Steam How to Make a Collection: Full Guide

To make a collection in Steam, open your Library, click the drop-down menu at the top (usually set to “All Games�), select “New Collection,� name it, and choose which games to include. You can also create a dynamic collection based on tags or genres, which updates automatically as your library grows.

What Is a Steam Collection?

A Steam Collection is a user-created folder in your Library that groups games together for easier browsing and launching. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of titles, you can organize them by genre, mood, platform, or any system you like. Collections are stored locally on your account and sync across devices when you’re logged in.

There are two main types: static collections (you manually add each game) and dynamic collections (games are added automatically based on filters like tags, categories, or features). Both types can be created and edited directly in the Steam client, with no third-party tools required.

How to Create a Static Collection

Static collections are the most straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library tab.
2. At the top of the game list, click the drop-down menu that says “All Games� (or whatever the current filter is).
3. Select New Collection from the menu.
4. In the pop-up window, type a name for your collection (e.g., “RPGs� or “Play Later�).
5. Choose Static Collection.
6. Click Create – the collection now appears in your left sidebar.
7. To add games, right-click any game in your library, go to Add to, and select the collection. You can also drag-and-drop games onto the collection name.

You can add a game to multiple collections; the game itself is not moved or copied, just referenced. Removing a game from a collection does not delete it from your library.

How to Create a Dynamic Collection

Dynamic collections use filters to automatically include games that match your criteria. This is ideal for large libraries or for keeping categories like “Multiplayer� or “Indie� always up to date.

To create one:

1. Follow steps 1–3 above, but select Dynamic Collection instead.
2. In the editor, set your rules. You can filter by:
   • Tags (e.g., “Strategy,â€� “Horrorâ€�)
   • Categories (e.g., “Singleplayer,â€� “Co-opâ€�)
   • Features (e.g., “Achievements,â€� “Cloud Savesâ€�)
   • Genres (e.g., “Action,â€� “Adventureâ€�)
   • Store prices (e.g., “Under $10â€�)
3. Combine multiple rules with AND/OR logic.
4. Click Create. The collection will populate instantly and update whenever your library changes.

Dynamic collections are especially handy for filtering out games you’ll never play, like those with “VR Only� or “Sports� tags.

How to Organize and Manage Collections

Once you have collections, you can manage them from the sidebar:

• Rename: Right-click the collection and select “Rename Collection.â€�
• Delete: Right-click and choose “Delete Collectionâ€� – this only removes the folder, not your games.
• Reorder: Drag collections up or down in the sidebar to prioritize them.
• Hide from Library: If a collection is just for sorting, you can hide it from the main library view by right-clicking and selecting “Hide Collection.â€�

You can also create sub-collections by dragging one collection inside another. This creates a nested folder structure, useful for splitting a large “RPGs� collection into “JRPGs� and “Western RPGs.�

Common Problems and Fixes

If collections aren’t working as expected, here are the usual culprits:

• Collection not showing up: Make sure you’re in the Library tab and the sidebar is expanded. If you’re in “Homeâ€� view, collections are hidden.
• Dynamic collection is empty: Your filter might be too strict. Try removing one rule at a time to see which one is excluding everything.
• Games missing from a dynamic collection: If a game doesn’t have the tag you filtered for, it won’t appear. You can add custom tags to games by right-clicking → Properties → Tags.
• Collections not syncing across devices: Log out and back in, or restart Steam. Collections are tied to your account, but a hiccup can occur.
• Drag-and-drop not working: Use the right-click “Add toâ€� menu instead – it’s more reliable.

Steam Collections vs. Categories (Old System)

Before collections, Steam had a simpler “Categories� system. You could assign a category to a game, and it would appear under that heading in your library. Collections are the modern replacement, offering more flexibility like dynamic filters and nesting.

If you’re used to categories, note that collections are not the same. Categories still exist under the hood (you can see them in the game’s Properties), but the visible library organization is now done through collections. You can convert old categories to collections by right-clicking a category and selecting “Convert to Collection.�

Tips for Effective Organization

A well-organized library saves time. Here are practical strategies:

• Use status-based collections: “Now Playing,â€� “Backlog,â€� “Completedâ€� – update them as you progress.
• Create a “Favoritesâ€� collection for games you launch often, and pin it to the top.
• Use dynamic collections for automatic sorting: e.g., “Local Multiplayerâ€� (tag: Local Co-op) or “Runs on Linuxâ€� (platform filter).
• Don’t overdo it: Too many collections can become as cluttered as no collections. Stick to 5–10 meaningful groups.
• Name collections clearly: Use short, descriptive names like “RPGâ€� instead of “Games I Want to Play Eventually.â€�

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Steam collections with friends?

No, collections are private to your account. There is no built-in way to export or share a collection. You can manually tell friends which games to add, but the collection itself cannot be transferred.

Do collections count toward my Steam account storage?

No, collections are just metadata – they don’t take up any meaningful storage space. They are stored on Steam’s servers and sync with your account.

Can I add a game to a collection without downloading it?

Yes, you can add any game in your library to a collection, even if it’s not installed. The collection is just a reference; it doesn’t affect installation.

What happens if I remove a game from my account?

If you permanently remove a game from your account (via Steam Support), it will disappear from all collections automatically. If you just hide it from your library, it stays in collections but is invisible.

Can I create a collection from my wishlist?

Not directly. You can create a dynamic collection that filters by “On Wishlist� if that tag exists, but the standard method is to manually add games or use a dynamic filter like “Not Owned� – which won’t work because collections only include owned games. A workaround is to add wishlist games to a static collection, but you’ll have to remove them manually once purchased.

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