Folder Organization

Learn how to organize your Focusly outputs using subject-based and custom folders.

What Are Folders?

Folders in Focusly help you organize your learning outputs (summaries, questions, flashcards, etc.) into logical groups. Think of them as virtual filing cabinets for your study materials.

Benefits of Good Organization

• ✅ Find content faster: Locate specific outputs quickly
• ✅ Stay organized: Keep related materials together
• ✅ Track progress: See what you've created for each subject
• ✅ Study efficiently: Access subject-specific materials easily
• ✅ Reduce clutter: Keep workspace tidy and manageable

Folder Types

Subject Folders (Automatic)

What they are:

• Created automatically when you select a subject in any module
• Named after the subject (e.g., "Mathematics", "English", "Science")
• Organize outputs by academic subject

How they work:

1. You select a subject when creating an output
2. Focusly automatically creates a folder for that subject (if it doesn't exist)
3. Your output is saved to that subject folder
4. All future outputs for that subject go to the same folder

Example:

• Create a summary for "Biology" → Saved to "Biology" folder
• Generate questions for "Biology" → Also saved to "Biology" folder
• Create flashcards for "Chemistry" → Saved to new "Chemistry" folder

Custom Folders

What they are:

• Folders you create manually for specific purposes
• Can be named anything you want
• Great for projects, topics, or time periods

Use cases:

• Exam preparation: "Final Exam 2024"
• Projects: "Research Project - Climate Change"
• Topics: "WWI Study Materials"
• Time periods: "Week 1-5 Notes"
• Mixed subjects: "Essay Writing Resources"

How to create:

1. Go to the Saved Outputs sidebar
2. Click Create New Folder or + button
3. Enter folder name
4. Choose folder type (Custom)
5. Click Create

Default Folder

What it is:

• A catch-all folder for outputs without a specified subject
• Used when you select "Other" or don't specify a subject
• Named "Unsorted" or "Default"

When it's used:

• You choose "Other" as the subject
• You don't select any subject
• Temporary storage before organizing

Tip: Regularly review and move items from the default folder to appropriate subject or custom folders.

How Outputs Are Organized

Automatic Organization

When you create an output using any module:

1. You select a subject (e.g., "Mathematics")
2. Output is generated (summary, questions, flashcards, etc.)
3. Automatically saved to the corresponding folder
4. Appears in sidebar under that folder

No manual saving needed!

Manual Organization

You can also manually organize outputs:

1. Move between folders: Drag outputs or use move option
2. Create custom folders: For special purposes
3. Rename folders: Update folder names as needed
4. Delete folders: Remove folders you no longer need

Working with Folders

Creating a Folder

Method 1: Automatic (Recommended)

• Select a subject when creating outputs
• Folder is created automatically
• Outputs are organized instantly

Method 2: Manual Creation

1. Open Saved Outputs sidebar
2. Click + New Folder or similar button
3. Enter folder details:
   • Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Term 3 Revision")
   • Type: Subject or Custom
   • Subject: If subject folder, select subject
4. Click Create

Viewing Folder Contents

1. Look at the Saved Outputs sidebar (right side)
2. See list of all your folders
3. Click a folder to expand/open it
4. View all outputs in that folder
5. Click any output to view it

Moving Outputs Between Folders

Drag and Drop (if available)

1. Click and hold an output
2. Drag to desired folder
3. Release to drop
4. Output moves to new folder

Using Move Option

1. Click on an output
2. Look for Move or ... (more options) button
3. Select Move to Folder
4. Choose destination folder
5. Confirm move

Renaming Folders

1. Find the folder you want to rename
2. Click on folder name or ... (options menu)
3. Select Rename or Edit
4. Enter new name
5. Save changes

Note: Subject folders may have naming restrictions.

Deleting Folders

Empty Folders

1. Select the folder
2. Click Delete or trash icon
3. Confirm deletion
4. Folder is removed

Folders with Contents

1. Select the folder
2. Click Delete
3. You'll be asked what to do with contents:
   • Move to another folder: Select destination
   • Delete all contents: Permanently deletes outputs
   • Cancel: Keep folder as is
4. Confirm your choice

Warning: Deleting a folder with outputs will delete those outputs unless you move them first!

