> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.samstudio.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Saving SAM Script Projects to Your Device or Google Drive

> SAM Script saves projects locally as .samscript files — learn how to save, reopen, and organise your work so you never lose progress.

Unlike SAM Space and SAM Blockly — which automatically save your work to the cloud — SAM Script saves projects directly to your device's file system. That means you're in control of when and where your work gets saved, so building a habit of saving often is the key to never losing progress.

## How SAM Script saving works differently

SAM Space and SAM Blockly both auto-save to the cloud as you work, so your projects are always available when you log back in. SAM Script works differently: your project lives in the browser until you explicitly save it. When you save, SAM Script exports a **`.samscript`** file to your device — just like saving a document in a word processor.

<Warning>
  If you close the browser tab without saving, any unsaved changes are permanently lost. SAM Script does not auto-save or keep a draft in the cloud. Always save before closing.
</Warning>

## Saving your project

To save at any time, click the **Save** icon (the floppy disk icon) next to your project name in the toolbar. Your browser will either download the file automatically to your default download folder or prompt you to choose a save location, depending on your browser settings.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Name your project">
    Before saving, click the project name field in the toolbar and give your project a clear name — using the lesson title makes it easy to find later (for example, `Lesson3-LoopsChallenge`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the Save icon">
    Click the **Save** icon (floppy disk) in the toolbar next to your project name. SAM Script will export your project as a `.samscript` file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a save location">
    Save the file somewhere you can find it again — your Desktop, a class folder, or directly to Google Drive. Avoid leaving it in a temporary downloads folder where it can be hard to locate.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the file saved">
    Check that the `.samscript` file appears in your chosen location. If your browser downloaded it automatically, look in your Downloads folder and move it to a better location right away.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Opening a saved project

When you're ready to continue working on a saved project, you can load it back into SAM Script in just a few steps.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open SAM Script">
    Launch SAM Script from SAM Studio as usual.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Open">
    Click **Open** in the toolbar, or go to **File > Open** from the menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your file">
    Browse to the location where you saved your `.samscript` file and select it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start working">
    Your project loads exactly where you left off and is ready to run.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best practices for saving

Following a few simple habits will make sure your work is always safe and easy to find.

* **Name your project before saving.** Use the lesson title or assignment name so you — and your teacher — can identify it at a glance.
* **Save frequently.** Get into the habit of saving every few minutes, especially before switching tabs or stepping away from your computer.
* **Save to Google Drive.** Saving your `.samscript` file directly to Google Drive means you can open it from any device and share it with your teacher without hunting for a file.
* **Create a class folder.** Organise your `.samscript` files in a dedicated folder (for example, `SAM Studio / Term 2`) so your projects don't get scattered across your Downloads folder.

<Tip>
  Connect your browser's default download location to a Google Drive folder so every save goes straight to the cloud. On most computers you can set this in your browser's download settings.
</Tip>