What is the initial step to save a document for the first time?

The initial step to save a document for the first time involves using the "save as" function. This option allows you to choose a specific location on your computer or storage device where the document will be saved. Additionally, it provides you with the opportunity to assign a name to the document. This is especially critical for first-time saves because it helps establish a recognizable title for future reference and ensures you know where to locate the file later.

Selecting "save" without using "save as" would typically not prompt you for a location or file name upon the first save, instead saving the document automatically in a default location with a temporary name. The "export" function is used more for formatting issues and creating copies, which is unnecessary during the initial save of a document. "Send" is relevant for sharing documents rather than saving them for personal use. Thus, the "save as" option effectively combines both naming the document and determining its storage location, making it the proper choice for saving a document for the first time.