Saving an Excel file is a fundamental task that ensures your work is preserved and can be accessed later. Whether you've created a new spreadsheet or made changes to an existing one, saving your file is essential to retain your data, formulas, formatting, and any other modifications you've made. In Microsoft Excel, saving a file is a straightforward process that offers different options to choose from, depending on your preferences and requirements.

How to Save an Excel File/Workbook?

Create or Open Your Workbook:

Begin by either creating a new workbook (File > New) or opening an existing workbook (File > Open) in Microsoft Excel.


Make Your Edits:

Enter your data, formulas, and any desired formatting or changes to your spreadsheet.


Access Backstage View:

Click on the "File" tab located in the upper left corner of the Excel window. This action opens Backstage View, which provides various file-related options.


Choose "Save As" or "Save" (if new file):


Save As: If you're saving the file for the first time, or if you want to save a copy with a different name, format, or location, click on "Save As." This option allows you to specify the file name, choose a storage location, and pick a file format (e.g., Excel Workbook or PDF).

Save: If you've already saved the file and want to update the existing version, simply click on "Save." This action will overwrite the previously saved file without asking for a new file name.

Select Storage Location:

If you clicked on "Save As," navigate to the folder where you want to save your file. You can choose your computer's local storage or cloud storage services like OneDrive or Dropbox.

If you clicked on "Save," the file will be saved to the previously chosen location.

Choose File Format (Optional):

If you're using the "Save As" option, you can choose a specific file format from the drop-down menu. Excel Workbook (.xlsx) is the default format and is widely compatible. However, you can also choose other formats like Excel 97-2003 Workbook (.xls) or PDF.

Provide File Name:

If you're using the "Save As" option, enter a descriptive name for your file in the "File name" field. This name will help you identify the file easily.

Click "Save":

After specifying the storage location, file format (if applicable), and file name, click the "Save" button. Your Excel file will be saved with the provided details.


Confirmation:

Excel may display a confirmation message indicating that your file has been successfully saved. You can now close Backstage View and continue working on your workbook.

By following these steps, you can save your Excel file, ensuring that your work is secure and accessible for future reference or further editing. Remember to save your changes periodically to avoid losing any valuable data or modifications.