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Creating a New File in SPSS Statistics

SPSS Statistics

SPSS Statistics versions 22 to 26

On this page we show you how to create a new file using SPSS Statistics versions 22 to 26. If the SPSS Statistics software is not open on your computer, the instructions to create a new file are set out below. However, if SPSS Statistics is already open (i.e., the Data Editor window of SPSS Statistics is open), the instructions to create a new file are set out in the next section:

Note: If you are unsure which version of SPSS Statistics you are using, see our guide: Identifying your version of SPSS Statistics.

Creating a new file when starting SPSS Statistics
  1. Start SPSS Statistics as you would normally (e.g., clicking the desktop icon or selecting it from the Start Menu). You will be presented with the Welcome to IBM SPSS Statistics dialogue box, as shown below:
    Creating a file in the subscription version of SPSS Statistics

    Published with written permission from SPSS Statistics, IBM Corporation.

    Note: Some of the information on the right-hand side of this opening Welcome to IBM SPSS Statistics dialogue box may look a little different in SPSS Statistics versions 22 to 26 compared to the subscription version of SPSS Statistics above. For example, see the opening dialogue box for SPSS Statistics version 25 below:

    Creating a file SPSS Statistics version 25

    Also, see the opening dialogue box for SPSS Statistics version 24 below:

    Creating a file SPSS Statistics version 24

    And the opening dialogue box for SPSS Statistics version 23 below:

    Creating a file SPSS Statistics version 23

    Finally, the opening dialogue box for SPSS Statistics version 22 below:

    Creating a file SPSS Statistics version 22

    However, whilst these opening dialogue boxes may look a little different on the right-hand side, the way to create a new file is identical for versions 22 to 26, as well as the subscription version of SPSS Statistics (with one exception for SPSS Statistics version 23, which is explained in Step 3 below).

  2. Select New Dataset from the New Files: box, as shown below:
    Creating a new dataset in SPSS Statistics

    Published with written permission from SPSS Statistics, IBM Corporation.

  3. Click on the Open button (or the OK button if you have SPSS Statistics version 23) and a new file will have been created, as shown below:
    New SPSS Statistics file created and displayed in the Data Editor using version 22 to 25

    Published with written permission from SPSS Statistics, IBM Corporation.

    Note: You can also create a new file by simply double-clicking on New Dataset.

You have now created a new file and can enter data and define your variables. If you need help with this, you can learn how to do this in our Entering Data in SPSS Statistics guide.

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Creating a new file when SPSS Statistics is already open

If SPSS Statistics is already open, you can create a new file as follows:

  1. Click File > New > Data on the main menu, as shown below:
    SPSS Statistics menu to create a new data file

    Published with written permission from SPSS Statistics, IBM Corporation.


    You will be presented with a new file, as shown below:
    New SPSS Statistics file created and displayed in the Data Editor

    Published with written permission from SPSS Statistics, IBM Corporation.

You have now created a new file and can enter data and define your variables. If you need help with this, you can learn how to do this in our Entering Data in SPSS Statistics guide.

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