The save as shortcut key in Word, Excel and PowerPoint on Windows is F12. It opens the Save As box at once, so you can give the file a new name, pick a folder or change the format to PDF.
Many other programs use Ctrl + Shift + S for the same job, including Notepad and most photo editors. Laptops with media controls on the top row usually need Fn + F12. Mac users press Command + Shift + S.
Quick facts
Office on Windows
F12Laptop
Fn + F12Other apps
Ctrl + Shift + SRibbon keys
Alt, then F, then APlain save
Ctrl + SMac
Command + Shift + S
Save as shortcut key in Word and other programs
| Program | Keys |
|---|---|
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint on Windows | F12 |
| Same, through the ribbon | Alt, then F, then A |
| Notepad | Ctrl + Shift + S |
| Most image and design programs | Ctrl + Shift + S |
| Office for Mac and most Mac apps | Command + Shift + S |
Plain Ctrl + S only shows a Save As box the first time you save a new file. After that it saves silently over the same file; see the save shortcut key page.
How to use Save As with F12
- Open the document you want to save under a new name or in a new place.
- Press F12. On a laptop, try Fn + F12 if nothing appears.
- Type the new file name. Press Tab to move to the Save as type list if you want PDF or another format.
- Pick the folder on the left, then press Enter to save.
The original file stays as it was. From now on you are working in the new copy, which is easy to forget, so check the name in the title bar.
Save as PDF with the keyboard
In Word or Excel, press F12, then Tab to the Save as type list, press P until PDF is selected, and press Enter. This is the quickest way to send a resume or invoice that looks the same on every phone. Excel saves the active sheet unless you choose otherwise under Options.
Shortcut key for save as in laptop keyboards
F12 is the last key on the top row. On many laptops it also turns on airplane mode or locks the touchpad. If pressing it changes a setting instead of opening Save As, add Fn. The other option, Alt, then F, then A, avoids the function row and works on any keyboard with Office, which makes it the safest ms word save as shortcut key to teach beginners.
When Save As does not open
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| F12 turns on airplane mode | Press Fn + F12, or use Alt, then F, then A |
| The backstage screen opens instead of a box | Click Browse, or turn on Don't show the Backstage under Options, then Save |
| File type missing | Some formats need the full desktop version of Office |
| Cannot save to a folder | The folder is read only; choose Documents or Desktop |
Save As on a Mac
Most Mac apps use Command + Shift + S. In some Apple apps this creates a duplicate, and holding Option in the File menu shows Save As. Office for Mac also uses Command + Shift + S. For more Office keys, try the cut, copy and paste collection and the MS Word shortcut keys guide.
For printing the saved file, the print shortcut key guide has the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for save as?
What is the shortcut for save as in Word?
What is the save as keyboard shortcut on a laptop?
Usually Fn + F12.
What is the difference between Save and Save As?
Save updates the same file. Save As makes a new file with a new name, place or format.
How do I save as PDF quickly?
Press F12, change Save as type to PDF and press Enter.