Saving, Exporting, and Output Viewer
After performing data analysis in SPSS, the results must be reviewed, interpreted, and shared with others. This is where the Output Viewer and export features become essential.
SPSS separates analysis from results. All tables, charts, and statistical outputs are displayed in the Output Viewer, keeping the data file clean and unchanged.
Understanding the Output Viewer
The Output Viewer is a dedicated window that stores the results of every analysis you run.
Each time you perform a procedure, SPSS automatically sends results to the Output Viewer. These results may include:
- Statistical tables
- Charts and graphs
- Warnings and notes
The Output Viewer allows you to navigate, edit, and organize results efficiently.
Structure of the Output Viewer
The Output Viewer has two main sections:
- Outline Pane – shows a tree structure of outputs
- Content Pane – displays the selected result
This structure makes it easy to jump between different analyses, even in large projects.
Editing Output
SPSS allows limited editing directly inside the Output Viewer.
You can:
- Rename tables and charts
- Hide or delete unwanted output
- Change titles and labels
This is useful when preparing reports for presentations or documentation.
Saving Output Files
SPSS output files are saved separately from data files.
The output file uses the .spv format, which preserves tables, charts, and formatting.
Saving output allows you to:
- Revisit results later
- Share analysis with teammates
- Maintain documentation of work
Exporting Results
Often, SPSS results must be shared outside the software. SPSS supports exporting output to multiple formats.
Common export formats include:
- PDF for reports
- Word documents for documentation
- Excel for tabular data
- Images for charts
This flexibility makes SPSS suitable for academic, business, and research reporting.
Using SPSS Syntax to Save Output
Although output is usually saved via menus, syntax can be used for automation.
OUTPUT SAVE
OUTFILE='analysis_results.spv'.
This command saves the current output file programmatically.
Best Practices for Reporting
Professional SPSS users follow a few reporting best practices:
- Remove unnecessary output
- Label tables clearly
- Export results in readable formats
- Keep data, syntax, and output files organized
Good reporting improves clarity, credibility, and decision-making.
Quiz 1
What is the purpose of the Output Viewer?
To display and manage analysis results.
Quiz 2
Which file extension is used for SPSS output files?
.spv
Quiz 3
Can output be edited inside SPSS?
Yes, basic editing is possible.
Quiz 4
Why should unnecessary output be removed?
To keep reports clear and professional.
Quiz 5
Which format is best for sharing final reports?
PDF.
Mini Practice
Run any descriptive analysis in SPSS and generate output.
Then:
- Rename at least one table
- Delete unnecessary output
- Save the output file
- Export the results as a PDF
Use File → Save for output, and File → Export to create a PDF.
What’s Next
You have now completed the Beginner Level of the SPSS course.
Next, you will move into the Intermediate Level, where you will learn normality tests, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis.