The fastest way to start a new document

Open Microsoft Word and select Blank document from the start screen. If Word is already open, go to File > New and choose Blank document. A new, empty page appears ready for typing. You can start writing immediately.

If you want to begin with a template instead — a pre-formatted layout for resumes, letters, or reports — select one from the template gallery on the start screen. Templates save time when you need a specific structure, but a blank document is the standard choice for most writing.

Once your document is open, save it right away so you don't lose your work. Press Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac), choose where to save the file, type a name, and click Save. Word will remember that location for future saves.

Key Takeaways

  • Start a new document by opening Word and selecting Blank document, or use File > New if Word is already running.
  • Save your document immediately after opening it by pressing Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac) and choosing a folder and filename.
  • Templates offer pre-built layouts for common document types like resumes and letters, but a blank document is the standard starting point.
  • Word automatically saves your work at regular intervals if you have AutoSave turned on, but manual saves ensure your changes are stored right away.

Where to find the New Document option

When you first launch Word, the start screen displays Blank document as the largest option in the center. Click it once to open a new file. This is the quickest route if Word is not yet running.

If Word is already open with another document, the start screen does not appear automatically. Instead, go to the File menu in the top left corner, then select New. A gallery of templates and the blank document option will appear. Click Blank document to create a new file without a template.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N (Windows) or Command+N (Mac) to open a new blank document instantly, without navigating menus. This works whether Word is already open or not.

Saving your document with a name and location

After you create a new document, save it before you write much. Press Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac). A dialog box opens asking where you want to save the file and what to name it.

By default, Word suggests saving to your Documents folder. You can choose a different folder by clicking the folder list on the left side of the dialog. Type a clear, descriptive name in the Filename field — for example, "Resume 2024" or "Project Proposal". Do not include special characters like asterisks or forward slashes, as they can cause problems with filenames.

The file format defaults to .docx, which is the standard Word format and works on both Windows and Mac. If you need a different format — such as .pdf or .doc — you can change it in the Save as type dropdown before clicking Save.

Using templates to start with a structure

Templates are pre-designed documents that include formatting, headings, and placeholder text for common types of writing. Instead of building a resume or letter from scratch, you can choose a template and replace the sample content with your own.

To browse templates, open Word and look at the start screen. You will see rows of template options — resumes, cover letters, reports, newsletters, and more. Click any template to preview it. If you like it, click Create to open a new document based on that template.

You can also search for a specific template type. At the top of the start screen, type a keyword like "resume" or "invoice" in the search box. Word will show matching templates from its online library. Select one and click Create.

Understanding document formats and file types

Word documents are normally saved as .docx files, a format that preserves formatting, fonts, images, and other features. This format is compatible with recent versions of Word on Windows, Mac, and the web.

Older versions of Word used .doc format. If you need to share a document with someone using very old software, you can save as .doc, though you may lose some formatting features. Most modern computers and phones can open .docx files without any special software.

If you want to share a document that cannot be edited, save it as .pdf instead. PDFs look the same on any device and preserve your exact layout, but they are harder to edit. You can create a PDF from any Word document by going to File > Save As and choosing PDF from the format dropdown.

Automatic saving and recovery options

Word includes a feature called AutoSave that saves your work automatically at regular intervals. If you use Word through Microsoft 365 or save to OneDrive or SharePoint, AutoSave is usually turned on by default. You will see an indicator at the top of the document showing that it is saving.

If your computer crashes or Word closes unexpectedly, Word can recover your unsaved work. When you reopen Word, it will offer to restore the document from the last auto-saved version. This is a safety net, but it is not a substitute for manual saves — always press Ctrl+S after making important changes.

You can check AutoSave status by looking at the top of your document window. If you see a cloud icon with a checkmark, your file is synced and saved. If you see a spinning icon, the save is in progress. If AutoSave is off, you will need to save manually each time you want to preserve your changes.

Creating documents on different devices

Word works on Windows computers, Macs, tablets, and phones. The steps to create a new document are similar across all devices, though the interface looks slightly different on smaller screens.

On a tablet or phone, open the Word app and tap the Create button (usually a plus sign or pencil icon). Choose Blank document from the options. The document opens in a mobile-friendly layout. Saving works the same way — tap File and then Save, or use AutoSave if it is enabled.

If you do not have Word installed, you can create and edit documents online through Word on the web. Go to Office.com, sign in with your Microsoft account, and click Create to start a new document in your browser. Online documents save automatically to your OneDrive storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a blank document and a template?

A blank document is an empty page with no pre-set formatting or structure. A template is a pre-designed document with built-in formatting, headings, and placeholder text that you replace with your own content. Use a blank document for general writing and a template when you need a specific layout like a resume or letter.

Can I change where Word saves documents by default?

Yes. Go to File > Options (Windows) or Word > Preferences (Mac), then find the Save section. You can set a default folder for new documents. Word will suggest that folder every time you save, though you can still choose a different location for any individual file.

What happens if I close a document without saving?

Word will ask if you want to save your changes before closing. Click Save to keep your work, or Don't Save to discard it. If you accidentally close without saving, Word may offer to recover the document the next time you open it, but recovery is not may provide.

Can I create a Word document without installing Word?

Yes. Word on the web is free through Office.com if you have a Microsoft account. You can create, edit, and save documents online without installing any software. Documents save to your OneDrive storage and sync across your devices. The online version has fewer features than the desktop app but handles most common writing tasks.

How do I rename a document after I have created it?

Open the document, go to File > Save As, type a new name in the Filename field, and click Save. This creates a copy with the new name. You can also rename the file directly in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) by right-clicking the file and selecting Rename.