Create a new text file in any folder on your Mac

Why it happens

Finder has no option to make an empty text file inside a folder. Instead, you make the file in an app and save it where you want it. TextEdit comes with every Mac, and it saves rich text (.rtf) unless you switch it to plain text first.

How to fix it

1. Press Command-Space, type TextEdit and press Return.

2. If a window asks you to open a file, click New Document.

3. Choose Format > Make Plain Text, or press Shift-Command-T. The formatting bar disappears, which shows it worked.

   TextEdit›Format›Make Plain Text

4. Type your text, then press Command-S.

5. Type a name, choose your folder from the Where menu or the sidebar, and click Save. The file is saved as .txt.

Still not fixed?

1. Saved it as .rtf by mistake? Open the file, choose Format > Make Plain Text, then save it again.

   TextEdit›Format›Make Plain Text

2. Want TextEdit to start in plain text every time? Choose TextEdit > Settings…, click New Document and select Plain text.

   TextEdit›Settings…›New Document

3. Can't find where it went? In TextEdit choose File > Open Recent to open it, then check the folder name at the top of the window.

   TextEdit›File›Open Recent

4. Need another ending, like .md or .csv? Type it at the end of the name when you save, and confirm it if your Mac asks which ending to use.

5. If TextEdit won't open or can't save to any folder, restart your Mac and try again. If it still fails, contact Apple Support.