What initial steps are needed to create a new query in the Design view?

To create a new query in the Design view, the essential initial step is to click the 'Query Design' button located in the Queries group. This action opens a new window where you can build and modify your query visually, working directly with tables and fields.

Starting the process with the 'Query Design' button is crucial as it sets the foundation for designing the query's structure and specifying the data you want to retrieve. This method allows users to utilize the graphical interface of Access effectively, making it user-friendly and streamlined for database management tasks.

The other options do not align with the correct workflow for starting a new query in Design view. For instance, opening a file tab and choosing to create a new item does not specifically target the query creation process. Importing a query from the External Data tab is unrelated since it pertains to bringing in existing queries, not creating new ones. Similarly, accessing the Home tab and selecting 'New Query' is not a standard method in Access, as the appropriate path to start designing a query lies directly within the Queries group.