Introduction: Understanding the Basics and Purpose of a .txt File
Creating a .txt file on a Mac is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various built-in tools and applications.
On your Mac, there are multiple methods for creating text files. TextEdit and Automator are the simplest; both are pre-installed on Macs.
Whether you need a simple text document for note-taking, coding, or any other purpose, this guide will walk you through the steps on How to Make a txt File on Mac.
Let’s dive in!
What is a .txt File and What is It Used For? Exploring the Core Functions of Text Files
A text file is just a straightforward text document that can be generated, viewed, and updated using any text editor program. The .txt extension is typically (but only sometimes) present in text files.
For text files containing plain text, such as journal entries or letters to friends, the.txt extension is used. Word processing apps like Apple’s Pages and Microsoft Word can open and read these files. “Plain text” refers to a file that contains merely a list of characters without any formatting.
Unlike .pdf or .docx files, which can have fonts, colors, formatting, and images, text files don’t.
The simplest method for storing text on your computer is using text files. They can also be used for other basic files that don’t need to have graphs, pictures, or other types of content included, such as grocery lists, resumes, cover letters, and forms.
Using an alternative such as Word or Pages is preferable if you require more advanced features and document security.
For more mac Related Articles like this, check out How to Delete Downloads on MacBook Air.
Uses of a .txt File: Practical Applications Across Various Fields
- Notes and Documentation: .txt files are often used for writing quick notes, to-do lists, or simple documentation because they are easy to create and edit.
- Configuration Files: Many software applications use .txt files to store configuration settings or data that needs to be read by the program.
- Coding and Programming: Programmers and developers often use .txt files to write scripts, code snippets, or configuration instructions that don’t require formatting.
- Data Storage: Simple data sets, such as lists or logs, can be stored in .txt files for easy access and manipulation.
- ReadMe Files: When distributing software, developers often include a .txt file called “README.txt” that provides basic information, instructions, or notes about the software.
The simplicity of .txt files makes them versatile and widely supported across platforms.
How Can I Use TextEdit on a Mac to Produce Text Files? A Step-by-Step Guide
For Mac users, TextEdit is a free word-processing app. It is simple to use and comes pre-installed on all Mac computers. TextEdit is a good substitute if you don’t have access to Microsoft Office and don’t want to deal with free options like OpenOffice.
It provides the majority of the fundamental word-processing functions you’ll require and is easy enough for novices to use right away.
This is how to apply it:
- To access the Applications folder, open the Finder.
- Locate the TextEdit application and launch it from there.
- Make sure the Plain text option is chosen in the app’s settings after it has opened.
- Close the environment.
- To start a new document, either choose File → New or hit the Cmd+N shortcut.
- Enter text into the TextEdit box by typing it in or copying and pasting it.
- Click File → Save to store the.txt file. Give your file a name, select the location for storage, and press the Save button.
Congratulations, your Mac now has a text file!
Keep in mind that if you wish to format your text, you can simply switch to Rich Text mode. To do this, choose Make Rich Text from the Format menu item in TextEdit’s menu bar.
A Rich Text document will lose all formatting options if it is converted to a Plain Text document.
How Can I Use Automator to Create a Text File? Automating the Process on Mac
Another built-in macOS program that uses a script to generate.txt files are called Automator. For example, you can use Automator to quickly generate a text file that can be opened from any location in the Finder. This is how you do it:
1: Launchpad or the Applications folder can be used to open the Automator app.
2: Decide to make a Fast Action.
3: Locate the “Run AppleScript” option in the sidebar and move it to the window’s right panel.
4: The script that follows should be copied and pasted into the window:
set file_name to “untitled”
set file_ext to “.txt”
set is_desktop to false
— get folder path and if we are in desktop (no folder opened)
try
tell application “Finder”
set this folder to (folder of the front Finder window) as alias
end tells
on error
— no open folder windows
set this folder to path to desktop folder as alias
set is_desktop to true
end tries
— get the new file name (do not override an already existing file)
tell application “System Events”
set file list to get the name of every disk item of this folder
end tells
set new_file to file_name & file_ext
set x to 1
repeat
if new_file is in file_list then
set new_file to file_name &”” & x & file_ext
set x to x + 1
else
exit repeat
end if
end repeat
— create and select the new file
tell application “Finder”
activate
set the_file to make new file at folder this folder with properties {name: new_file}
if is_desktop is false then
reveal the_file
else
select window of desktop
set selection to the_file
delay 0.1
end if
end tells
— press enter (rename)
tell application “System Events”
tell process “Finder”
keystroke return
end tell
end tell
5: Click File in the Automator menu bar, then choose Save.
6: Click to save the command after giving it a name, such as Create TXT File.
7: After doing this, you can use Finder to create a.txt file. To do this, click the Finder menu bar, Select Services, and then select the newly formed “Create TXT file” command. (This option may go under another name.)
Meanwhile, on Programs like Microsoft Word, You can do further enhancements and adjustments like using Double Spacing in Word for Documentation.

Common Uses of .txt Files: Versatility in Everyday Tasks
1: Notes and Documentation: Simple and Efficient Information Keeping
- Ideal for jotting down quick notes, writing simple documentation, or creating to-do lists without the need for rich text formatting.
