The fastest way: use TextEdit

Open TextEdit from your Applications folder or by pressing Command+Space, typing "TextEdit", and pressing Enter. When the blank document opens, go to Format menu and click "Make Plain Text" — this is the step most people miss. If you skip it, your file will save as .rtf (rich text format) instead of .txt, and you will not be able to open it in all the places you need to.

Type or paste your content. Then press Command+S to save. Give the file a name ending in .txt — for example, "grocery_list.txt" or "notes.txt". Choose where you want it to live (your Desktop, Documents folder, or a specific project folder). Click Save.

That file now exists as a plain text document. You can open it in any text editor, email it, paste its contents anywhere, or edit it again later by double-clicking it.

Key Takeaways

  • TextEdit is built into every Mac and creates text files without any setup or downloads.
  • You must click Format > Make Plain Text before saving, or the file will not be a true .txt file.
  • Always include .txt at the end of your filename so the file opens correctly when you double-click it later.
  • Plain text files work everywhere — email, cloud storage, different computers, and older software.

Why plain text instead of Word or Pages

A .txt file is smaller, faster to open, and works on any device or operating system. Microsoft Word files, Google Docs, and Apple Pages all add invisible formatting code that makes the file larger and ties it to specific software. If you are writing something that does not need bold, italics, colors, or images — a to-do list, notes, a straightforward log, code snippets, or configuration instructions — plain text is the right choice.

Plain text also survives longer. A Word document from 2005 might not open in current software. A .txt file from 2005 opens exactly the same way now. If you are storing something you might need in five or ten years, plain text is safer.

Creating a text file without opening an app

If you want to create a blank .txt file directly in a folder without opening TextEdit first, right-click the folder in Finder and look for "New File" or a similar option. On most Macs, this option does not exist by default — you would need to install additional software to add it.

The simpler workaround: open TextEdit, make it plain text, save it with a .txt name to the folder you want, then close it. The file is now there and ready to edit. You can right-click it later, choose "Open With", and pick any text editor you prefer.

Other text editors if you want more features

TextEdit works fine for basic notes and lists. If you write code, work with configuration files, or want features like line numbers, syntax highlighting, or find-and-replace, consider BBEdit (paid, very powerful), Visual Studio Code (free, industry standard for coding), or Sublime Text (paid, lightweight and fast).

All of these create and save .txt files the same way TextEdit does. The difference is in the extra tools they offer. For organizing household files, to-do lists, or straightforward notes, TextEdit is all you need.

Saving to the right location so you can find it later

When you press Command+S, the save dialog shows you where the file will go. By default it often suggests your Documents folder. If you are creating a file related to a specific project — home renovation notes, car maintenance records, a budget spreadsheet — save it in a folder you created for that project, not loose in Documents.

Use a clear filename that tells you what is inside: "2024_car_repairs.txt" is better than "notes.txt". Include the year if you create similar files each year. When you come back six months later looking for that information, a specific name saves you from opening five files to find the right one.

Editing a text file you already created

Double-click the .txt file in Finder and it opens in TextEdit (or whatever text editor you set as default). Make your changes, press Command+S, and it saves over the old version. You do not need to give it a new name unless you want to keep both the old and new versions.

If you want to change which program opens .txt files by default, right-click the file, choose "Open With", select the editor you prefer, and click "Change All". From then on, all .txt files on your Mac will open in that editor when you double-click them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between .txt and .rtf?

.txt is plain text with no formatting — just letters, numbers, and symbols. .rtf (rich text format) can include bold, italics, colors, and fonts. TextEdit saves as .rtf by default, which is why you must click Format > Make Plain Text first. For organizing files and notes, .txt is simpler and more portable.

Can I create a text file on my iPhone or iPad?

Yes, using the Notes app or a third-party text editor like Ulysses or 1Writer. However, if you need the file to sync with your Mac or work on both devices, iCloud Notes or a cloud service like Dropbox or Google Drive is easier than managing separate files.

Why does my text file open in Word instead of TextEdit?

Your Mac is set to open .txt files with Word by default. Right-click the file, choose "Open With", select TextEdit, and click "Change All". From then on, .txt files will open in TextEdit. You can change it back anytime the same way.

Can I email a text file?

Yes. Attach it like any other file — drag it into the email, or use the attachment button. The recipient can open it on any computer, phone, or tablet. Text files are small and work everywhere, so they are reliable for sharing straightforward information.