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SAP Optimization: work faster and safer in SAP GUI and SAP Fiori

The settings, commands and habits that save clicks every day in SAP S/4HANA and SAP ECC: a color for each system, the command field, Parameter IDs, keyboard shortcuts, smarter selection screens, Fiori launchpad personalization and what to check when a report is slow.

  • SAP GUI 8.00 and 8.10
  • SAP Fiori launchpad
  • SU3
  • /o /n /nex

By · Updated

Eight quick wins

Each one takes a minute to set up and pays back every day. Start here, then read the details below.

Tip 1 · SAP GUI

Give each system and client its own color

Customizing in one window, testing in another, checking production in a third: when every window looks the same, it is easy to change the wrong one. A color per system, or even per client (a DEV gold copy and a DEV unit test client, for example), tells you where you are before you press Save.

For the system and client you are logged on to

  1. Log on to the system and client.
  2. Open More (top right) › SAP GUI Settings and Actions › Options.
  3. Go to Visual Design › Color Settings.
  4. Under the colors for the system, pick a color and confirm.
  5. Log on to the next client and repeat with another color.

The color stays after you log off, so you can work in both clients at the same time without mixing them up.

From SAP Logon, before you log on

In SAP Logon, open the menu › Options › Visual Design › Color Settings and set a color for each system in your list.

For everybody, set by Basis

Administrators can give a system the same color for all users with a system profile parameter. SAP documents it under "System-Specific Color Settings" in the SAP GUI for Windows help.

Hint: agree on one scheme for the whole team, for example production red, quality gold, development green and sandbox grey. In SAP GUI 8.10 you can also group taskbar windows by system ID and client.

Menus and colors change with the SAP GUI release and theme. The steps above are for the Quartz themes of SAP GUI 7.70 and 8.00; SAP GUI 8.10 brings the Horizon theme and Quick Theming for the main interface colors.

Try it

Pick a system, then a color
Color for DEV · Client 100
Color for QAS · Client 200
Color for PRD · Client 300

Tip 2 · SAP GUI

The command field

The box at the top of every SAP GUI screen does much more than run a transaction code. Press Ctrl + / to jump into it from anywhere, then type one of these commands and press Enter. Replace xxxx with a transaction code.

Command field cheat sheet
CommandWhat it doesWatch out
/nxxxxLeaves the current transaction and starts xxxx in the same windowUnsaved data in the current transaction is lost
/oxxxxStarts xxxx in a new window (a new session)The number of sessions per logon is limited by your system
/*xxxxStarts xxxx and skips its first screen, using the values already there or from your Parameter IDsCheck what was filled before you change anything
/nEnds the current transaction and goes back to SAP Easy AccessUnsaved data is lost without a warning
/oLists your open sessions, so you can switch to one, create one or end one
/iCloses the current window (session)Unsaved data in that window is lost
/nendLogs off from the system, asking for confirmation
/nexLogs off at once, without a confirmation promptEvery window closes; unsaved data is lost
/hSwitches on the ABAP debugger for the next stepNeeds debug authorization; for analysts and developers

SAP Note 26171 lists the full set of command field entries. The arrow at the right of the command field opens the history of the last transactions you used.

Tip 3 · SAP GUI and Fiori

Keyboard shortcuts worth learning

A dozen keys cover most of a working day. On a Mac, Ctrl is usually Control in SAP GUI for Java and Command in the browser.

SAP GUI

Ctrl + /
Go to the command field
Ctrl + +
Open a new session
F1
Help for the field, and its Technical Information
F4
Possible values for the field
F3
Back
F8
Execute a report
Ctrl + S
Save
Ctrl + F
Find (Ctrl + G finds the next one)
Ctrl + Y
Mark a block of a list to copy it
Ctrl + ;
Create an SAP shortcut for the desktop
Alt + F12
Customize Local Layout menu

SAP Fiori launchpad

Ctrl + F1
Show the shortcuts of your release
Ctrl + Shift + F
Go to the search field
Alt + H
Go to the home page
Alt + A
Open the App Finder
Ctrl + ,
Open Settings
Ctrl + Shift + S
Open the Share menu of an app
Ctrl + Shift + E
Export a table
F6
Jump between areas of the screen
F4
Value help in an input field

Fiori shortcuts can differ between releases and browsers: Ctrl + F1 shows the list for your system.

Tip 4 · SAP GUI and Fiori

Parameter IDs: let SAP fill the fields for you

A Parameter ID links a value in your user profile to every screen field that uses it. Save your company code once and it appears in FB03, KS03, ME23N and hundreds of other screens.

