The EXPORT Procedure

Overview: PROC EXPORT

The EXPORT procedure reads data from a SAS data set and writes it to an external data source. External data sources can include:
  • Microsoft Access database files
  • Microsoft Excel workbook files
  • Lotus 1–2–3 spreadsheet files
  • Paradox files
  • SPSS files
  • Stata files
  • dBase files
  • JMP files
  • delimited files
Delimited files contain columns of data values that are separated by a delimiter such as a blank or a comma.
The EXPORT procedure reads the input file and writes the data to an external data source. The EXPORT procedure exports the data using one of these methods:
  • generated DATA step code
  • generated SAS/ACCESS code
  • translation engines
Customize the results with statements and options that are specific to the output data source. The EXPORT procedure generates the specified output file and writes information about the export to the SAS log. The DATA step or the SAS/ACCESS code that the EXPORT procedure generates is written to the log. If a translation engine is used, no code is submitted.
To export data, you can use the Export Wizard, which is a windowing tool that guides you through the steps to export to an external data source. You can request that the Export Wizard generate EXPORT procedure statements, which you can save for subsequent use. To open the Export Wizard, select File then select Export Data from the SAS windowing environment.