The SAS^® Output Delivery System (ODS) provides SAS users with the ability to write output to other destinations (such as HTML, PDF, and so on) in addition to the traditional output window. SAS users who are still using the older HTML formatting tools (for example, the %DS2HTM, %OUT2HTM, and %TAB2HTM macros) might find the ODS functionality a more user-friendly, flexible option. This functionality simply requires adding two ODS statements: one before the procedure or DATA step that generates the output, and one at the end of the program to close the destination.

With regard to HTML output, one of the advantages of using the ODS HTML statement is that you can customize individual columns and table cells, whereas with the %DS2HTM macro, options apply to the entire table. The following example illustrates how to create output using both methods.

For additional examples that illustrate how to customize ODS HTML output, see Base SAS: SAS Notes and Concepts.

ODS is more widely supported, with new features added to it with each new SAS release. These advantages, as well as its ease of use, makes ODS a preferred choice for creating HTML output.

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

View ODS HTML output

View %DS2HTM output

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