Specifying name of each output dta file when using xls2dta, allsheets

[Liz Broom]

Hi, I am trying to import multiple sheets from an excel file but am struggling to specify the name of the outputted dta files. I want each dta file to be saved as the sheet name in the imported excel file.

Here is my code:

xls2dta, allsheets : import excel using "bdnf_all.xlsx", firstrow

This code imported each sheet but saved them as file_x.dta (where x = sheet number).

I was also wondering whether I can use the replace option?

Many thanks,
Liz

[Andrew Musau]

The official import excel has a -describe- option. You can retrieve the sheet names from stored results in r() and write a loop that imports and saves each sheet at a time. I don't use xls2dta (from SSC, as you are asked to explain), so you may get a better answer from those familiar with that command.

clear
qui import excel using myfile.xlsx, describe
return list

[Liz Broom]

Thank you!