How to Create a Project Folder from a Template in Windows

Start every project with the same useful structure.

Quick answer: Windows can duplicate an existing folder structure with copy and paste. To keep a reusable project starter in your right-click menu, place a folder with its starter files inside the New++ templates folder. Select it from New++ in the destination folder to create the project folder and its contents together.

For a client project, a simple starter could contain Documents and Deliverables subfolders plus a brief.txt file. Keep only the structure and reusable instructions in the template.

Use a normal folder template when you want a new parent folder. New++ also has a separate option for creating only its contents.

Step by step

  1. Build the starter folder. Create a Client project folder containing Documents, Deliverables and brief.txt. Put reusable headings in brief.txt, such as Goals, Contacts and Next steps.
  2. Add it to New++. Open the templates folder configured in Settings > New++ and copy the Client project folder into it.
  3. Create a project. Open the destination folder in Explorer. With no files selected, right-click empty space and choose New++ > Client project.
  4. Personalize the copy. Rename the new folder for the client and fill in the brief. Add date variables or prompted values to the template later if you want to reduce repeated typing.

Ways to do it

Use what's built into Windows, the tools you already have, or Productivity Plus Pack — they work well together.

Built into Windows

Copy an existing starter folder to each destination manually.

With New++

Keep a reusable folder structure in the templates menu, including its documents and subfolders.

Create only the contents

Use $set in the template folder name, or hold Ctrl when choosing it, to create its sub-items without the parent folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

More about New++ · Full New++ guide · More how-to guides

What if files are already selected?

New++ can move selected items into the new folder when that option is enabled. Start with no files selected if you only want the starter structure.

Can I organize templates into groups?

Yes. Use <code>$group</code> for a folder that should act as a group of templates; see the <a href="../../Support/New-Plus-Plus/">New++ guide</a>.

Can I reuse just one file?

Yes. See <a href="../Create-Files-From-Templates/">how to create a file from a template</a>.

Put it to work

Use this idea in a real-world workflow.

Client projects

Start a client project from a template, distinguish working files from deliverables, and keep feedback and frequently used commands close to the files.

Explore all workflows →

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