How to add columns to Folders

Well as you probably know, you can add fields/columns to your document library lists, and populate those same field on the Folders themselves by going into Datasheet Mode.  The problem with this is that not all fields can be edited in Datasheet Mode. For example using this method you cannot edit a Data Lookup column to a Folder, or People Picker field, or Multi-line Text field while in Datasheet Mode.

Another way is to create your own Folder Content Type.

1. On your site with the document library
2. Site Actions - Site Settings -Galleries - Site content types
3. Create
4. Name = whatever you want, mine is "FolderPlus"
5. Parent Content Type = Folder Content Types
6. Parent Content Type = Folder
7. Then either add it to an existing group or create a new group.
8. Click OK
9. Then in Columns select to Add from existing site columns or create new depending on your needs.
10. Click OK
11. At your document library select Settings - Library Settings 
12. Select Advanced and select Yes to Allow management of content types - OK 
13. In the Content Types section click Add from existing site content types - select the new FolderPlus 
14. Now at your Document Library if you select NEW you will see the content type.
15. Upon creating a new FolderPlus folder it should show you your columns you added to enter data in.

Whether you create this new Content Type at the Site Collection or Site level will depend on whether your additional columns are standard ones or unique.

Published 2/1/2007 9:01 PM