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 File
New 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.
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To create a new file using the Standard toolbar:
- Click the New button.
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- 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 File
New from the menu bar (Ctrl+N). - A cascading menu appears, presenting several options.
- Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.

To create a new file in Outlook 2003 using the Standard toolbar:
- Click the downward arrow at the right end of the New button.
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- A drop-down menu appears, presenting several options.
- Hover your mouse pointer over your choice, then click.
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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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