The Problem: No "New File" in Finder
If you've switched from Windows to Mac, you've probably noticed something missing. In Windows, you can right-click on the desktop or in any folder and select "New > Text Document" to instantly create a .txt file. macOS has no equivalent.
Your options on a Mac are limited and often frustrating:
- TextEdit defaults to Rich Text (.rtf) and requires changing the format every time
- Terminal requires typing commands like
touch filename.txt - Third-party apps are overkill for a simple text file
The Easiest Solution: Use TXT Maker
TXT Maker at createtxt.com lets you create a .txt file directly in your browser. Just type or paste your text, name the file, and click download. It takes seconds.
- No app to install
- No Terminal commands to remember
- No TextEdit format hassles
- Works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or any browser
- Your text never leaves your browser — completely private
Create a .txt file right now — no sign-up needed
Create Your .txt File Now →Other Ways to Create TXT Files on Mac
Using TextEdit
Open TextEdit, go to Format > Make Plain Text (or press Cmd+Shift+T), type your content, then save with the .txt extension. This works but requires extra steps every time.
Using Terminal
Open Terminal and type touch ~/Desktop/myfile.txt to create an empty file, or echo "your text" > ~/Desktop/myfile.txt to create one with content. This is fast but requires comfort with the command line.
Using Automator
You can create an Automator Quick Action that adds a "New Text File" option to Finder's right-click menu. This is a one-time setup but involves several steps.