Set a default value

  1. Run SU3 (Maintain User Profile), or System › User Profile › Own Data.
  2. Open the Parameters tab.
  3. Enter the Parameter ID and the Parameter Value, for example CAC with your controlling area.
  4. Save. The value appears the next time you open a screen with that field.

Find the Parameter ID of any field

  1. Put the cursor in the field and press F1.
  2. Choose Technical Information.
  3. The Parameter ID is shown under Field data. No ID there means the field cannot be defaulted this way.

Careful: a default is only a suggestion. Check company code and fiscal year before you post, and update year and period values every year.

In the SAP Fiori launchpad, Settings › Default Values does the same job. Single values there are kept in step with these SU3 parameters; ranges and multiple values are not.

Common Parameter IDs

Parameter IDFillsFieldArea
BUKCompany codeBUKRSFI
KPLChart of accountsKTOPLFI
GJRFiscal yearGJAHRFI
SAKG/L accountSAKNRFI
GSBBusiness areaGSBERFI
FWSCurrencyWAERSFI
CACControlling areaKOKRSCO
ERBOperating concernERKRSCO
KOSCost centerKOSTLCO
PRCProfit centerPRCTRCO
KATCost elementKSTARCO
ANROrderAUFNRCO
FBEFunctional areaFKBERCO
PROWBS elementPS_POSIDCO
WRKPlantWERKSMM
LAGStorage locationLGORTMM
MATMaterialMATNRMM
EKOPurchasing organizationEKORGMM
EKGPurchasing groupEKGRPMM
LIFSupplier (vendor)LIFNRMM
VKOSales organizationVKORGSD
VTWDistribution channelVTWEGSD
SPADivisionSPARTSD
KUNCustomerKUNNRSD
AUNSales documentVBELNSD
VSTShipping pointVSTELSD
ME_USE_GRIDPurchasing list reports as an ALV gridValue XSwitches
SD_GOS_ATTACHMENTSServices for Object also when creating a sales orderValue XSwitches

Tip 5 · SAP GUI

Tidy up the SAP Easy Access screen

All four settings live in one dialog: on the SAP Easy Access screen, choose Extras › Settings.

  • Display technical names

    Shows the transaction code before each menu entry. Learn the codes as you go and type them straight into the command field next time.

  • Do not display picture

    Removes the image on the right of the start screen, often the company logo, for a cleaner screen. Basis sets that image in table SSM_CUST.

  • Build your favorites

    Drag a transaction from the SAP menu onto Favorites, or use Favorites › Insert Transaction. Folders, web links and files can go there too.

  • Find where a transaction lives

    Transaction SEARCH_SAP_MENU searches the SAP menu by code or text and returns the folder path.

Tip 6 · SAP GUI

Four SAP GUI options to switch on

Open the options from More › SAP GUI Settings and Actions › Options, or from the Customize Local Layout menu (Alt + F12).

1. Show keys in dropdown lists

Without it, dropdown lists show only descriptions. Go to Interaction Design › Visualization 1 and, under Controls, tick:

  • Show Keys Within Dropdown Lists
  • Sort By Keys Within Dropdown Lists for Most Efficient Keyboard Input

Then you can type the key itself, such as SA, instead of scrolling for the description.

  • 2. Input history

    Under Local Data › History, choose On or Immediately. Fields then suggest what you typed before, such as the last suppliers or materials.

  • 3. Quick Cut and Paste

    In the Customize Local Layout menu (Alt + F12), switch on Quick Cut and Paste: select text with the left mouse button and paste it with a right-click.

  • 4. Record repetitive work

    Alt + F12 › Script Recording and Playback records your clicks and replays them. Basis must allow it (profile parameter sapgui/user_scripting); SAP GUI 8.10 records in JScript (.js) as VBScript is being phased out.

Tip 7 · SAP GUI and Fiori

Selection screens, variants and lists

Most reports start with a selection screen. These habits save the most typing.

  • Paste a list from Excel

    Copy a column of documents, materials or accounts. Click the Multiple Selection arrow next to the field and use Upload from Clipboard. Values to leave out go on the exclude tabs.

  • Wildcards

    * stands for any number of characters and + for exactly one. 4000* finds every account starting with 4000.

  • Your own value list (F4)

    In an F4 list, select the entries you use and choose Insert in personal list. Next time F4 shows only those, with a button to see the full list.

  • Layouts in ALV lists

    Arrange columns, sorting, filters and totals once, then save the layout. Tick Default setting so the list opens that way every time.

Variants that move with the calendar

A variant with a fixed date is wrong the next day. When you save a variant, give the date field a selection variable instead, and SAP works out the date every time the variant runs: today, yesterday, a number of days before or after today, or a range.

