This article explains how to create a new file, such as a document, on your computer. Windows users can create files within the "File Explorer" application, but in general on all computers it is possible to create a new file in the "File" or "New" menu within the desired program.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: On Windows
Step 1. Open "File Explorer"
Click on the "File Explorer" program icon, which is represented by a yellow and blue folder and is located in the system tray at the bottom of the screen.
You can also press the ⊞ Win + E keys to open "File Explorer"
Step 2. Open the folder where you want to create the file
On the left side of the "File Explorer" window, click on the folder in which you want to create the file.
Step 3. Click on the Home tab
It is located at the top left of the "File Explorer" window. At the top of the window will open the toolbar of the "Home" tab.
You can also simply click on a blank space within the window with the right mouse button to open a drop-down menu
Step 4. Click on New Item
This option is located in the section titled "New" within the toolbar. A drop-down menu will appear.
If you had to open the drop-down menu with the right mouse button, select "New" in it to display the list of available options
Step 5. Select a file type
In the drop-down menu, click on the type of file you want to create. This way the file will appear in the selected folder with its name highlighted.
If the type of file you want to create is not listed in the menu, read the last method to know how to create a file within a program
Step 6. Name the file
Taking advantage of the fact that the file name has already been selected, type in the title you want to give it.
Step 7. Press Enter
This will save the name and the file will be created in the selected folder.
You can double-click on the file to open it
Method 2 of 3: On Mac
Step 1. Understand what types of files you can create
Unlike Windows, Mac does not allow you to create new files without first opening the program you want to use (so if for example you want to create a document in Microsoft Word, you will have to open this program). However, you can still create folders.
If you want to create a file or document, please read the last method
Step 2. Open Finder
Click on the application icon, which is represented by a blue smiley and is located in the Dock.
Step 3. Open the section in which you want to create a new folder
In the Finder window, look for the section in which you want to create a new folder.
For example, to create a new folder in the "Downloads" area, you will need to click "Download" on the left side of the Finder window
Step 4. Click on File
This option is located on the left side of the menu bar, at the top of the computer screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 5. Click on New Folder
This option is found in the drop-down menu. A new folder will be added to the one you opened.
Step 6. Enter a name
Taking advantage of the fact that the folder name is already selected (which will happen immediately after creating it), write the title you want to assign it.
Step 7. Press Enter
This will save the folder name, which will be created in the selected section.
Method 3 of 3: Using the Program Menus
Step 1. Open the program you want to use
Click or double-click the application icon you want to use to create a file, or do the following to search for the software:
-
Windows - Click on Start
Windowsstart type the name of the program you want to open and click on its icon at the top of the results list.
-
Mac - Click on Spotlight
Macspotlight write the name of the program you want to open and double click on its icon at the top of the results list.
Step 2. Click on File
This option is usually found in the upper left of the program window (Windows) or on the screen (Mac). A drop-down menu will appear.
Some programs, such as Paint 3D on Windows, have a welcome screen with "New" or "New Project" options. If so, skip this step
Step 3. Click on the New option
It is generally found in the drop-down menu titled "File", but you may also find it on the program's home screen.
Some programs, such as Adobe CC, may ask you to enter project details or select a template before proceeding
Step 4. Create the file according to your needs
If you want to make changes to the file before saving it (like adding text), do so before proceeding.
Step 5. Open the "Save As" menu
The easiest way to do this on any computer is to press the Ctrl + S (Windows) or ⌘ Command + S (Mac) keys.
- You can also click on "File" and then on "Save as".
- If pressing Ctrl + S or ⌘ Command + S doesn't get any results, chances are you've already created the file after clicking "New". This happens very commonly when using Adobe CC programs.
Step 6. Enter the file name
In the "File Name" (Windows) or "Name" (Mac) text box in the "Save As" window, type the title you want to use to identify the file.
Step 7. Choose the folder in which to save it
Click on one of the folders on the left side of the window to select the one where you want to save the file.
- For example, to save it to your desktop, you should click on the "Desktop" folder.
- If you are using a Mac, you will have to click on the "Where" box and then on the folder where you want to save the file in the drop-down menu that will open.
Step 8. Click Save
This option is located in the lower right corner of the window. In this way the file will be created and saved in the selected folder with the name you indicated.
