How to: Create a shapefile in QGIS

[@OurManInChad]

I'm trying to do the same in the Mac Version of QGIS but that seems more complicated. I cannot draw the shapefile in the main window with the base-map. Instead a second window opens up - without the base-map - where I can draw the shape file. I'm a bit confused

[@Archiblog]

Thank you. By the way the bottom left hand corner is obscured by your follow-on screen.

[@PhlogPhanatic]

Hi, do you know if it is possible to create a "standard" template for the shapefile if you are using the same attributes? For example I am making multiple projects with only the base layer image changing, and require the same attributes across all 60 maps. I don't really want to have to define the attributes 60 times if I can avoid it.