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New File Shortcut Key (Ctrl + N)

EditingWord, Excel, NotepadWindows and MacChecked 2 Nov 2026

New document or file

CtrlN

New folder

CtrlShiftN

In File Explorer

Template choices (Office)

AltFN

Mac

CommandN

The new file shortcut key is Ctrl + N in nearly every Windows program. In Word it opens a blank document, in Excel a blank workbook, in PowerPoint a blank presentation, and in Notepad or a code editor an empty file. On a Mac, press Command + N.

In File Explorer, Ctrl + N opens a new Explorer window instead, and Ctrl + Shift + N creates a new folder. To start from a template in Office, use Alt, then F, then N.

Quick facts

  • New file

    Ctrl + N

  • From a template

    Alt, then F, then N

  • Save the new file

    Ctrl + S

  • New folder

    Ctrl + Shift + N

  • New window

    Ctrl + N in File Explorer

  • Mac

    Command + N

New file shortcut key in different programs

What Ctrl + N creates
ProgramResult
WordBlank document
ExcelBlank workbook
PowerPointBlank presentation
NotepadNew tab or empty file
Code editorsUntitled file
Image editorsNew canvas dialog
BrowsersNew window
File ExplorerNew Explorer window

New document shortcut key with a template

  1. In Word, Excel or PowerPoint, press Alt, then F, then N.
  2. Choose a template such as a resume, invoice or calendar.
  3. Click Create. The template opens as a new, unsaved document.
  4. Save it with Ctrl + S, giving it a name and folder.

Saving for the first time asks for a location; that is explained in save shortcut key and save as shortcut key.

Create a new text file in a folder

File Explorer has no single default key for a new text file. Right click an empty part of the folder, choose New, then Text Document, and type the name. A keyboard route is Shift + F10 for the right click menu, W for New and T for Text Document. For a new folder, Ctrl + Shift + N is direct; see new folder shortcut key.

Turn on file name extensions in File Explorer's View menu, so a new file named notes.txt is not saved as notes.txt.txt.

Keep new files organised

Name files clearly at the first save, such as Rent receipt April, rather than leaving Document1. Store work files inside one main folder with subfolders by client or month. Office programs remember the last folder used, which speeds up saving the next new file. On shared office computers, save to your own folder or a network drive rather than the desktop, which other users may clear. If a program crashes before the first save, Word and Excel often offer the unsaved file in a recovery panel when reopened.

When Ctrl + N does not open a new file

Problems and fixes
ProblemFix
Nothing happensClick inside the program window first
Start screen appears in OfficeThat is the template gallery; press Esc or pick Blank
A browser window opensIn browsers Ctrl + N is new window, not new file
Notepad opens a tabNew Notepad versions use tabs; Ctrl + Shift + N opens a new window
A tuition teacher prepares a test each week. She presses Alt, then F, then N in Word, picks her saved test template, types the questions and saves with a new name, keeping the layout the same every time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the new file shortcut key?
Ctrl + N in most programs.
What is the shortcut key to create a new document in Word?
Ctrl + N for blank, or Alt, then F, then N for templates.
How do I create a new folder with the keyboard?
Ctrl + Shift + N in File Explorer.
Why does Ctrl + N open a new window in Chrome?

In browsers it opens a window, not a file.

How do I create a new text file in a folder?

Right click, New, Text Document.

What is the new file shortcut on a Mac?
Command + N.