working with a specific Explorer window, it will quit automatically if the window is closed
- MakeNewFolder will not change target once it has determined whether it is working with a specific Explorer window or the dekstop. If you want to use it with another window, close MakeNewFolder then restart it after the new window is selected
Known bugs
The limit of just over 500 characters per command line has been removed as of v2.1.1.
One report from a user of German Windows XP of MakeNewFolder being unable to find Explorer's address bar. I am unable to look into this now, but will return to it when I can.
No other problems known at the time of writing, but that doesn't mean there aren't any. If you find something please let me know via www.iansharpe.com so I can fix it or at least document it for the benefit of others
To-do list
Maybe one day...
- Syntax highlighting to improve legibility of command line
- Ability to enter full paths such as C:\Something\Or\Other\X | Y | Z
- Perhaps a graphic visualisation of the structure continuously updated as the command is typed
Disclaimer
To the best of my knowledge this software is free of viruses and serious flaws but I cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of using it.
Development tools
Written with C++Builder v4. Installer created with Inno Setup, freeware from www.jrsoftware.org.
