Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 28, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
When Glenn is done working with a document in Word, he often wants to close it and open a brand-new blank document. These are obviously two separate steps (close the open document and then create a new document). Since Glenn does this so often, he's wondering if there is a way that he can combine the two steps into a single step.
An easy way to do this is to simply use keyboard shortcuts. To close the current document and then create a blank document, first press Ctrl+W followed by Ctrl+N. This can still be considered two steps, however. And, if you need to save the document first (by pressing Ctrl+S), then it is three steps.
If you truly want it to be a single step, then the best solution is to create a macro to do the tasks. Here's a simple example:
Sub MyCloseCreate()
ActiveWindow.Close SaveChanges:=False
Documents.Add DocumentType:=wdNewBlankDocument
End Sub
The first line in the document closes whatever document is active, and then the second creates the brand-new document. Note the use of the SaveChanges parameter on the first line. This causes Word to close the document without saving any changes; if you want to save your changes by default, change the "False" to "True."
You should save the macro in your Normal template and then you can assign it to a shortcut key or add it to your Quick Access Toolbar. That way you can perform both steps with a single action.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (13006) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Want to protect your document so it cannot be changed? There are a couple of ways you can do it, and not all of them ...
Discover MoreNeed to force users to save their work? It may be as simple as implementing a couple of macros that get a bit more ...
Discover MoreIf you receive a document from somebody else, you might not be able to edit it if the document contains fonts that you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-01-28 05:10:48
KENT HANSEN
A special case that I have is closing a document and reopening the SAME document 4 times a day. (Document has a number of links that may opened and then processed via another macro).
Lots of code choices on the internet. I use the one below. (One QAT click vs File|Close|Don'tSave|File|Open|Select)
Sub Reopen()
'UpdatebyExtendoffice20171128
ThisWorkbook.Saved = True
ThisWorkbook.ChangeFileAccess xlReadOnly, , False
Application.Wait Now + TimeValue("00:00:01")
ThisWorkbook.ChangeFileAccess xlReadWrite, , True
End Sub
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.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments