Social Science Data Services

StatTransfer Guides:

FAQ | Quick Start | Printer-Friendly Link

FAQ

  1. What is Stat/Transfer?
    • Stat/Transfer is a program that makes it very easy to convert files from one file format to another file format (for example, from a SAS data file to a Stata data file). 
  2. I have a *** data file, does StatTransfer support it?
    • Stat/Transfer supports almost all common data formats, eg. Stata (v6-10), SPSS (data file or portable file), SAS etc. You can check all the supported formats.
  3. Where I can use it?
    • NU Library has 10 copies of latest Stat/Transfer on the public computers at GovInfo department.
  4. How big a data set can Stat/Transfer handle?
    • There is no limit on the number of cases.

Quick Start

INTERFACE
Interface
STEP 1: Choose the 'Input File Type'.
step1

Choose the 'Input File Type' from the drop-down menu. It's alphabetical.

The 'input file type' is the format of the data file you already have and want to change.

Most used 'File Type' names are: Excel, Stata, SPSS Data File, SPSS Portable File, SAS.
STEP 2: Find the Input File.
Then, locate the input file by clicking the 'Browse' button on the right of 'File Specification' box.

step2

A standard 'Open' window will pop out. Find the folder, and click the file. The file name will show at the 'File name' box below. Click 'Open' button at lower right corner, then this 'Open' window will close.

step2-2
STEP 3: Automatic Loading
The StatTransfer window will appear, and load in the data file you just chose.

There will be a note indicating number of variables in the file, after load in. It may take a while for larger data file. It's an automatic step, just wait patiently for the 'variable number note'.

step3

OPTIONAL STEP: View the Data

You can click the 'View' button in the above interface for double check. It will pop-out a new window (named Data Viewer) showing a data table.

Click 'Close Viewer' to close it. For a negative identification, go back to step 1-3.

step3
STEP 4: Choose the Output File Type
Choose the 'Output File Type'. This will be the format that you want the data to be in. Almost the same as Step 1 when choosing the 'Input File Type'. The menu is slightly different here, more options provided for same software than the 'input file type' menu. step4

'Always Safe' Recommendation:

for Stata users, choose 'Stata/SE';

SPSS users, 'SPSS Portable File' or 'SPSS for Windows';

Office users, 'Excel 2007';

SAS users, 'SAS Transport'.

OPTIONAL STEP: Change the File Name

After choose the 'Output File Type', Stat/Transfer will automatically assign an output file. It's in the same folder as input file, and its name is almost the same with the input (with change of extension).

To change the above default settings, click the 'Browse' button. It pops out a standard 'Save As' window. Choose the folder, input the file name, and then click 'Save' button at the lower right corner.

ops2

STEP 5: Transfer & Finish Sign
Click the 'Transfer' button at the lower left corner. step5.1

After clicking the 'Transfer' button, just wait patiently, since it might take a while. A 'Finished?* cases were transferred' sign will show at the Status Bar at the very bottom. StatTransfer doesn't do anything when finishing job except the Finished sign.

step5.2

To exit, click 'Exit' button. To start another transfer job, click 'Reset', and then start from Step1.

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last updated: February 10, 2009