SAV Inspector Deutsch
HomeConvert SAV to CSV deliberately — not blindly.
SAV export guide

Convert SAV to CSV deliberately — not blindly.

CSV is useful for moving case data into spreadsheets, databases and code pipelines. It does not carry the full SPSS dictionary, so a responsible conversion separates the data table from metadata such as variable labels, value labels and missing-value rules.

What CSV preserves and loses

CSV represents rows and columns as text. It can preserve variable names and chosen displayed values, but the format has no standard place for SPSS measurement levels, print/write formats, multiple-response sets or user-defined missing values.

  • Choose raw codes or displayed labels consciously
  • Select a stable delimiter and text encoding
  • Export the codebook alongside the data
  • Keep the original SAV as the authoritative source
  • Document filters and selected columns

Codes versus labels

A satisfaction value of `1` may mean “very satisfied”, but that meaning lives in the SAV dictionary. Exporting labels makes a CSV easier to read; exporting raw codes is often safer for analysis and joins. In many handovers, the best result is a raw-code CSV plus a separate codebook.

User-defined missing codes need equal care. A value such as 99 can look like a real number after conversion unless the missing rule is documented.

Local conversion for sensitive files

SAV Inspector Local reads and exports in the browser. The source file does not need to be sent to a generic online converter. Always inspect the resulting CSV in the destination tool and compare row counts, columns and representative values.

Practical workflow
  1. Inspect the dictionary

    Check variable names, labels, value labels and missing rules before choosing an export representation.

  2. Choose columns and value display

    Decide whether the destination needs codes, labels or both in separate artefacts.

  3. Export data and codebook

    Download the CSV and a metadata report so meanings are not separated from values.

  4. Verify in the destination

    Compare row count, header, encoding, decimal representation and selected cases.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does CSV preserve SPSS value labels?

No. CSV has no standard value-label dictionary. Export a codebook or choose a label-rendered data representation deliberately.

Can Excel open the resulting CSV?

Yes, but delimiter, encoding, dates and decimal conventions must match the Excel locale or import settings.

Is CSV a lossless SAV backup?

No. Keep the original SAV or a verified SAV/ZSAV copy. CSV is a data interchange representation, not a complete SPSS archive.

Is the conversion uploaded?

Not in SAV Inspector Local. Reading and export run on the device in the browser.

SAV Workflow Check

Find out in 30 minutes whether SAV Inspector fits your workflow.

We take one concrete recurring SAV job, define the desired outcome and demonstrate the shortest Local or Teams path. No generic product presentation, no newsletter and no file upload by email.

  • one concrete workflow instead of a feature tour
  • no-upload Local demo or controlled Teams pilot
  • a shared success criterion
  • a clear recommendation — including when SAV Inspector is not a fit

Only used to reply personally to this request. No newsletter. No SAV file or file metadata is transferred through this form. Privacy Email us directly
Guides

Related guides

Inspect SPSS SAV files locally — without uploading them.Open and inspect SPSS .sav and .zsav files locally in your browser. Review variables, labels, missing values and cases without uploading the file.How to open a SAV file without SPSS.Open an SPSS .sav file without installing SPSS. Compare a local browser viewer, PSPP, R and Python, and choose the right method for your task.Check a SAV file before it becomes someone else's problem.Check SAV metadata, missing labels, identifiers, constants and writer compatibility before handover. Produce a reviewable quality report.Know what is preserved before you open, edit or export.See which SPSS SAV and ZSAV metadata SAV Inspector reads, checks, edits and writes, plus the limits of local CSV and Excel imports.