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Why Can't I Right-click to Create a New File on Mac?

On a Windows computer, if I want to create a new file, I just right click and select New > Text File for example. However, I can't find the option on the right-click menu on my Mac. I can only create a new folder. How do I enable the option to create a new text file from the menu on a Mac?

Best Answered by

Connie Yang

Answered on Tuesday, August 27, 2024

In macOS, there's no new file option on the right-click menu by default. You are only allowed to create a new folder through a right-click.

You can go to Finder > the applications folder to find the TextEdit app and open it to create a new .txt file. Or open a Word document there if you've installed one.

If you just have switched to macOS and are used to the right-click operation for new file creation, you can use iBoysoft MagicMenu.

This free app is a right-click enhancer that allows you to right-click to create a new file, such as a Word document, text file, WPS, PPT, excel file, and more.

Here's how:

  1. Download, install, and open this freeware on your Mac.
  2. Right-click the blank area on your desktop or in a folder.
  3. Select New File > your desired new file type.