To create a new document in Microsoft Word, open Word, choose File > New, and select Blank document. You can also start from a template when you want a ready-made layout. Save the document as soon as you begin so you can find it again.
Start a blank document in desktop Word
- Open Microsoft Word. If you are already editing a document, choose File > New.
- Select Blank document. Word opens a new page where you can type immediately.
- Type your text. Use the Home tab to format it and the Insert tab for tables or pictures.
- Choose File > Save As or press Ctrl+S on Windows. Give the file a descriptive name and choose a location such as OneDrive or a folder on your computer.
If the Word start screen is already open, select Blank document there; you do not need to open an existing file first. A new blank document is separate from any document you already have open.
Start from a template
Choose File > New and select a template instead of Blank document. Templates can supply a layout for a letter, résumé, report, or other common task. Replace the sample text with your own content and save the new document under a new name. If you make the same document format repeatedly, see our guide to creating a reusable Word template.
Create a document in Word for the web
Open Word in your browser and choose a blank document or a template from the start page. Word for the web saves changes to OneDrive automatically while you work. Name the document clearly at the top of the page. If you need a local copy, use the File menu’s download option.
Common problems
New is unavailable: Close an open dialog or protected view prompt and try File > New again. You cannot find the file later: Check the location you selected when saving, or look in Word’s Recent list. For more detail, see our Word saving guide.
Source: Microsoft Support: create a document in Word.
Matt has been writing about Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products since the days of Windows XP. He spends much of his time writing for sites like WindowBrain.com