We have some clients who still require SAV files for use in SPSS. When using PROC EXPORT and DBMS=SAV (or DBMS=SPSS), the files created are absolutely massive. A data file that would normally be about 200mb in SPSS is running ~ 880mb when exported. One easy example to replicate is a doing a PROC IMPORT followed immediately by a PROC EXPORT and the file goes from 10mb to 80mb.
In the PROC EXPORT documentation, it states that .SAV files can be: "SPSS files, compressed and uncompressed binary files". For the life of me I cannot find anywhere that references compressing a .SAV during the PROC EXPORT procedure. Is this possible in SAS?
And no, we cannot deliver as a .zip file.
Syntax is super basic, but if it helps:
proc export file="/my/path/to/testdataexportedfromsas.sav" dbms=sav replace data=sasdataset; run;
Thanks!
Hello, even I'm facing the same issue.
It would be great if someone could help out.
Regards,
Neel
@neeld1 - I had a quick look at this and from what I can see SAS can read compressed SPSS SAV files but not necessarily create them - at least I can't see any option for compressing.
Linked this reply to a new question
SAS Innovate 2025 is scheduled for May 6-9 in Orlando, FL. Sign up to be first to learn about the agenda and registration!
Learn the difference between classical and Bayesian statistical approaches and see a few PROC examples to perform Bayesian analysis in this video.
Find more tutorials on the SAS Users YouTube channel.
Ready to level-up your skills? Choose your own adventure.