Office 2003 Basics: Creating a New File

Lesson 6: Creating a New File

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Introduction

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Create a new file in any Office 2003 program

New files

Now that you've learned to open an Office 2003 program, you need to learn about files. A file is a collection of data, or information. When you open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint 2003, you'll notice that a new blank file conveniently appears, ready for you to begin working.

The more you work with Office 2003, the more files you will create.

Creating a new file follows a similar process in most Office 2003 programs.

Important terms:

  • In Word 2003, a file is called a document.
  • In Excel 2003, a file is called a workbook.
  • In PowerPoint 2003, a file is called a presentation.
  • In Access 2003, a file is called a database.
  • In Outlook 2003, a file is called a mail message.

Creating a new file in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2003

There is more than one way to create a new file.

To create a new file using the menu bar:

  • Choose FileNew from the menu bar (Ctrl+N).
  • The New task pane opens on the right side of your screen, presenting several options.
  • Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.

Word 2003's New task pane

To create a new file using the Standard toolbar:

  • Click the New button. New button
  • A new file appears.

Creating a new file in Outlook 2003

Creating new files in Outlook 2003 is slightly different than in other Office 2003 programs.

To create a new file using the menu bar:

  • Choose FileNew from the menu bar (Ctrl+N).
  • A cascading menu appears, presenting several options.
  • Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.

Outlook 2003's cascading new file menu

To create a new file in Outlook 2003 using the Standard toolbar:

  • Click the downward arrow at the right end of the New button. New button
  • A drop-down menu appears, presenting several options.
  • Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.

Outlook 2003's new file button menu

Challenge!

  • Practice creating new files in Word 2003, Excel 2003, PowerPoint 2003, and Outlook 2003.
  • Close each new file you create.
  • Do not save new files.

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