Save vs. Save As — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 27, 2023
Save updates the existing file; Save As creates a new file or location. One common scenario for using Save is during routine edits. Save As becomes essential when wanting to preserve the original while making a variant of it.
Difference Between Save and Save As
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Key Differences
In computing, the Save option is typically utilized when a user wants to store changes made to a currently open document. Save As, on the other hand, provides an opportunity to create a copy of the document, often in a new location or with a new name.
When a user selects Save, the original file is overwritten with the new data, ensuring that the most recent changes are captured. Save As ensures that the original document remains untouched, and a new version of the file is generated instead.
One common scenario for using Save is during routine edits. Save As becomes essential when wanting to preserve the original while making a variant of it.
Save is the go-to for quick updates and changes, ensuring data is retained. Save As is perfect for instances where duplication, reformatting, or renaming is necessary.
In essence, Save reaffirms the status of a document, maintaining its current identity. Save As provides a fresh start, allowing for the creation of a parallel version without affecting the original.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Updates an existing document
Creates a new copy or version
Effect on Original File
Overwrites the original
Preserves the original
Naming
Retains the current file name
Offers option to rename
Location
Saves in the current directory
Allows choice of a new directory
Frequency of Use
Regularly, for standard document updates
Occasionally, for making specific copies
Compare with Definitions
Save
To accumulate money as by frugality or abstention.
He wants to save for a new car.
Save As
In computing, a command to save a file with a different name or location.
I'll use Save As to keep the original document untouched.
Save
In computing, to store data so it can be used later.
Always save your work before shutting down the computer.
Save As
A method to convert a file to a different format.
Use Save As to change the document to a PDF.
Save
To rescue from harm, danger, or loss
The lifeguard saved the struggling swimmer.
Save As
A command to rename a digital document or file.
After editing the photo, he clicked on Save As to rename it final_version.
Save
To prevent from dying
The doctors saved the patient.
Save As
To create a duplicate version of a file.
She used Save As to make a backup of her thesis.
Save
To set free from the consequences of sin; redeem
Prayed to save his soul.
Save As
A function to specify a distinct directory for a file.
He chose Save As to move the spreadsheet to his work folder.
Save
To keep in a safe or healthy condition
God save King Richard!.
Save
To hold back for future use
Saved his best song for the encore.
Save
To avoid spending (money) so as to keep or accumulate it.
Save
To avoid spending (money or time) in an amount less than what circumstances normally require
Saved $25 at the sale.
Saved 15 minutes by taking a shortcut.
Save
To prevent the waste or loss of; conserve
Bought an efficient device that saves electricity.
Save
To treat with care by avoiding fatigue, wear, or damage; spare
Wore sunglasses to save his eyesight.
Save
To make unnecessary; obviate
By carrying two bags you can save an extra trip.
Save
To spare (someone) from having to do something.
Save
(Sports) To prevent (a goal) from being scored by blocking a shot. Used of a goalie.
Save
To prevent an opponent from scoring (a point).
Save
To preserve a victory in (a game).
Save
(Baseball) To preserve (another pitcher's win) by protecting one's team's lead during a stint of relief pitching.
Save
(Computers) To copy (a file) from a computer's main memory to a disk or other storage medium.
Save
To avoid waste or expense; economize.
Save
To accumulate money
Saving for a vacation.
Save
To preserve a person or thing from harm or loss.
Save
(Sports) An act that prevents a ball or puck from entering a goal.
Save
(Baseball) A preservation by a relief pitcher of another pitcher's win.
Save
With the exception of; except
"No man enjoys self-reproach save a masochist" (Philip Wylie).
Save
Were it not; except
The house would be finished by now, save that we had difficulty contracting a roofer.
Save
Unless.
Save
(transitive) To prevent harm or difficulty.
Save
To help (somebody) to survive, or rescue (somebody or something) from harm.
She was saved from drowning by a passer-by.
We were able to save a few of our possessions from the house fire.
Save
To keep (something) safe; to safeguard.
Save
To spare (somebody) from effort, or from something undesirable.
Save
(Christianity) To redeem or protect someone from eternal damnation.
Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
Save
(sports) To catch or deflect (a shot at goal).
Save
(baseball) To preserve, as a relief pitcher, (a win of another pitcher's on one's team) by defending the lead held when the other pitcher left the game.
Save
To put aside, to avoid.
Save
(transitive) To store for future use.
Let's save the packaging in case we need to send the product back.
Save
(transitive) To conserve or prevent the wasting of.
Save electricity by turning off the lights when you leave the room.
Save
(transitive) To obviate or make unnecessary.
Save
To write a file to disk or other storage medium.
Where did I save that document? I can't find it on the desktop.
Save
(intransitive) To economize or avoid waste.
