Creating a New Document in Microsoft Word

There are several ways to create a new document in Microsoft Word.

Method 1: From the Start Screen

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. On the start screen, click on Blank document to create a new, empty document.
3. Alternatively, choose from available templates to start with preformatted content.

Method 2: From Within Word

1. If Word is already open, click on the File tab.
2. Select New from the left sidebar.
3. Click on Blank document or choose a template.

Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcut

While in Word, press Ctrl+N to instantly create a new blank document.

Using Templates

Templates provide predesigned formats for specific document types:

1. Click on the File tab.
2. Select New from the left sidebar.
3. Browse through the available templates or search for specific types (e.g., "resume," "letter," "report").
4. Click on a template to preview it.
5. Click Create to open a new document based on the selected template.

Saving Documents in Microsoft Word

Saving a Document for the First Time

1. Click on the File tab.
2. Select Save or Save As.
3. In the Save As dialog box, choose where you want to save your document:
   • OneDrive (for cloud storage and automatic syncing)
   • This PC (for local storage)
   • Browse (to navigate to a specific folder)
4. Enter a name for your document in the "File name" field.
5. Click Save.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut to Save

Press Ctrl+S at any time to save your document. If you haven't saved it before, the Save As dialog will appear.

Choosing a File Format

Word offers several file formats when saving documents:

1. In the Save As dialog, click the drop-down menu next to "Save as type".
2. Choose from available formats:
   • Word Document (.docx) - The default format for modern Word documents.
   • Word 97-2003 Document (.doc) - For compatibility with older versions of Word.
   • PDF (.pdf) - For creating a fixed document that maintains formatting across devices.
   • Rich Text Format (.rtf) - For basic formatting compatible with many text editors.
   • Plain Text (.txt) - For text without formatting.
3. Click Save.

Auto-Save Feature

When working with documents stored on OneDrive or SharePoint:

• Auto-Save is enabled by default in the top-left corner of the window.
• Your document saves automatically as you work.
• To disable Auto-Save, toggle the Auto-Save switch to "Off".

Saving to Different Locations

1. Click on the File tab.
2. Select Save As.
3. Choose from:
   • OneDrive - For cloud storage accessible from anywhere.
   • This PC - For local storage on your computer.
   • Add a Place - To connect to additional storage services.
   • Browse - To navigate to a specific folder location.

Document Recovery

Recovering Unsaved Documents

If Word closes unexpectedly before you save your work:

1. Reopen Microsoft Word.
2. If available, a Document Recovery pane will appear with recovered versions.
3. Click on the document to open it.
4. Save the recovered document immediately.

If no recovery pane appears:

1. Click on the File tab.
2. Select Open.
3. Click on Recover Unsaved Documents at the bottom of the Recent Documents list.
4. Select the document from the dialog that appears.
5. Click Open.

AutoRecover Settings

To adjust how often Word automatically saves recovery information:

1. Click on the File tab.
2. Select Options.
3. Click on Save in the left sidebar.
4. Under "Save documents," ensure "Save AutoRecover information" is checked.
5. Adjust the minutes in the "Save AutoRecover information every X minutes" field.
6. Click OK.

Best Practices for Document Management

• Save frequently to prevent loss of work (use Ctrl+S).
• Use descriptive filenames that identify the content and version.
• Organize documents in logical folder structures.
• Create backups of important documents on external drives or cloud storage.
• Use OneDrive for automatic syncing across devices and version history.
• Enable AutoSave when working on important documents.
• Check compatibility when sharing with users who may have older versions of Word.

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!