Always Starting with a Blank Document

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 18, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365

When Steven opens Word, he sees a number of choices for either creating a blank document or using various templates as a basis for a new document. He always chooses to create a blank document. He wonders of there is a way to skip this opening palette of choices and simply go to a blank document from the get-go.

The behavior that Steven describes was introduced in Word 2013 and is called the Start screen. This feature can be controlled in Word in the following manner:

Display the File tab of the ribbon.
Click the Options button. Word displays the Word Options dialog box.
At the left side of the dialog box, make sure General is selected. (It should be selected by default.)
Scroll down, if necessary, until you see the Start Up Options section. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The General options of the Word Options dialog box.

Clear the Show Start Screen when this Application Starts check box.
Click on OK.

Now, the next time you start Word, you won't be shown the Start screen. Instead, you'll see a blank document, the same as in earlier versions of Word.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (8433) applies to Microsoft Word 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Changing the Types of Numbers in a Numbered List

Ever want to change the types of numbers that Word displays when you create a numbered list? There are several numbering ...

Discover More

Setting Your Default Document Directory

Word allows you to specify where it should start looking for your documents. This setting can come in handy if you store ...

Discover More

Changing Your System Date and Time

Need to change the date and time maintained by Windows? It's easy to do using the steps in this tip.

Discover More

Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!

More WordTips (ribbon)

Reading View in Office 365

Word provides a plethora of ways you can view your document. This tip looks at one of those views (Reading view) and ...

Discover More

Jumping to a Relative Section

Navigating through a long document can be challenging, at times. Here's a way you can move forward or backwards in your ...

Discover More

Zooming with the Keyboard

Want to zoom in and out without the need to using the ribbon tools? You can create your own handy macros that do the ...

Discover More

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is 6 + 2?

2023-12-09 16:29:05

Steve Pitt

I cannot get this fix to work! HELP!! I've used this "fix" a zillion times and cannot open in blank format.

2023-11-20 09:44:51

Andrew

Gary, you can also simply type Ctrl-N (whether or not a document is open) to create a blank document based on your Normal template.

Andy.

2023-11-18 07:37:44

Gary Rees

Not sure if this is the correct forum for comments. I was absolutely overjoyed to read how you described how to get a blank document every time without the other options.

In my frustration I made a copy of the blank document and saved it in a Folder I created titled Blank Word Document. Each time I want a blank format to create a document all I do is upload the copy and create my document. Once completed I 'Save as' to where I want the document and that's all I need to do. The Blank copy remains for future use.

By the way I already receive you wonderful weekly tips.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.