Create folder structure only without files in Windows using a Robocopy alternative replacement tool

This post will tell you how to create a complete folder(directory) structure without the files in them.

Let us look at how to do this with the Windows Robocopy tool, and an alternative software Copywhiz.

What is Copywhiz?

Copywhiz enhances your file-copy experience by letting you to have more flexibility & control over the file copying and backup process.

Here is how Copywhiz makes file copying a breeze:

Copy only new or modified files
Easily pick files by name, extension, folder etc from bunch of folders
Automatically organize files based on file attributes and metadata
Copy files to multiple folders/computers
Copy files from multiple folders and paste them at once
Sync files between source and destination
Pick files from multiple folders and compress in single .zip file
Schedule file backups
Verify copied files for data integrity
Retain security attributes of files & folders (ownership/user access)
Several more hidden nuggets designed to make your file-copy task easier.

Steps to create directory structure only without copying the files inside them

Using Robocopy

Robocopy /XF file [file]… command lets us to replicate the whole directory structure without copying the files inside them. To copy empty directories, you must include the /e command-line option.

For Ex: To copy the folder “pictures” to the folder “project” without the files in it, the following command line will be used:

Robocopy C:\pictures e:\project /XF

However, Robocopy commands are not straightforward. System administrators may be able to use it. But, Robocopy is confusing for ordinary users.

Let me now show you a more comfortable and faster method.

Using Copywhiz

Watch a short video about this feature:

For more tutorial videos, check out this page.

Video Transcription

1. Select files using Windows Explorer, right-click on them and choose Copywhiz->Copy from the menu as shown below :

2. Go to the destination folder, right-click inside the folder and select Copywhiz–>Paste Advanced as shown below:

3. Copywhiz Window will open. Click on the ‘Advanced Settings’ button and select ‘Create folder structure only (Do not paste files) as shown below and click on ‘OK’ and “Paste Now.”

Conclusion

Copywhiz is an alternative that allows you to create the complete directory (folder) structure without copying files in them. This feature can be useful in a multi-user scenario where the system administrator wishes to create the same standard template folder structure without files for different users from an existing structure.

The most significant advantage of using Copywhiz is that you can take automatic backups of your files and folders! Read more about it here: