SPSS FAQ

• Why can't I read in all the variables of my large ASCII dataset
• How can I get my output to print on fewer pages and save paper?

Why can't I read in all the variables of my large ASCII dataset

Reading in ASCII data with File > Read only works when the length of a line is LESS than 1024. For datasets with longer records, you have to use SPSS syntax:

How can I get my output to print on fewer pages and save paper?

Results of analysis in SPSS 8.0 will bring up an SPSS OUTPUT NAVIGATOR window.  The left box shows an outline of the output, including titles, notes, and statistics.  There are several options for printing from SPSS that consolidate output and save paper.  The following are available from the SPSS OUTPUT NAVIGATOR window. These options may be combined to consolidate output even further.
 

• Select the section(s) you want to print from the outline box:
• A single click suffices for one section.
  If several sections need to be printed out, click on the appropriate sections while holding down the CTRL key.
  Once selection has been made, click on File > Print > Selection

• Delete sections you do not need to print:
• Select section(s) from the outline box and use the DELETE key to discard them.
  Click on File > Print > All visible output
  Tip: sections for titles, notes, and warnings should be deleted if you do not need these records
   

• If presentation style is not an issue, you can change the text output page size, which will print output without any page breaks.
• Click on Edit > Options, and then the Navigator tab.
  Click on infinite in the text output page size box.
  Click on OK to save options
  Click on File > Print > All visible output
   
• Clear page breaks and add them wherever you prefer:
• Click on Insert > Clear Page Break to clear current page breaks
  To add page breaks at certain sections:
      Click on the section where you want the new page to start, either from the outline box or from the text output on the right.
      Click on  Insert > Page Break
  Click on File > Print > All visible output
   
• TIP: File > Print > Preview the output to decide on modifications and options for printing.

©2007 Yale University Social Science Statistical Laboratory Certifying Authority: Themba Flowers lm: Wed Apr 09 15:45:20 EDT 2003