Recursion: Where Settings Apply

Folder Settings control how Files.com handles files and folders within a directory.

Each Folder Setting can be configured as either recursive (applies to subfolders) or non-recursive (this folder only), which determines where the setting applies within the folder hierarchy.

Understanding recursion is essential when designing predictable folder structures and ensuring that settings apply at the intended scope.

By default, Folder Settings are recursive, meaning they automatically apply beyond the folder where they are defined. In some cases, limiting a setting to a single folder is required to prevent unintended effects on subfolders.

Recursive Folder Settings (Default)

A recursive Folder Setting applies to the folder where it is defined and automatically applies to all descendant folders beneath it. Subfolders inherit the setting without requiring any additional configuration.

Recursive settings are appropriate when the same rules or controls should apply consistently across an entire folder tree.

Nested Folder Settings effect how recursive Folder Settings interact when the same Folder Setting is also defined on lower subfolders of the folder hierarchy.

Non-Recursive Folder Settings

A non-recursive Folder Setting applies only to the folder where it is defined and does not apply to subfolders. Subfolders do not inherit the setting and are not affected by it.

Non-recursive settings are useful when a setting should apply only at a specific folder level and not propagate downward.

In addition to limiting scope, non-recursive settings also affect inheritance, which is explained in more detail in How Non-Recursive Folder Settings Affect Inheritance.

Example

Assume you define a Folder Setting on the /Projects folder.

If the setting is recursive, it applies to /Projects and all descendant folders, including /Projects/2026 and /Projects/2026/Q1.

If the setting is non-recursive, it applies only to /Projects. The setting does not apply to /Projects/2026, /Projects/2026/Q1, or any other subfolders.