2: Configuration Files: Storing Settings for Software and Systems
- Many software applications and systems use .txt files to store configuration settings. Examples include .ini or .cfg files, which are essentially plain text files with specific syntax.
3: Source Code and Scripts: Essential for Developers and Programmers
- Programmers often write source code in plain text files, which can be saved with various extensions (e.g., .py for Python, .js for JavaScript). While the extensions differ, the underlying content is plain text.
- Scripts such as shell scripts (.sh) or batch files (.bat) are also plain text files containing executable commands.
4: Log Files: Tracking Events and Errors for Debugging
- Systems and applications generate log files to record events, errors, and other operational information. These logs are typically stored in plain text format for easy reading and parsing.
5: Data Storage: Managing Plain Text Data in a Readable Format
- Simple data storage tasks, such as storing lists, CSV (comma-separated values) data, or other structured information, can be efficiently handled with .txt files. For more Data and Storage Related Guides visit our Blog.
6: Readme and Documentation Files: Providing Instructions and Information
- Projects, especially in software development, often include README.txt or README.md (Markdown, which is a slightly formatted text) files to provide instructions, information, or documentation about the project.
7: Cross-Platform Information Sharing: Universal Format for Seamless Compatibility
- Because .txt files are universally compatible, they are ideal for sharing information between different operating systems without worrying about formatting issues.
For more Troubleshooting articles related to Apple Mac or iPhone, check out articles like How to Recover Emails on iPhone.
Advantages of Using .txt Files: Why Text Files Remain Essential
- Simplicity: Easy to create, edit, and read without requiring specialized software.
- Lightweight: Minimal storage space is required, making them efficient for storing large amounts of text data.
- Universality: This can be accessed on virtually any device and operating system.
- Flexibility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple notes to complex configuration settings.
Disadvantages of Using .txt Files: Limitations and Drawbacks
- Lack of Formatting: Cannot include rich text features like images, tables, or styled text, which limits their use for detailed documentation or presentations.
- No Structured Data Support: While they can store structured data (like CSV), they lack inherent support for more complex data structures unless specific formatting or conventions are followed.
- Basic Features: Lack of advanced features found in word processors or specialized applications, such as spell check, grammar correction, or embedded multimedia.
Examples of .txt File Usage: Real-World Scenarios Where Text Files Shine
- Configuration: A web server might use a .txt file to store settings such as server names, port numbers, and directory paths.
- Programming: A developer writes a Python script in a .txt file, saves it with a .py extension, and executes it.
- Logging: A system administrator reviews a system_log.txt file to troubleshoot issues by examining recorded events and errors.
- Note-Taking: A user keeps a list of tasks or reminders in a todo.txt file for easy access and modification.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Utility and Significance of .txt Files
An essential file format in computing .txt files is valued for their simplicity, usability, and wide range of compatibility. It has several uses, ranging from simple note-taking and documentation to more sophisticated uses like logging and configuration management.
Its versatility makes it a useful tool for specialists in a variety of sectors as well as daily consumers, even though it lacks advanced functions and formatting skills.
ARZ Host hopes that this post has helped explain to you how to create a text file on a Mac. You can use Automator to build a script command for Finder or use the TextEdit tool to generate a text file.
Be aware that your Mac can create text documents with a variety of other software programs. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, and we will do our best to help you.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1: How do I create a .txt file using TextEdit on a Mac?
To create a .txt file using TextEdit, open the TextEdit app from your Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight.
Once TextEdit is open, go to the menu bar and select “File” > “New” to create a new document.
By default, TextEdit opens in rich text format (RTF), so you need to change it to plain text.
Go to “Format” in the menu bar and select “Make Plain Text” (or use the shortcut Shift + Command + T).
Finally, save the file by selecting “File” > “Save,” choosing a location, and making sure to add “.txt” at the end of your file name.
2: Can I create a .txt file using Terminal on a Mac?
Yes, you can create a .txt file using Terminal on a Mac.
Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Once Terminal is open, you can create a .txt file by typing the command touch filename.txt and pressing Enter.
This will create a new, empty .txt file with the name you specified in the current directory. You can replace “filename” with your desired file name.
3: What is the fastest way to create a .txt file on a Mac?
The fastest way to create a .txt file on a Mac is by using the Terminal app.
Simply open Terminal and use the touch command followed by the desired file name with the .txt extension.
For example, type touch myfile.txt and press Enter. This will instantly create a new, blank .txt file in your current directory.
4: How do I save a .txt file from another format on a Mac?
If you have a document in another format (like .docx or .rtf) and want to save it as a .txt file, open the document in the appropriate app, such as TextEdit or Microsoft Word.
In TextEdit, go to “File” > “Export As” and choose “Plain Text (.txt)” as the file format.
In Microsoft Word, go to “File” > “Save As” and select “Plain Text (.txt)” from the file format options. This will convert and save your document as a .txt file.
5: Can I create a .txt file on a Mac using a third-party app?
Yes, you can use third-party apps like Sublime Text, Atom, or Visual Studio Code to create a .txt file on a Mac.
Open your preferred text editor, create a new document, and save it as a .txt file by choosing “File” > “Save As” and ensuring the file extension is set to .txt.
These editors often provide additional features like syntax highlighting and better formatting options, which can be useful for various types of text files.
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