Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Saving All Open Workbooks.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 3, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you work with lots of workbooks open at the same time, you know that it can be a pain to go through and save each of the open workbooks, in turn. Wouldn't it be great to have a single command that allowed you to save all the open workbooks, without the need to do it manually?
Unfortunately, there isn't such a command. The closest solution is to hold down the Shift key as you click the File menu, then choose Close All. In the process of closing, Excel will ask if you want each workbook saved.
The big drawback to this is that Excel closes and you need to again start Excel and open all your workbooks. If you want a true Save All command, you need to create it using a macro. The following is a good example of one you could use:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Sub SaveAll()
Dim Wkb As Workbook
For Each Wkb In Workbooks
If Not Wkb.ReadOnly And Windows(Wkb.Name).Visible Then
Wkb.Save
End If
Next
End Sub
Save the macro in your Personal workbook, assign it to a toolbar button or a shortcut key, and you can call it up as often as you like. It saves all the workbooks that are open, except those that are read-only or hidden.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3307) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Saving All Open Workbooks.
Save Time and Supercharge Excel! Automate virtually any routine task and save yourself hours, days, maybe even weeks. Then, learn how to make Excel do things you thought were simply impossible! Mastering advanced Excel macros has never been easier. Check out Excel 2010 VBA and Macros today!
When you save a read-only workbook file under a new name, Excel automatically adds "copy of" to the beginning of that ...
Discover MoreIf you use UNC paths in your links to external information, those paths may need to be changed at some point. You can ...
Discover MoreHaving trouble opening a group of workbooks selected on your desktop? The reason is probably due to Windows, not Excel.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments