diff --git a/traitsui/qt/file_editor.py b/traitsui/qt/file_editor.py
index 4301d49a8..2f2d55b9f 100644
--- a/traitsui/qt/file_editor.py
+++ b/traitsui/qt/file_editor.py
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ def _create_file_dialog(self):
         dlg = FileDialog(
             parent=self.get_control_widget(),
             default_path=self._file_name.text(),
-            action="save" if self.factory.dialog_style == "save as" else "open",
+            action="save as" if self.factory.dialog_style == "save" else "open",
             wildcard=wildcard,
         )
         return dlg
diff --git a/traitsui/wx/file_editor.py b/traitsui/wx/file_editor.py
index 396a08b34..7ac95a1a6 100644
--- a/traitsui/wx/file_editor.py
+++ b/traitsui/wx/file_editor.py
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ def _create_file_dialog(self):
         dlg = FileDialog(
             parent=self.get_control_widget(),
             default_path=self._file_name.GetValue(),
-            action="save" if self.factory.dialog_style == "save as" else "open",
+            action="save as" if self.factory.dialog_style == "save" else "open",
             wildcard=wildcard,
         )
         return dlg