Using Stat/Transfer

Stat/Transfer is a utility program that can convert data sets from one format to another (for example SPSS to Stata, or Excel to SAS). It is quick and easy to use. Stat/Transfer is available for both Windows and Linux, and we have it installed on Winstat and Kite. If you would like a copy for your own PC it can be ordered through Stata's Gradplan, though it is not a product of Stata Corporation. However most SSCC members find their own copy unnecessary.

Using Stat/Transfer on Windows

Unless you have your own copy of Stat/Transfer, the first step is to log in to Winstat (see Using Winstat for more information). Then click Start, Programs, Stat/Transfer 9, Stat/Transfer.

You'll see the following:

The boxes are fairly self-explanatory. The Variables and Observations tabs allow you to specify a subset of the data to be converted. Under the Options (1) tab are a couple of settings we recommend:

By checking the Automatically optimize target types and Use doubles boxes, you allow Stat/Transfer to choose whatever type of variable will best fit your data. This can avoid problems with Social Security Numbers, for example, which will not fit in a standard integer.

Using Stat/Transfer on Linux

Stat/Transfer for Linux is installed on Kite. It does not have a graphical user interface like Stat/Transfer for Windows, but it uses the same underlying code.

Stat/Transfer is invoked using the st command. The simplest way to use it is to just specify the input and output filenames, including the extension. Stat/Transfer will use the extensions to figure out what file types it is working with.

> st test.dta test.sas7bdat

The above command will convert the Stata data set test.dta into the SAS data set test.sas7bdat.

If you just type the st command all by itself, this will start the Stat/Transfer program in an interactive mode. Most users will have no need to run it this way, but it does give you access to the help. In particular, help formats will give you a complete list of all the formats Stat/Transfer knows and which extensions go with each one. Two things to be aware of: for whatever reason, the Backspace key won't work properly (use Delete), and the command to leave Stat/Transfer is quit. For learn more, just type help.

Last Revised: 8/1/2007