Best Practices

Folder Naming

Good folder names:

• ✅ "Mathematics - Calculus"
• ✅ "HSC English Exam Prep"
• ✅ "Biology Unit 2"
• ✅ "Spanish Vocabulary"
• ✅ "Term 4 Revision"

Avoid:

• ❌ "Folder 1", "Stuff"
• ❌ Very long names (keep under 30 characters)
• ❌ Special characters (use letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens)
• ❌ Duplicate names (causes confusion)

Organization Strategies

Strategy 1: By Subject

Organize everything by academic subject:

📁 Mathematics
📁 English
📁 Science - Biology
📁 Science - Chemistry
📁 History
📁 Spanish

Best for: Most students with clear subject divisions

Strategy 2: By Exam/Assessment

Organize by upcoming exams or assessments:

📁 Final Exam - Math
📁 Final Exam - English
📁 Midterm - Science
📁 Essay Due March 15

Best for: Exam preparation periods

Strategy 3: By Time Period

Organize by term, week, or month:

📁 Term 1 - All Subjects
📁 Term 2 - All Subjects
📁 Week 1-4 Notes
📁 November Study Materials

Best for: Long-term organization and review

Strategy 4: By Module Type

Organize by type of content:

📁 All Summaries
📁 All Flashcards
📁 All Practice Questions
📁 All Exam Prep

Best for: Users who prefer organizing by content type

Strategy 5: Hybrid Approach

Combine strategies:

📁 Mathematics
  📄 Summaries
  📄 Practice Questions
  📄 Flashcards
📁 Final Exam Prep
  📄 Math Review
  📄 English Review

Best for: Advanced users with lots of content

Regular Maintenance

Weekly:

• Review default/unsorted folder
• Move items to appropriate folders
• Delete outdated materials

Monthly:

• Review all folders
• Archive old materials
• Rename folders if needed
• Delete unused folders

Before Exams:

• Create exam-specific folders
• Consolidate relevant materials
• Organize by study schedule

Folder Organization Tips

Start Simple

• Begin with basic subject folders
• Add custom folders as needs arise
• Don't over-organize initially

Be Consistent

• Use consistent naming conventions
• Stick to one organizational strategy
• Update organization regularly

Use Descriptive Names

• Make folder purpose clear
• Include subject and topic
• Add dates for time-sensitive folders

Don't Over-Complicate

• Avoid too many nested levels
• Keep structure flat and simple
• Maximum 2-3 levels deep

Review and Clean Up

• Regularly delete old materials
• Archive completed units
• Keep active folders visible

Common Organization Scenarios

Scenario 1: High School Student

Needs: Organize by subject for multiple classes

Folder structure:

📁 Mathematics
📁 English
📁 Science
📁 History
📁 French
📁 Exam Prep (custom folder for finals)

Scenario 2: University Student

Needs: Organize by course and semester

Folder structure:

📁 PSYCH101 - Introduction to Psychology
📁 BIO201 - Cell Biology
📁 CHEM102 - Organic Chemistry
📁 ENGL105 - Academic Writing
📁 Midterms - Spring 2024 (custom)

Scenario 3: Language Learner

Needs: Organize by language and skill

Folder structure:

📁 Spanish - Vocabulary
📁 Spanish - Grammar
📁 Spanish - Conversation Practice (custom)
📁 French - Beginner (custom)

Scenario 4: Exam Preparation

Needs: Focus on specific exam content

Folder structure:

📁 HSC Mathematics Exam
📁 HSC English Exam
📁 HSC Science Exam
📁 Practice Papers (custom)
📁 Last-Minute Review (custom)

Troubleshooting

I can't find my output

1. Check all folders, especially subject folders
2. Look in default/unsorted folder
3. Use search if available
4. Check recently created items

Folder isn't showing up

• Refresh the page
• Check if you're logged in
• Ensure folder was saved successfully
• Clear browser cache if needed

Can't delete a folder

• Ensure folder is empty first
• Check permissions
• Try refreshing the page
• Move contents before deleting

Outputs going to wrong folder

• Check subject selection when creating
• Move outputs to correct folder manually
• Create custom folder if needed

Too many folders

• Consolidate similar folders
• Delete unused folders
• Archive old materials
• Simplify organization structure

Advanced Organization

Labeling Outputs

In addition to folders, use output labels:

• Add descriptive labels when creating outputs
• Labels appear with output in folder
• Easy to identify specific content

Example labels:

• "Chapter 3 Summary"
• "Practice Quiz - Week 5"
• "Final Exam Flashcards"

Archiving Old Materials

For completed units or past exams:

1. Create an "Archive" custom folder
2. Move old materials there
3. Keep workspace focused on current work
4. Delete archive periodically

Sharing Organization Strategies

If studying with friends:

• Use similar folder structures
• Share naming conventions
• Coordinate on shared subjects
• Export and share outputs

Integration with Modules

Different modules interact with folders:

Notes Summariser: Saves to subject folder

Question Generator: Saves to subject folder

Flashcard Maker: Saves to subject folder

Exam Creator: Saves to subject folder

Revision Planner: May reference multiple folders

Language Practice: Saves to language folder

All modules: Can specify custom folder if needed

Next Steps

Now that you understand folder organization:

• Learn about managing outputs
• Explore all features
• Check out tips and best practices

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