How can I convert databases and spreadsheets for use in different programs?
Most database and spreadsheet programs can exchange data with other software. Many of these programs share data by directly converting it to (exporting) or from (importing) a format recognized by the other program.
If a program does not directly support a file type, most software will
allow you to transfer the data by converting it to one of several
standard formats that most other programs will recognize. You can
create files that end in .DIF, .SLK, or
.DBF, or comma-delimited ASCII files, so that
many database and spreadsheet programs can use them. Check your
manual or the online help that came with your software for details.
Alternatively, programs such as DBMS/COPY and Stat/Transfer, available in the Student Technology Centers (STCs) at Indiana University, can convert many major database and spreadsheet files from one format to another.
Last modified on May 11, 2009.







