Save is writing data to a storage medium, such as a floppy disk, CD-R, USB flash drive, or hard drive. The save option is found in almost all programs commonly under the “File” drop-down menu or through an icon that resembles a floppy diskette. When clicking the Save option, the file is saved as its previous name. However, if the file is new, the program asks the user to name the file and where to save the file.

What does the save icon look like?

It is up to the developer of the program to decide how the save icon appears. However, to keep the familiarity of past computer programs, the save icon often looks like a floppy disk, which should resemble one of the icons shown below.

You may also use the Save As option to make a copy of the file you’ve already created or rename it.

Use the keyboard shortcut key Ctrl+S or Control+S on a PC to save a document or file at any time. If you are using a Mac, use the Command+S keyboard shortcut.

  • What does the save icon look like?
  • File menu with the Save and Save As options.
  • When saving, should I overwrite?
  • Why do we need to save files?
  • Where are files saved?
  • How to save a file to the desktop.
  • How to save a file to a diskette or other drives?
  • How do I open a previously saved file?
  • What happens to any work not saved?
  • Related information.

File menu with the Save and Save As options

In the picture below is an example of the typical file menu with the Save option.

Some programs may hide this menu. If you do not see a file menu, try pressing the Alt on the keyboard. Or, try moving the mouse to the top of the screen. Or, look for a “hamburger” menu button.

When saving, should I overwrite?

When saving a previously existing file, software programs ask if you want to overwrite it. If you click “Ok” or “Yes,” the previous file is replaced with the new version. If you want to save the file as a different name or in a different location, choose the Save As option instead of Save.

Why do we need to save files?

Unless the program you are using automatically saves as you are working, if a file is not saved, it is lost. For example, if you are writing a book and the computer loses power, or the computer crashes and must be rebooted, your work is lost. While you are working, data is saved in RAM, a fast, volatile memory device. It’s called “volatile” because RAM loses its data when its power source is lost or turned off. In contrast, your disk is “non-volatile” storage, because it retains its data even when powered off.

Where are files saved?

A program saves files to the destination of your choice. The program may default to a specific folder (e.g., My Documents) or may use the last used location as the starting place to save a file. You can browse to the folder or drive you want to save the file or use the default location.

When a document or file is saved, changes that happen after saving would be lost if something happened to the program while creating the file.

  • Where should I save files?

How to save a file to the desktop

When you choose the Save or Save As option in your software, you can choose your desktop as the place to save the file. To do this, in the Save As dialog box, click the desktop icon or the left of the box. Then, in the File name text box, type a name for the file. Change the file type in the Save as type drop-down box, if desired. Then, click Save.

How to save a file to a diskette or other drives?

Saving a file to another diskette or another drive such as a USB flash drive, hard drive, or network drive can be done one of two ways. First, while the file is open, you can choose the Save As option and then browse to the other drive. For example, in Microsoft Windows in the Save As window, select “This PC.” Click the drive of where you want to save the file. Then, name the file, and click Save.

You can also copy (save) one or more files from their current location and paste the files to a diskette or other drives. Additional help and steps with how to copy and paste a file is available through the link below.

  • How to copy files.

How do I open a previously saved file?

After a file is saved to a drive, it can be opened at any later date. For help and information about opening a file, see the following link.

  • How to open, view, and edit the contents of a file on a computer.

What happens to any work not saved?

Any work that is not automatically saved that is not saved is lost. For example, if you were working on a document and the computer lost power or froze all work not saved would be lost.

Autosave, Save As, Software terms, Store, Untitled, Write

  • How to save a document.
  • Why am I unable to save a file on my computer?
  • What is the difference between Save and Save As?
  • How to find a file on a computer.
  • How to save a photo in Adobe Photoshop.
  • How to back up your computer.