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How to Save and Preview WordPress Posts Using Ctrl+S

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Ctrl + S is a universal keyboard shortcut for saving your work across applications. When a beginner starts using WordPress, it’s a really weird experience to find that the most commonly used keyboard shortcut is not available. In this article, we will show you how to save and preview WordPress posts using Ctrl + S or Cmd + S for Mac users.

Before we start, you’re probably wondering if WordPress doesn’t use the universal shortcut, then how does it save? Well WordPress has a very smart auto-save functionality that automatically saves your post revisions in your browser and in the database.

However, malfunctions to the auto-save or another accident can definitely cause loss of work. The best way to avoid this is to manually save the post. WordPress does have a save button that you can manually press, but that’s just inefficient.

So let’s take a look at how to use Ctrl + S or Cmd + S keyboard shortcuts in WordPress to save your posts.

Video Tutorial

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First thing you need to do is install and activate the Quick Preview plugin. Upon activation, you need to visit the Settings » Quick Preview page to configure the plugin.

Quick preview settings

You can choose whether you would like the preview to open in the same window or a new window. Opening the preview in the same window will take you away from the edit screen.

We recommend that you choose to open previews in a new window. It will be easier to resume editing by switching tabs. After selecting the New window option, simply save your changes.

Now we’re ready to see the plugin in action. All you need to do is create a new post or edit an existing post.

Once you are on the post editor screen, press Ctrl + S keys on your keyboard (Cmd + S for Mac). WordPress will instantly save your post and open the preview in a new window.

Note, that using Ctrl + S will only save your post. If you are working on a draft, using Ctrl + S will not publish your post.

On the other hand, if you are working on an already published post, using Ctrl + S will update the post.

That’s all. Now you can use Ctrl + S keyboard shortcut in WordPress to save and preview your posts instantly. You may also want to check out our list of most useful time saving WordPress shortcuts.

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