A method for efficiently saving data to tape, preferably within the ANSI X3.27 standard format sends signals to the tape drive to allow the tape drive to buffer the required tape marks, which the standard requires. Although the standard presumed these would be required for synchronization and would be written when produced, we do not adhere to that thinking. Instead we synchronize only at the logical end of the application constructed file, or at the end of the tape in one embodiment, saving time in writing through avoiding stop-start activities of the tape drive, thus allowing newer tape drives to take advantage of the features of the ANSI X3.27 standard. We also provide an embodiment, which allows for non-ANSI standard (i.e., unlabeled) tapes to be used.