SAP shortcut keys in SAP GUI are built on the function keys. F8 executes a report, F3 goes back one screen, F4 opens search help for the field the cursor is in, and Ctrl + S saves. F1 shows help for any field.
The command field at the top left is just as important. Typing /n followed by a transaction code, such as /nME21N, leaves the current screen and opens the new one; /o opens it in a new session window instead. Ctrl + / jumps straight to the command field.
Quick facts
Execute
F8Back
F3Search help
F4Save
Ctrl + SCancel
F12Command field
Ctrl + /New session
Ctrl + N
SAP shortcut keys in SAP GUI
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| Enter | Confirm entries and move on |
| F1 | Help for the field |
| F3 | Back |
| Shift + F3 | Exit the transaction |
| F4 | Possible values (search help) |
| F8 | Execute |
| F12 | Cancel without saving |
| Ctrl + S | Save |
| Ctrl + F | Find |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Ctrl + N | New session window |
| Ctrl + / | Go to the command field |
The exact function key for a button is shown when you hover over it, so any screen can be learned without a list. Right click on an empty part of the screen to see a menu of available functions and their keys.
Command field codes
| Code | What it does |
|---|---|
| /n plus code | Leave this transaction and start the new one |
| /o plus code | Start the transaction in a new session |
| /n | Leave the current transaction |
| /o | List sessions |
| /i | Close the current session |
| /nend | Log off, asking to save |
| /nex | Log off immediately without saving |
Use /nex with care: unsaved entries in every session are lost. In most companies, users run several sessions at once, for example one for a sales order and one for checking stock, and /o makes that quick.
Search help and entering data faster
Press F4 in any field with a small search button to see allowed values, then filter by name or number. The last values used appear in a history list when you start typing, which saves retyping customer and material numbers. Tab moves to the next field and Shift + Tab to the previous one. Selecting rows in a report list uses Ctrl + Y to mark a block of text for copying, which is handy when copying a document number into email.
Working with reports and lists
In ALV report lists, Ctrl + F finds text, Ctrl + Shift + F9 often opens the change layout dialog, and the export button sends the list to a spreadsheet. Saved variants on selection screens, loaded with Shift + F5, fill in the parameters you use daily. Because keys can vary with the SAP release and company setup, check the tooltip if one behaves differently. Exported lists are often cleaned up in a spreadsheet; see filtering exported lists.
When a key does nothing
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| F8 does nothing | Required fields are empty; fill the ones marked with a tick |
| Command field hidden | Click the small arrow beside the green tick at the top left |
| Function keys change volume | Press with Fn, or turn on Fn Lock |
| No authorization message | You lack access to that transaction; ask your SAP team |
Frequently asked questions
What are the most used SAP shortcut keys?
F8 execute, F3 back, F4 search help and Ctrl + S save.
How do I open a new transaction in SAP?
Type /n plus the transaction code in the command field.
How do I open a new session in SAP?
How do I log off SAP quickly?
Type /nend, or /nex to log off without saving.
What does F4 do in SAP?
It shows possible values for the field.