Stata Help

Putting Existing Data into Stata

There are three ways to move data into Stata. Which one you use will depend on the current form of your data.

1. If your data are in comma- or tab-delimited format, or in worksheets in Excel, you can import using Stata's built-in commands.
   • Using Stata Commands and tab-delimited, comma-delimited or plain text files
2. If your data are not in one of these formats, you can use a program called Stat/Transfer to convert data directly to Stata's preferred format (.dta). Stat/Transfer is available free on all campus computers. For Reed Community members, Stat/Transfer is also available from downloads.reed.edu; note that you will need to download and install KeyClient first.
   • Straight from Excel/SPSS to Stata (using Stat/Transfer)
3. If you prefer, you may copy and paste the data into a Stata file.
   • Copying & Pasting from an Existing Spreadsheet (Excel or SPSS)