How do you create a directory in Node.js?

Node.jsJunior~2 min read

1. Asynchronous folder creation (via a callback)

The classic way:

javascript

import fs from 'fs';

fs.mkdir('./uploads', (err) => {
  if (err) {
    console.error('Error creating the folder:', err);
    return;
  }
  console.log('Folder created!');
});

If the folder already exists → you get an EEXIST error;
This method doesn't block the event loop, safe for servers.

2. The modern way (via `fs/promises` and `await`)

The most convenient, modern option, with promises and async/await:

javascript

import { mkdir } from 'fs/promises';

try {
  await mkdir('./uploads');
  console.log('Folder created!');
} catch (err) {
  if (err.code === 'EEXIST') {
    console.log('The folder already exists.');
  } else {
    console.error('Error:', err);
  }
}

Asynchronous, clean, no callbacks;
Recommended for all modern versions of Node.js (v14+).

3. Creating nested directories (recursively)

To create nested folders, for example:

javascript

uploads/images/2025/january

just add the { recursive: true } flag:

javascript

import { mkdir } from 'fs/promises';

await mkdir('./uploads/images/2025/january', { recursive: true });
console.log('Nested folders created!');

Node creates every missing level itself;
If the directory already exists, there's no error.

This is the equivalent of the Linux command:

javascript

mkdir -p uploads/images/2025/january

4. The synchronous way (blocking)

If you're creating folders at script startup (for example, for logs or configuration):

javascript

import fs from 'fs';

try {
  fs.mkdirSync('./uploads');
  console.log('Folder created!');
} catch (err) {
  if (err.code === 'EEXIST') {
    console.log('It already exists.');
  } else {
    console.error('Error:', err);
  }
}

Runs instantly, but blocks the event loop.
Not recommended for server applications, only for setup scripts.

5. Checking existence before creating

The folder's presence can be checked ahead of time:

javascript

import fs from 'fs';

if (!fs.existsSync('./uploads')) {
  fs.mkdirSync('./uploads');
  console.log('Folder created!');
} else {
  console.log('The folder is already there.');
}

But on newer Node versions, it's simpler to just use { recursive: true }, no check needed.

6. Permissions (`mode`)

The mode option sets the folder's permissions (UNIX-style):

javascript

await mkdir('./secure', { mode: 0o700 });

0o777, everyone can read/write/execute;
0o700, only the owner;
By default, Node inherits the system's permissions.

7. Deleting and recreating (an example)

To clear a directory before recreating it:

javascript

import { rm, mkdir } from 'fs/promises';

await rm('./uploads', { recursive: true, force: true });
await mkdir('./uploads');
console.log('The folder was recreated!');

8. Handling common errors

Error code	Cause	Fix
`EEXIST`	The folder already exists	Use `{ recursive: true }`
`ENOENT`	The parent folder doesn't exist	Use `{ recursive: true }`
`EACCES`	No permission to create it	Check file permissions
`EPERM`	A system restriction (Windows)	Run as administrator

9. Example: setting up a project structure

javascript

import { mkdir } from 'fs/promises';

const dirs = ['logs', 'data/uploads', 'data/backups'];

for (const dir of dirs) {
  await mkdir(dir, { recursive: true });
  console.log(`${dir} created`);
}

This automatically builds the needed structure, even if some folders are missing.

10. Quick summary

Method	Asynchronous	Creates nested folders	Recommended
`fs.mkdir()`	Yes (callback)	No	The older style
`fs.promises.mkdir()`	Yes (`await`)	Yes (`{ recursive: true }`)	The modern choice
`fs.mkdirSync()`	No	No	CLI only
`fs.mkdirSync(..., { recursive: true })`	No	Yes	At initialization

In one sentence

To create a folder in Node.js, use await fs.promises.mkdir('path', { recursive: true }), it's safe, modern, doesn't block the thread, and automatically creates nested directories.

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