Keep downloads organized automatically
If you'd rather have files land in a specific folder than sort through your default Downloads folder later, setting the save location in advance in Chrome's settings saves you the trouble of moving files every time.
Sorting downloads by file type is a manual process
Chrome does not automatically route different file types (images, documents, installers) into different folders on its own. Turning on the "ask every time" option is the practical workaround if you want that level of manual control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save different file types to different folders?
Chrome's default settings don't support automatic sorting by file type, so turning on "ask where to save each file" and choosing manually is the closest workaround.
How do I switch the download location back to the default?
On the downloads settings screen, click "Change" again and reselect the folder Chrome originally used as its default.