Alternatively called Control+N, ^n, and C-n, Ctrl+N is a keyboard shortcut often used to create a new document, window, workbook, or other type of file.

How to use the Ctrl+N keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold either Ctrl key, and while continuing to hold, press N.

  • How to use the Ctrl+N keyboard shortcut.
  • Ctrl+N in an Internet browser.
  • Ctrl+N in Excel and other spreadsheet programs.
  • Ctrl+N in Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Ctrl+N in Outlook.
  • Ctrl+N in Word and other word processors.
  • Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
  • Related information.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.

Ctrl+N in an Internet browser

In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Ctrl+N opens a new application window.

  • Firefox shortcuts
  • Google Chrome shortcuts
  • Internet Explorer shortcuts

Ctrl+N in Excel and other spreadsheet programs

In Microsoft Excel and most other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+N creates a new blank worksheet.

If you want to open a new tab in the same window, you can use the Ctrl+T keyboard shortcut.

  • Full list of Excel shortcuts.

Ctrl+N in Outlook

In Microsoft Outlook, pressing Ctrl+N has multiple uses. For example, if you’re in the Mail section, it creates a new e-mail message. If you’re in the Calendar section, it creates a new appointment.

  • Full list of Outlook shortcuts.

Ctrl+N in Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, Ctrl+N opens a new blank slide deck in another PowerPoint program window.

  • Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.

Ctrl+N in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word and other word processors, pressing Ctrl+N creates a new document.

  • Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

  • Alt+N
  • Ctrl

Ctrl, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, N, New

  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.
  • Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know.
  • Keyboard help and support.