How to add a folder (and add files to a folder)

This refers to Moodle 4.3 from August 2024 onwards

Here are some pointers to help you decide whether to upload a file individually or use a folder.

• Folders in Moodle are simply alphabetical lists of file names
• With files in a folder you get no choice how you would like them displayed, with individual resources you can choose to embed, open or download
• Alphabetical file order in a folder means you cannot deliver the files in an appropriate order within a folder as you can if they are resources in a section
• You can’t mix files in folders with labels for scaffolding of learning
• You can’t track completion of individual files in folders or make them conditional on something else or used to make something else appear conditionally. This is possible with resources.
• If you have a lot of files which need no further explanation, a folder can be a handy way to group them and uploading is possible in one go using the drag and drop tool.

Step by Step: creating a folder

1. Navigate to your module and enable editing by clicking on the 'Edit mode' slider. 

2. In the section where you want to create your folder click on the 'Add an activity or resource' button.

3. This will open a pop up window. Select 'Folder'.

4. You will then be taken to the Folder set up page. Add details within the 'Name' and 'Description' sections. 

5. Within the Content section you can add items to go within the folder. You can either drag and drop items you wish to upload. Just take the files you wish to upload select them and drag them onto the area that states ‘Drop files here to upload’. Selecting multiple files and dragging and dropping them will also work.

Alternatively, click on the 'Add...' icon.

A pop up titled 'File Picker' will appear with Upload a file highlighted. Click on the 'Choose File' button. Select your file and then click 'Open'. Click on the 'Upload this file' button. Your file will now appear within the Content section.

There is also an option here to create a folder within a folder should you wish. You can do this by clicking on the 'Create folder' icon. 

You will be prompted to enter a name for the folder. Once that is done click the 'Create folder' button.

If you want to add items into the new created folder then double click within the folder icon and then move in the items you want. 

6. Within the 'Display folder contents' section, there are two options:

a) If 'On a separate page' is selected then the folder items will load up on a separate page when the folder is clicked.

b) If 'Inline on a module page' is selected then the files within the folder can be accessed at the top level. This is done by pressing the triangle icon next to the folder. When this triangle icon is pressed the contents of the folder will open out and can be accessed by clicking on a particularly item. This is particularly useful if wanting to reduce the number of clicks required to access a specific resource.   

7. If you have used subfolders and you want them expanded then tick the box for the 'Show subfolders expanded' tick box. 

8. If you want to enable users to be able to download all the files in the folder into a zip file then tick the checkbox for 'Show download folder' tick box.

9. Press 'Save and return to module' or 'Save and display'

10. When you have finished, disable editing by clicking the 'Edit mode' slider. 

How to upload multiple files as a zip file

1. Create a zip file containing the items you want uploading.
2. In your module, with 'Edit mode' enabled, click on the 'Add an activity or resource' button.
3. Select 'Folder' from the list of activities.
4. This will open a new page where you can fill in the details for you folder.
5. Under Content section either drag and drop your Zip file or upload by clicking 'Add...' icon within the Files section (follow guidance above if unclear).

6. The Zip file will be appear as an icon within the Content section. 

Click on the 'Zip file' icon which will bring up a pop up window. Within this pop up window press the 'Unzip' button.

7. Press 'Save and return to module' or 'Save and display'

8. When you have finished, disable editing by clicking the 'Edit mode' slider.