How do I create new files and directories directly inside Vim's built-in file browser without leaving Vim?

Explanation

Vim's built-in file explorer netrw (opened with :Explore or :Ex) is more capable than it looks. You can create files, create directories, rename, and delete — all without dropping to a shell or using an external file manager.

How it works

Key netrw file management commands (pressed while inside netrw):

• % — create a new file in the current directory (prompts for a name, then opens it for editing)
• d — create a new directory (prompts for a name)
• R — rename the file or directory under the cursor
• D — delete the file or directory under the cursor (prompts for confirmation)
• - — navigate up to the parent directory

Example

1. Open netrw: :Ex or :Explore
2. Navigate to your target directory
3. Press % and type newfile.py to create and open a new Python file
4. Press d and type src to create a new directory named src
5. Press R over an existing file to rename it

Tips

• D on a directory only works if it is empty; use your shell for non-empty directories
• Press i to cycle between listing styles (thin, long, wide, tree)
• Set let g:netrw_banner = 0 in your vimrc to hide the help banner and get more space
• :Vexplore opens netrw as a vertical split so you can keep it open while editing
• All netrw operations work on remote files too (SSH, FTP) when opening scp://host/path