Where's the Damn 'New File' Option on Mac? 😅 Help a Newbie

[Sherry]

Hey fellow Mac users!
I’ve been struggling with something that feels SO basic but drives me nuts daily.

Am I the only one going crazy over Mac’s missing “New File” in the right-click context menu?
I used to use the function “New file” on my Windows, but on my MacBook, I’m stuck either:

1. I need to open Microsoft Word/Photoshop EVERY TIME to create a blank file.
2. Sometimes I use clunky workarounds like duplicating a template file (which clutters my folders).
3. The worst part? When I’m rushing between Zoom calls and my trackpad is my main tool, not having that right-click “New File” option feels like macOS is gaslighting my muscle memory.

I tried Automator scripts, but they don’t show up consistently in my right-click menu. Any Mac veterans here who’ve cracked this without third-party apps? Ideally, a native trick for creating specific file types directly in Finder?

[yuri]

DUDE. I feel this in my soul. I bought a MacBook and 80% of my Finder time is spent yelling “WHY CAN’T I JUST MAKE A NEW FILE HERE?!?”

My janky fix: I made a ‘Templates’ folder with blank PSD/AI/PDF files.
Now I just drag-duplicate them into folders. Is it elegant? No. Does it save me from launching Adobe’s bloatware? Yes.

Just kidding: Apple probably thinks we’re all supposed to live with iPad-style apps forever. Next macOS update will replace Finder with a giant “+” button that only creates Apple Notes.

[Wilsey]

Actually, this isn’t a “limitation” – On macOS, files should be created within apps to ensure proper metadata and app association.

If you want “New File” like Windows,

1. Here’s the Terminal command: touch ~/Desktop/MyPain.txt
2. Or drag-drop: Open the app once, keep a blank doc in your Dock, drag its icon into any folder to copy.

But for other files like XML/XLS/PPT/DOC? You’ll need to script it with Automator + Shell magic. But sometimes it can’t be used well.

Read a guide post to create a new file on Mac. Good luck~

[Vain]

Woohoo! macOS has already had this and you’re all sleeping! Just download iBoysoft MagicMenu(free, Apple-trusted). It adds:

Right-click → New File (with custom types!)
PPT/XLSX/PSD/WPS… templates
No Terminal, no scripting~

1. Just download it and right-click on the desktop or inside Finder.
2. Choose New File > Click your wanted file type.
   
   

So easy~ Have a try.