How to Create a Directory in Linux

In this topic, we're going to learn how to create a directory — or simply, a folder — using the Linux command line.

If you've ever used a graphical file manager to make a folder, this is just like that... but with superpowers using the terminal!

What is a Directory?

A directory is like a container where you can organize files and other directories. It's just a fancy word for a folder in Linux.

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

Whether you're using Ubuntu, Fedora, or any other Linux distribution, open your terminal window. We're going to use the mkdir command — which stands for "make directory".

Basic Syntax

mkdir <directory-name>

Let’s try a basic example. Suppose you want to create a folder called projects.

Example 1: Creating a Single Directory

mkdir projects

No output means it worked!

Now if you type:

ls

projects

You’ll see your new folder listed.

Example 2: Creating Multiple Directories

You can create more than one directory at a time by listing them in the mkdir command:

mkdir images videos documents

No output means all 3 were created!

Example 3: Creating Nested Directories

Want to create a folder inside another folder? Use the -p flag (this stands for "parent"):

mkdir -p tutorials/linux/basics

No errors? Your nested folders are all ready!

Without -p, you’d get an error if the parent folders don’t exist. So -p is super helpful.

Bonus Tip: Check It Out with Tree

If you have the tree command installed, you can see your directory structure visually:

tree tutorials

tutorials
└── linux
    └── basics

Recap

mkdir is used to make directories
-p lets you create nested directories
You can create multiple directories at once

That’s it — you’ve just learned how to create directories in Linux using the terminal! Keep practicing and you’ll feel right at home with the command line.