Starting from version 1.2.90 Qt Creator shows subfolders which exist in project's folder as branches in project's tree if only Filter tree option is not set to Simplify tree.
When my 'data' directory only had one sub-directory 'model' it just appeared as "data/model". After adding 'dao' as another sub-directory it displayed data with the traditional +/- manner to reveal model and dao.
It only seems to be impossible to create sub-directories in QT-CREATOR.
Try the following:
Create a number of sub-directories, with a file-explorer or by command line within the project-folder (for example net/, gui/, test/, data/ ...)!
Move exisiting files into these new folders. And change their paths within the *.proj file!
Create new also files from beginning within the new folders (By AddNew...)!
... QT-CREATOR displays only such folders which contain files that are written with their names into the *.pro or a *.pri file. At root level QT-CREATOR distinguishes between HEADERS, SOURCES, FORMS and OTHER FILES. Within these root folders you can find project-own subfolders, repeatedly. (Not covered in this text is splitting into sub-projects.)
You can create a sub-directory as long as you have a file you wish to create in it. Go to the parent directory, and "Add" a file to it. "Browse" for the location and create a new folder inside the browse window. Agreed, that is not quite intuitive.
In the Project Folder (outside the IDE), create Directories that you'd like to put your code in and move your source files into those directories.
Say you put "foo.cpp" and "foo.h" in the directory "foo".
In your "*.pro" file, go to each line that references the source files you moved and add the directory name, followed by '/' in front of the source file name.
you can add folders in your folders manager but they should contain a file, then go QT and right-click on your project then click on "add existing directory" and select your folder. if the folder is empty it's not going to show up.