Hi! Let's Start a New Word Document.
I'm Skits, and I work with Jerry over at Shared Knowledge Technical Solutions. In about 10 minutes, I'll show you three different ways to start a brand-new Microsoft Word document — AND I'll help you decide when to pick a blank page vs a ready-made template.
Whether you want to write a letter, a grocery list, a flyer for your church group, or a resume for your grandson, this is where it starts. So let's introduce ourselves.
What IS Microsoft Word, Exactly?
Microsoft Word is a program that lets you write and format documents on your computer. Think of it like a digital sheet of paper — except this paper does spell-check, lets you change the size of your words, lets you add pictures, and lets you save your work so you can come back to it tomorrow.
It's the most-used word processor in the world. If somebody emails you an attachment that ends in .docx or .doc, that's a Word document.
Two flavors of Word
Word desktop — the full version installed on your computer (Windows PC or Mac). Part of Microsoft 365, which is a paid subscription. Most powerful, works without the internet.
Word Online — the free version that runs in your web browser at office.com. You just need a free Microsoft account. Slightly fewer features, but plenty for most everyday writing.
Skits' Tip
This course shows you the desktop version of Word, because that's what most folks have installed. The steps are nearly identical in Word Online — if you're using that, just open Word in your browser and the same buttons are there.
Why Would I Start a New Document?
Anytime you want to write something on your computer and save it for later, you start a new Word document. Common reasons:
- Writing a letter to family, a friend, or a business
- Making a list (grocery, packing, to-do, doctor questions)
- Drafting a resume or cover letter
- Creating a flyer for a yard sale, event, or church bulletin
- Writing a journal entry, a recipe, or a story
- Putting together meeting notes or instructions for someone
Each one of those starts the exact same way — with a new, blank Word document waiting for you to type.
Quick Check: Word Myths or Truth?
Before we dive into the steps, let's clear up four common things people get wrong about Word.
Mark each statement TRUE or FALSE:
Microsoft Word is only available as a paid program.
Once you save a Word document, you can't change it again.
You can write a letter, a resume, and a newsletter all in Word.
Word documents end in .docx (or .doc on older versions).
That's the foundation.
You know what Word is, why you'd use it, and you've sorted out the common myths. The next chapter gets you into the actual mechanics — three different ways to start a brand-new document. Most folks settle into one favorite, but knowing all three means you can pick whichever fits the moment.
Click "Three Ways to Start" below when you're ready.