This article will walk you through how to open and save SPSS files using both the full downloadable software and Citrix Workspace. Before getting started, please review the following:
- If you are using SPSS through the Citrix Workspace app on a Mac computer, we recommend reviewing the Adding the Mac Hard Drive to Your Desktop article for steps on making your hard drive easier to find while saving and exporting files.
- If you are a full-time faculty or staff member using a personal device and experience difficulties opening or saving SPSS files through Citrix, you’ll need to utilize the full downloadable version of SPSS instead. See Downloading and Installing SPSS for Doctoral Students for assistance with this process. If you are a full-time faculty or staff member who is using a GCU-issued device, you can use either version of SPSS.
- If you are currently using an older version of Citrix, such as the Citrix Receiver, you can either continue to use that program or update to the newest version. The old version is still compatible with the GCU SPSS Server.
If you need assistance using SPSS, be sure to take a look at our SPSS Tutorials.
Opening Files in SPSS
As you complete your work, you may need to return to the file you previously saved or a file that was uploaded to your class. Before opening your file, make sure that you know where the file is saved. If you are using Citrix, save the file to the _SPSS folder you created.
Once the file is ready to be opened, open SPSS.
When you first open SPSS, you should see a dialog box. You can open a file from the dialog box, by selecting Open another file from the Recent Files list and then click Open. If you do not see the dialog box, click File and then Open and finally Data.
The Open dialog box will pop up. First select Local Disk (C: Computer Name) or Macintosh HD if you are using a Mac device and do not have Local Disk (C:) as an option. Next, locate the folder you saved the file on. If you are on Citrix, you should see the _SPSS folder should be listed here.
Once you are in the right folder, locate the SPSS (.sav) file you want to open. Next select the file, and click Open.
Saving Files in SPSS
It’s important to save your work as you go, and when you are ready export the file to be uploaded to your classroom. Below are instructions on how to save your SPSS files through the different operating systems and versions of SPSS. It is important to note that empty SPSS files cannot be saved, regardless of the version or operating system. In order to save your file, there must be a variable in the field.
Using the installed SPSS
If you installed SPSS, saving the file will change based on your operating system (OS). To save or export files, check out the appropriate section and process for your device. If you are not sure what device you are on, we recommend checking the article GCU Technical Requirements to help determine the OS that you have.
Windows
To save your document, select File then Save As.
Choose a destination folder from the Look in dropdown menu and give it a title. You can choose a file type from the Save as type drop down menu. Click Save.
Once saved, you can submit your file to Halo | Learn.
If your SPSS assignment includes graphs, charts, or other graphics that you would like to submit to your instructor, you can save the file as a .spv.
To save your SPSS file, navigate to the Output window for your current SPSS document and click File then Save as.
In the Save as window, choose a location to save the file to by clicking the Look in dropdown menu. You can choose the .spv file type from the Save as type drop down menu. When ready, click Save.
Once saved, you can submit your file to Halo | Learn.
If your SPSS assignment includes graphs, charts, or other graphics that you would like to submit to your instructor, and you are requested to submit your file as a .pdf or .doc you can export your document.
To export your SPSS file, navigate to the Output window for your current SPSS document and click File then Export.
In the Export window, you can choose to export your file as a .pdf or .doc under the Type option.
Next, click Browse and Choose a location to export your file to. When you are ready to export, click Save.
After choosing your location and file type, click OK.
Your file is now exported, you can proceed to submit your file to Halo | Learn.
Mac
To save your document, select File then Export and then select Excel.
If asked “How do you want to access files from this application?”, select Read & Write.
Choose a destination folder for the file and give it a title. Click Save when you are ready to save the file.
Once saved, you can submit your file to Halo | Learn.
To save your document, select File then Save As.
Choose a destination folder for the file and give it a title. Click Save when you are ready to save.
Once saved, you can submit your file to Halo | Learn.
If your SPSS assignment includes graphs, charts, or other graphics that you would like to submit to your instructor, you can save the file as a .spv.
To save your SPSS file, navigate to the Output window for your current SPSS document and click File then Save as.
In the Save as window, choose a location to save the file. When ready, click Save.
Once saved, you can submit your file to Halo | Learn.
If your SPSS assignment includes graphs, charts, or other graphics that you would like to submit to your instructor, and you are requested to submit your file as a .pdf or .doc you can export your document.
To export your SPSS file, navigate to the Output window for your current SPSS document and click File then Export.
In the Export window, you can choose to export your file as a .pdf or .doc under the Type option.
Next, click Browse. Choose a location to export your file to. When you are ready to export, click Save.
After choosing your location and file type, click OK. Your file is now exported, you can proceed to submit your file to Halo | Learn.
Using Citrix
Saving files through Citrix is going to be different then saving the files through the installed version of SPSS. Check out the sections below to learn how to save the different files through Citrix. Before you save the file, it is recommended that you have created an _SPSS folder as documented in Using Citrix Workspace.
To save your file to your device, click File then Save As.
Within the Look in dropdown menu, locate the _SPSS folder, if you created one. This may be located on the Local Disk (C: on device name) or This PC. You can choose a file type from the Save as type drop down menu. Click Save.
Once saved, you can submit your file to Halo | Learn.
If your SPSS assignment includes graphs, charts, or other graphics that you would like to submit to your instructor, you can save the file as a .spv.
To save your SPSS file, navigate to the Output window for your current SPSS document and click File then Save as.
Within the Look in dropdown menu, locate the _SPSS folder, if you created one. This may be located on the Local Disk (C: on device name) or This PC. You can choose the .spv file type from the Save as type drop down menu. Click Save.
Once saved, you can submit your file to Halo | Learn.
If your SPSS assignment includes graphs, charts, or other graphics that you would like to submit to your instructor, and you are requested to submit your file as a .pdf or .doc you can export your document.
To export your file to your device, click File then Export.
In the Export window, you can choose to export your file as a .pdf or .doc under the Type option.
Next, click Browse then locate the _SPSS folder you created. This may be located on the Local Disk (C: on device name) or This PC. Click Save.
After choosing your location and file type, click OK. Your file is now exported, you can proceed to submit your file to Halo | Learn.