How to import SPSS data files into SAS and retain formats

[JennieWalker]

Hi all

I am new to importing files from different programs into SAS and seem to be having a problem with retaining formats. I have a number of SAV files that I would like to import into SAS and each have formats that have been created in SPSS. I would like to import these files and retain the formats.

From my reading it appears you can import a SAV file which will produce a dataset and format table (if instructed). However when I run the code I only receive the imported dataset, not the format table. Below is my code. 

proc import out=work.test1

   datafile='\\DatasetName.sav'

   dbms=SAV replace;

   fmtlib=work.format1;

run;

I am wondering what am I missing? Is this a coding issue or have I misunderstood the import process? Any assistance would be appreciated.

I am currently using SAS 9.4. I am not in a server environment, rather SAS is running on my local machine.

Thanks in advance

[ChrisHemedinger · Accepted solution]

Perhaps you've already read the article here on the community about importing SPSS files into SAS.

Are the SPSS "formats" defined as true SPSS labels in the source data?  I think that's the mapping that SAS is looking for and that it will bring over for you.

[JennieWalker]

Thanks for your response. I have read the article - which was very helpful - but it didn't seem to solve my problem WRT the format dataset not being generated. The SPSS files are from an external provider so I may need to check how the formats are saved in SPSS.