Creating a New Document

tip

If you can't find the file you want, it could be because you did not save it where you thought you did. Try looking in a different drive or folder. If you still can't find it, try searching for the file. For more information about searching for files, see Chapter 16.

When you start most programs, a blank document is displayed. If you want to create another new document, you don't have to exit and restart. You can create another new blank document at any time from within the program.

In addition to a blank document, many programs enable you to select a template on which to base the new document. A template is a predesigned document that may include text and formatting. To get a head start on content or formatting, you can select a template for the new documentif the program has a template that matches your needs.

To create a new document, follow these steps:

1.

In the program, click File and then click the New command. tip In addition to the File, New command, look for a New icon in the toolbar or a shortcut key (usually Ctrl+N).

2.

If you see a New dialog box, click the type of document you want to create and then click the OK button. For instance, in WordPad, you can select from several document types (see Figure 2.9). When you click OK, a new document is displayed. You can use any of the program tools to create and save this new document. Figure 2.9. If the program includes templates or document types, you are prompted to select the template or document type from the New dialog box.

After the blank document is displayed, you can start entering data. Entering data in most programs is pretty straightforward. For example, in a word processing program, you just start typing. In a worksheet, you select the cell (intersection of a row and column) and type the entry. Instructions for more complex programsfor example, a database programmay require more upfront work. For the exact instructions on how to use a program to create a document, check the program's documentation.

note

You most often set up a printer when you first purchase a new computer or a new printer. If your printer is not set up on your computer, you must complete this action before printing. Setting up a printer is covered in Chapter 19, "Upgrading Your Computer."