How to Create a Text File in CMD with copy con

If you searched copy con command, you want a file in Command Prompt without opening Notepad. copy con filename copies from the console (your keyboard) into that file. It is the same copy command documented on Microsoft Learn: copy, with con as the source. Walk through it in the copy con lesson.

con is the console device. copy con note.txt means: take everything you type and write it to note.txt. Any extension works (.txt, .bat, .cmd). If the file already exists, copy asks before overwrite unless you pass /y.

This is a one-shot stream. You cannot move the cursor up to fix an earlier line. For a real editor, use Notepad or type to read a file you already saved.

1. Type copy con note.txt and press Enter.
2. Type each line. Enter starts a new line.
3. When you are done, press Ctrl+Z or F6. You should see ^Z.
4. Press Enter. cmd prints 1 file(s) copied.

Pressing Enter and expecting the file to save. Enter only ends the current line. The end-of-file marker is Ctrl+Z (or F6), then Enter. Ctrl+C cancels and does not save.

copy con also replaces the file. It does not append. To add text, copy to a new name or use a different tool.

copy con is useful when you need several lines and want to type them interactively. For one short line, echo is usually easier:

echo Hello>note.txt

The redirection operator writes the line immediately, while copy con keeps accepting input until you send the end-of-file marker. Choose the method that matches the amount of text rather than using copy con as a general-purpose editor.

How do I create a text file in CMD? copy con filename.txt, type content, then Ctrl+Z and Enter.

How do I save with copy con? Ctrl+Z or F6, then Enter. Look for 1 file(s) copied.

What key ends copy con? Ctrl+Z or F6, not Ctrl+S.

Can the file have another extension? Yes. copy con run.bat is a common trick for a tiny script.

How do I append instead of replace? copy con cannot append. Use another command or editor.

To copy an existing file to a new name, use copy, not copy con.