What is an SPS file?

The .SPS file extension is commonly associated with “SPSS Program Files” used in conjunction with IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software. IBM SPSS is a statistical analysis software widely used in social science and business research for tasks such as data cleaning, statistical analysis, and reporting.

An .SPS file is a script or program file written in syntax language of IBM SPSS; it contains a series of commands and instructions that are executed by SPSS to perform various data manipulation and analysis tasks; these files are often used to automate repetitive tasks or to document and reproduce specific analyses. Users can create, edit, and run .SPS files within SPSS software.

How to open SPS file?

Users can create, edit and run .SPS files within SPSS software. To run an SPS file, you need to open Syntax Editor. Go to File > New > Syntax. Alternatively, you can use toolbar and click on “Syntax Editor” icon. If you have an existing .SPS file, you can load it into Syntax Editor by using File > Open > Syntax.... If you are writing new syntax, type or paste commands directly into Syntax Editor.

To execute commands in Syntax Editor, highlight the portion of syntax you want to run or run entire script. You can then click on “Run Selection” button (a green arrow pointing to right) or use the Run > All menu option.