File > New is BROKEN

[_keyframer]

First off, I've been an Animate user since Flash 3 1999. I've been on the prerelease and the product has shipped with many of my own personal example files (start screen). 
Over a year ago I had to switch to non-Adobe animation software because Animate was simply not supporting the workflow I needed to continue my career.
That said, this week I launched Animate to help me with a client project. V24 has a crippling but that caused crashes when picking colors. That bug has existed for years. so I read a post here in this community to down-grade to V23. So I did. And now, File > New doesn't work. Create New doesn't work either. I have restarted the entire M1 MBP and still, File > New simply won't work. 
I'll add that Animate feels incredibly sluggish compared to what I've grown accustomed to this past year and I honestly can't believe how unstable and unusable Animate is. I simply didn't realize it until after spending a year with a non-Adobe product. Sorry but how on Earth does File > New not work? 

[kglad]

can you open an existing fla?

[_keyframer]

Yes. I can still open Fla files and I did manage to find a way to create a new file by closing all files and using the "Start a new file fast" section on the start screen and then clicking Full HD. So for now, I think I'll live with this or try an even older version. Thanks kglad

[kglad]

if that failed, you could open a fla, remove everything and re-save as the new fla prototype.

then whenever you want a new fla, open that fla and just remember to save it with a different name.

[_keyframer]

Thanks @kglad - I found I can still go to New > Openn as Template - once this client project is done, I'm going to try yet an older version to make sure it's not my machine. I've never experienced File > New not working in any application at any time in my career. It's just so weird.

[kglad]

i've never seen that before either. but then i use windows for most animate work so i avoid most errors.

[rayek.elfin]

Out of curiosity (and perhaps a stupid question): did you @_keyframer try the keyboard shortcut for creating a new file? Does that work?

[_keyframer]

Not a stupid question and yes, I did as that is 99% of how I create new files any given day. This is a new bug for me today and once this client project is approved and delivered, I'm going to uninstall Animate and try an even older version.