  1. Fill the selection screen and choose Save as Variant.
  2. On the date field, open Selection variable (F4) and choose the type.
  3. In Name of Variable, pick the rule, for example the current date. Rules with question marks ask for the number of days.
  4. Save the variant.

Variants also run in background jobs, and the same idea works in many transactional Fiori apps.

Selection variable types
TypeTakes the value fromTypical use
DDynamic date, from your local dateDocuments posted today or in the last 30 days
XDynamic date, from the system dateSame as D, when users and server are in different time zones
TTable TVARVCOne central value (such as the closing period) used by many variants and jobs

Tip 8 · SAP Fiori

Make the SAP Fiori launchpad yours

In SAP S/4HANA the launchpad is the front door. Ten minutes of personalization turn it from a wall of tiles into your own workspace. Most of it is in the user actions menu (your initials, top right).

  • My Home

    To-dos, pages, apps and insight cards on one page. Use Add to My Home on any tile, and drop one favorite onto another to make a group.

  • Default values

    Settings › Default Values fills in company code, controlling area, cost center and more in every app that uses them.

  • Views and tiles

    Save your filters as a view and mark it as default. Share › Save as Tile puts a tile on your page that opens the app with those filters.

  • Appearance

    Settings › Appearance switches the theme, including dark and high-contrast versions of SAP Horizon. SAP GUI screens opened from the launchpad follow it.

  • App Finder and pages

    The App Finder lists every app your roles allow. Edit Current Page adds sections, hides tiles and turns big tiles into links.

  • From transaction to app

    The SAP Fiori apps reference library can be searched by transaction code, to find the app that covers it in your release.

Rather ask than click? Joule, SAP's AI assistant, can find and open apps from a question. Read about Joule

Tip 9 · Everyone

When a report is slow: check this first

Most slow reports are slow because of what they were asked to read. Go through this list before you call Basis.

  1. Fill the key fields Company code, ledger, fiscal year and period, plant. They let the database go straight to the right rows.

  2. Avoid a leading wildcard *ABC makes the database read every value. ABC* does not.

  3. Limit the hits Use the maximum number of hits when you only need a first look.

  4. Run big ones in the background Program › Execute in Background (F9). Follow the job in SM37 and read the output in SP01.

  5. Let the database add up Totals in SE16H or in an analytical Fiori app beat downloading millions of line items to Excel.

  6. Report it with facts Note the transaction, the variant and the response time from the status bar; System › Status shows the program name.

Keep up to date

Which SAP GUI for Windows?

Several tips on this page depend on the release. Check yours in SAP Logon (menu › About SAP Logon).

  1. 7.70Out of supportReleased January 2021Quartz and Quartz Dark became the default themes, with a color palette per system.
  2. 8.00Until 31 Jul 2027Released January 2023Enhanced Search in the command field from patch level 4. Restricted support from January 2027: plan the upgrade now.
  3. 8.10Until 30 Jun 2029Released 16 July 2026Horizon theme and Quick Theming, follows Windows light, dark or high contrast, Enhanced Search on by default, taskbar grouping by system and client, AND/OR/NOT in the SAP Logon filter.

Dates from SAP's lifetime and support matrix for SAP GUI for Windows. SAP Note 1053737 lists the planned patch levels; SAP Note 3549180 lists everything new in 8.10.

Frequently asked questions

How do I give each SAP system its own color?

Log on, open More › SAP GUI Settings and Actions › Options › Visual Design › Color Settings and pick a color for the system. Do it once per system and client. In SAP Logon the same Color Settings page sets a color per system, and Basis can set one for all users with a system profile parameter.

How do I open a transaction in a new window?

Type /o followed by the transaction code, for example /oFB03, in the command field. Ctrl and + opens an empty new session, and /o alone lists your open sessions.

How do I set a default company code in SAP?

Run SU3, open the Parameters tab and add Parameter ID BUK with your company code. In the SAP Fiori launchpad, set it in Settings › Default Values.

How do I find a transaction code I don't know?

In SAP GUI 8.10, or 8.00 from patch level 4 with the option switched on, type words in the command field and Enhanced Search lists matching transactions. You can also switch on Extras › Settings › Display technical names in SAP Easy Access, or search the menu with transaction SEARCH_SAP_MENU.

Do SU3 parameters work in SAP Fiori?

Partly. Single values in the launchpad's Default Values are kept in step with the SU3 parameters. Ranges and multiple values are kept only in the launchpad.

Which SAP GUI version should we use in 2026?

SAP GUI for Windows 8.10, released on 16 July 2026 and supported until 30 June 2029. SAP GUI 8.00 is supported until 31 July 2027, with restricted support from January 2027.

References