Using the Import Wizard

The SAS Import Wizard is a point-and-click interface that guides you through the process of reading data from an external PC file and saving it as a SAS data set. External data sources can include Microsoft Access, DBF, JMP, Paradox, SPSS, Stata, or delimited files. (Delimited files contain columns of data values that are separated by a delimiter, such as a blank or a comma.)

The Import and Export Wizards on Linux, UNIX, and 64-bit Microsoft Windows do not support some data source components. For a list of supported file formats under your operating environment, see Supported Data Sources and Platforms.

If you need to import data that is not known to the Import Wizard, such as a proprietary file format, you can use the External File Interface (EFI), a point-and-click interface, to transfer the data.

Follow these steps to use the Import Wizard under Microsoft Windows NT. For detailed information about using the wizard, see the Help button.

1. Open the Import Wizard from the SAS windowing environment by selecting File  Import Data. The Select import type window opens.

   Select Import Type Window in the Import Wizard

   

2. From the drop-down list, select the data source (type of files) that you want to import and click the Next button. The Connect to MS Excel dialog box opens.

   Connect to MS Excel Dialog Box in the Import Wizard

   

3. Assign the input file. Use the Browse button to select an existing file from the drop-down list, or enter a path and name to create a new file. In this case, it is an Excel workbook file. Then click the OK button. The Select table window opens.

   Select Table Window in the Import Wizard

   

4. From the drop-down list, select the table range or worksheet from which to import data. To specify spreadsheet options, click the Options button. The Spreadsheet Options dialog box opens.

   Spreadsheet Options Window in the Import Wizard

   

   Select the options that you want and click the OK button. Then click the Next button in the Select table window. The Select library and member window opens.

   Select Library and Member Window in the Import Wizard

   

5. Select a location for storing the imported files. Select a library from the Library drop-down list. In the Member field, enter a name or select a member from the drop-down list, and then click the Next button. The Create SAS statements window opens.

   Create SAS Statements Window in the Import Wizard

   

6. At this point, you can save the generated PROC IMPORT code, if you want. To do this, enter a filename or select a file from the drop-down list, select the Replace file if it exists check box (optional), and click the Finish button.

To use the IMPORT procedure instead of the wizard, see Using the IMPORT Procedure.

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