How to Use Your Word Processor

Creating a New File

Creating a new file is typically accomplished through menu or toolbar commands. In Microsoft Word, use either of the following techniques:

Menu Commands: Use the FILE > NEW menu command. In recent versions of Microsoft Word (XP and later), a control pane will open on the right side of your screen, allowing you to choose from recently opened files, new blank files, or files based on built-in templates. In versions of Word prior to XP, the Templates dialog box will open, allowing you select a new blank file or a file based on a template.

The Toolbar: Use the New Blank Document icon on the toolbar to create a file. Clicking on the icon will create a new blank document.