Create a document library in SharePoint

Create a document library in SharePoint to securely store files where you and your co-workers can find them easily, work on them together, and access them from any device at any time. SharePoint team sites include a document library by default; however, you can add additional document and other libraries to a site as needed. For more info about document libraries, see What is a document library?

Note: Site owners can create or manage lists. Other team members might not be able to.

Create a library in SharePoint in Microsoft 365 or SharePoint Server 2019

  1. Go to the team site where you want to create a new document library.

  2. On the menu bar, select New, and then select Document library.To create a new document library, select New, then select Document library.

  3. In the Create new document library dialog box, you can start with a blank library, start from an existing library, or use a template.Use the Create new document library dialog box to create your new library.

  4. In the Name dialog box, you can give your new library a name and Description that will help others find and use your library.Use the Add a name dialog box to give your new library a name.

  5. Once you've entered the name and description for your new document library, select Create.Once you've filled in the library name and description you want, select Create.

For info about adding versioning, uploading files, and enabling other library features, see How versioning works in lists and libraries.

Note: 2,000 lists and libraries combined per site collection is the limit (including main site and any subsites) after which you will an receive error: Sorry, something went wrong. The attempted operation is prohibited because it exceeds the list view threshold. For more info, see SharePoint Limits.

Create a library in SharePoint Server 2016

  1. Select Settings SharePoint 2016 Settings button on title bar., and then select Site contents.

  2. Select add an app.

  3. Select the library type you want (document, form, picture, and so on).

    List apps in the Site Contents page

    If you don't see the one you want, in the search box, enter a keyword, and select search Search box magnifying glass icon.

  4. In the Name field, enter a title.

    You can also select Advanced Options and enter a Description. Depending on the type of library, you can add versioning and other features.

    Put in name, description, and optional versioning
  5. Select Create.

For info about adding versioning, uploading files, and enabling other library features, see How versioning works in lists and libraries.

Next steps with your document library

After creating a library, you can discover more info about SharePoint libraries:

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