New Document Shortcut (Ctrl+N / ⌘N)
Start a new document with ⌘N on Mac or Ctrl+N on Windows. In many apps ⌘⇧N / Ctrl+Shift+N makes a new folder or private window.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New document / file | ⌘N | Ctrl+N | |
| New from template | ⌘⇧N | Ctrl+Shift+N | |
| Open an existing document | ⌘O | Ctrl+O | |
| Save the new document | ⌘S | Ctrl+S |
One key for a blank page
⌘N (Mac) or Ctrl+N (Windows) opens a fresh, empty document in almost every app — Word, Google Docs, text editors, Photoshop and browsers all follow it.
The Shift variant
Adding Shift — ⌘⇧N / Ctrl+Shift+N — usually means something related but different: a new folder in the file manager, or a private/incognito window in a browser.
FAQ
What is Ctrl+N?
Ctrl+N (⌘N on Mac) creates a new document, file or window in the current app.
How do I open a new document on Mac?
Press ⌘N. For a new folder in Finder, use ⌘⇧N.
Does Ctrl+N work in browsers?
Yes — Ctrl+N opens a new browser window; Ctrl+T opens a new tab instead.