The fastest way: use TextEdit and save as plain text

Open TextEdit, which comes built into every Mac. Press Command+Space to open Spotlight search, type "TextEdit", and press Enter. A blank document opens when ready.

Before you type anything, change the format from rich text to plain text. Go to the menu bar at the top and click Format, then select Make Plain Text. This step matters — if you skip it, your file will save as .rtf (rich text format) instead of .txt, and it will carry invisible formatting that can cause problems later.

Now type what you need. When you are done, press Command+S to save. A dialog box appears asking where to save and what to name the file. Type your filename — for example, "grocery_list" — and make sure the filename ends with .txt. Choose where you want it to go (your Desktop, Documents folder, or anywhere else), then click Save.

Key Takeaways

  • TextEdit is the simplest tool and comes free on every Mac — open it through Spotlight search.
  • Always change the format to plain text before typing, or your file will save as rich text instead of .txt.
  • When saving, type the filename with .txt at the end so the file saves in the correct format.
  • You can create a text file in any folder on your Mac, including Desktop or Documents, by choosing the location in the save dialog.

Why plain text matters for organization

A plain text file (.txt) opens on any device — Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Linux — without special software. Rich text files (.rtf) carry hidden formatting codes that can break or look wrong when you move them between computers. If you are building a system to organize files, plain text keeps everything portable and future-proof.

Plain text also stays readable forever. Software changes, but a .txt file from 1995 opens exactly the same way today. If you are storing notes, lists, or records you might need years from now, plain text is the safest choice.

Creating a text file from the Finder

You can also create a text file without opening TextEdit first. Open Finder and navigate to the folder where you want the file to live. Right-click (or Control+click) in the empty space and look for an option called New File or New Plain Text File. Click it, type your filename with .txt at the end, and press Enter.

This method is faster if you already know exactly where the file should go. The file appears in that folder when ready, ready for you to open and edit. If you do not see a "New File" option in the right-click menu, your Mac version may not have this feature — use TextEdit instead.

Naming your text files so you can find them later

Use filenames that describe what is inside. "notes.txt" tells you nothing; "2024_home_repair_estimates.txt" tells you exactly what to expect. Include dates if the file tracks something over time, and use underscores or hyphens instead of spaces — they work everywhere and keep filenames clean.

Avoid special characters like / \ : * ? " < > | in your filename. Mac will reject some of them or replace them automatically, which can cause confusion. Stick to letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens, and periods.

Opening and editing your text file

Double-click the .txt file to open it. It will open in TextEdit by default on most Macs. Make your changes, then press Command+S to save. The file updates when ready — you do not need to choose a location or format again.

If you want to open the file in a different program, right-click it and select Open With. You will see a list of programs that can read plain text files. This is useful if you prefer a different editor, but TextEdit works fine for most people.

Storing text files in your organization system

Once you have created a text file, store it in a folder that matches your system. If you set up folders by category (like "Home", "Finance", "Health"), put the text file in the matching folder. If you organize by date, create a subfolder for the year or month and put the file there.

The goal is to make the file findable later without searching. A text file buried three folders deep with a vague name defeats the purpose of organizing. Use the folder structure you built to keep related files together, and use clear filenames so you know what each file contains at a glance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between .txt and .rtf files?

.txt files are plain text with no formatting — just letters and numbers. .rtf files can contain bold, italics, colors, and fonts. Plain text works everywhere; rich text only works in programs that understand it. For organizing information, plain text is simpler and more reliable.

Can I create a text file on my Desktop?

Yes. When you save a file in TextEdit, choose "Desktop" from the sidebar in the save dialog. The file will appear on your Desktop when ready. You can also right-click on the Desktop itself and create a new file there if your Mac version supports it.

What if I accidentally saved my file as .rtf instead of .txt?

Open the file in TextEdit, go to Format menu, and click Make Plain Text. Then press Command+S, and the file will save as plain text. You may need to change the filename to end with .txt instead of .rtf in the save dialog.

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

Yes, but the process is different. Use the Notes app (built in) or a text editor app from the App Store. On Mac, TextEdit is simpler and more direct. If you create a file on Mac and want to view it on iPhone, you can store it in iCloud Drive or email it to yourself.