Save
To accumulate money or valuables.
Save
To refrain from romantic or (especially in later use) sexual relationships until one is married or is with a suitable partner.
She told me she's saving herself for marriage.
Save
An instance of preventing (further) harm or difficulty.
Save
In various sports, a block that prevents an opponent from scoring.
The goaltender made a great save.
Save
(baseball) A successful attempt by a relief pitcher to preserve the win of another pitcher on one's team.
Jones retired seven to earn the save.
Save
A point in a professional wrestling match when one or more wrestlers run to the ring to aid a fellow wrestler who is being beaten.
The giant wrestler continued to beat down his smaller opponent, until several wrestlers ran in for the save.
Save
(informal) An action that brings one back out of an awkward situation.
Nice save.
Save
(computing) The act, process, or result of saving data to a storage medium.
If you're hit by a power cut, you'll lose all of your changes since your last save.
The game console can store up to eight saves on a single cartridge.
Save
(RPG) A saving throw.
Save
Except; with the exception of.
Save
Unless; except
Save
The herb sage, or salvia.
Save
To make safe; to procure the safety of; to preserve from injury, destruction, or evil of any kind; to rescue from impending danger; as, to save a house from the flames.
God save all this fair company.
He cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Thou hast . . . quitted all to saveA world from utter loss.
Save
Specifically, to deliver from sin and its penalty; to rescue from a state of condemnation and spiritual death, and bring into a state of spiritual life.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Save
To keep from being spent or lost; to secure from waste or expenditure; to lay up; to reserve.
Now save a nation, and now save a groat.
Save
To rescue from something undesirable or hurtful; to prevent from doing something; to spare.
I'll save youThat labor, sir. All's now done.
Save
To hinder from doing, suffering, or happening; to obviate the necessity of; to prevent; to spare.
Will you not speak to save a lady's blush?
Save
To hold possession or use of; to escape loss of.
Just saving the tide, and putting in a stock of merit.
Save
To avoid unnecessary expense or expenditure; to prevent waste; to be economical.
Brass ordnance saveth in the quantity of the material.
Save
Except; excepting; not including; leaving out; deducting; reserving; saving.
Five times received I forty stripes save one.
Save
Except; unless.
Save
(sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring;
The goalie made a brilliant save
The relief pitcher got credit for a save
Save
Save from ruin, destruction, or harm
Save
To keep up and reserve for personal or special use;
She saved the old family photographs in a drawer
Save
Bring into safety;
We pulled through most of the victims of the bomb attack
Save
Spend less; buy at a reduced price
Save
Feather one's nest; have a nest egg;
He saves half his salary
Save
Make unnecessary an expenditure or effort;
This will save money
I'll save you the trouble
This will save you a lot of time
Save
Save from sins
Save
Refrain from harming
Save
Spend sparingly, avoid the waste of;
This move will save money
The less fortunate will have to economize now
Save
Retain rights to;
Keep my job for me while I give birth
Keep my seat, please
Keep open the possibility of a merger
Save
To preserve or retain something from harm or loss.
He managed to save the documents from the fire.
Save
To keep something for future use.
She decided to save the leftover cake for tomorrow.
Save
To help someone avoid time, effort, or trouble.
This shortcut will save you ten minutes.
Common Curiosities
What does the Save function do?
Save updates and stores changes made to an existing file.
When should I use Save?
Use Save for routine updates to an existing document to capture recent changes.
If I accidentally overwrite a file using Save, can I retrieve the original?
Unless there's a backup or versioning system in place, overwriting using Save typically means the original is lost.
How does Save As differ from Save?
Save As creates a new copy or version of a file, often in a different location or with a new name.
When is Save As most useful?
Save As is beneficial when you want to preserve the original file and create a variant of it.
Why might someone use Save As multiple times on a single document?
They might want to create multiple versions or backups at different stages of editing.
Does Save overwrite the original document?
Yes, Save overwrites the original file with the latest data.
Is the Save command universal across all software?
Most software applications use Save, but its specific functionality might vary slightly.
Can Save As convert a file to a different format?
Yes, Save As often offers options to save in different file formats.
Is it possible to change the default location where Save stores files?
Often, yes. This can usually be adjusted in the software's settings or preferences.
Does Save As affect the original file?
No, Save As creates a new file, leaving the original untouched.
Can I rename a file using Save?
No, Save retains the file's current name. Use Save As to rename it.
Does Save always save to the same location?
Yes, Save retains the current directory. For a new location, use Save As.
Can I use Save As to organize my files better?
Absolutely, Save As allows you to specify a distinct directory or rename files for better organization.
Can Save As be used as a backup method?
Yes, Save As can create duplicates, which can serve as backups, though it's advisable to have more robust backup systems in place.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
