1. Using Stata 16 or higher
Stata 16 will read SPSS data files.
import spss using "D:\data\hsbdemo.sav", case(lower)
2. Using -usespss-
The user-written Stata ado-file usespss can be used to read SPSS data into Stata. Both compressed and non-compressed SPSS files can be read. The usespss command is currently only available for 32-bit installations of Stata. There is a beta version for 64-bit installations which can be installed in 64-bit Stata with the command
net from http://radyakin.org/transfer/usespss/beta
Stata version 9.2 or higher is required. You should carefully read the help file associated with usespss before using the command for the first time. For more information regarding this command, please see http://www.radyakin.org/transfer/usespss/faq/usespss_faq.html .
First, use the search command to find and download the usespss command (see How can I use the search command to search for programs and get additional help? for more information about using search).
search usespss
Next, read the help file for usespss and make any necessary configurations. Finally, read the SPSS data file into Stata. The example below uses the 32-bit version of <preusespss.
usespss using "D:\data\hsbdemo.sav"
If you are using the 64-bit version, the using must be omitted.
usespss "D:\data\hsbdemo.sav"
3. Using SPSS software
SPSS supports Stata data files and can easily save an SPSS file as a Stata file through the point and click interface or syntax. Using the pull down menus select File then Save As… and then for Save as type select the type of Stata file needed. Type the file name and click Save to save the Stata file.
To use SPSS syntax use the save translate command as seen below.
save translate outfile='C:\data\hsb2.dta'.
Data written to C:\data\hsb2.dta. 11 variables and 200 cases written. [output omitted for space]
4. Using Stat/Transfer software
It is fairly straightforward to convert an SPSS data file to Stata via Stat/Transfer. If the file being transferred has more than 2,047 variables and Stata/SE will be used, the data file should be converted to Stata/SE, in which case you will need to select Output File Type: Stata/SE.