How to save only the current file and discard changes in other files – Support | JetBrains

Question

In the IDE, Ctrl+S saves all files. How can I save only the currently edited file, discard changes in other files, or close a file and be prompted to save/discard changes?

Answer

How saving works

JetBrains IDEs treat saving as a project-wide operation and perform it automatically. Files may be saved on various events, including (but not limited to) compiling/running/debugging, version control operations, closing a file or project, and quitting the IDE.

For details, see: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/clion/saving-and-reverting-changes.html

Save only the currently open file (manual action)

You can map a shortcut (for example, Ctrl+S) to the action that saves only the current file:

Open File | Settings | Keymap.
Find Other | Save File.
Assign a keyboard shortcut (for example, remap Ctrl+S).

Note: even if you use Save File, the IDE may still save other files automatically during actions like Run/Debug/Build, VCS operations, and when exiting the IDE. This behavior cannot be fully disabled.

Reduce auto-save triggers (optional)

You can disable some auto-save options:

File | Settings | Appearance & Behavior | System Settings | Save files if the IDE is idle for X seconds
File | Settings | Appearance & Behavior | System Settings | Save files when switching to a different application or a built-in terminal

These settings can reduce background saves, but they do not prevent saves that happen as part of core operations (Run/Debug/Build/VCS/Exit).

Discard changes in a file

Since changes are often saved automatically, the supported way to discard changes is to revert them after the fact:

Using Version Control (recommended if the file is under Git/SVN/etc.): revert/checkout the file to the last committed state.
Using Local History: restore previous content from the IDE’s local history.

Closing a modified file with a “Save/Discard?” prompt

This workflow is not supported. The IDE does not provide a prompt on closing a modified file to choose whether to save or discard changes. To undo changes, use Local History or Version Control as described above.