David, There are many ways to transport data back and forth from SAS and Excel now with version 9 - see the many papers at http://www.lexjansen.com/sugi/

I've been using ODS for all output for the past few years. It takes some getting use to and some practice to get what you want, but it is possible given the time to learn all the cool tricks. The ExcelXP tagset is one that makes creating output in Excel easy, but it does have its features. :-)

To start using ODS, I'd suggest something like:

Ods html file="\\report1.xls" style=minimal; Title "<td align=center colspan=10><font size=3><b>Title of the report</b></font></td>"; Proc report data=whatever ; <code here> Run; Ods html close;

Title;

As mentioned before, Excel reads HTML well. (Excel will read XML too) So, you can create titles with the HTML tags embedded. You can also use styles at each level of the table, from the header, column, row, and cells. Read through the papers, especially by Chevell.

If you like that, then look into using the tagsets like ExcelXP and MSOffice2K. Check out the SAS Forums for more tips using both ODS and the tagsets.

John Gerstle, MS Biostatistician Northrop Grumman CDC Information Technological Support Contract (CITS) NCHSTP \DHAP \HICSB \Research, Analysis, and Evaluation Section Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"Boss. We've got cats." "Meow"

"All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed; Second, it is violently opposed; Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer (1830)

>>-----Original Message----- >>From: owner-sas-l@listserv.uga.edu [mailto:owner-sas-l@listserv.uga.edu] >>On Behalf Of David Fickbohm >>Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 5:28 PM >>To: sas-l@listserv.uga.edu >>Subject: DDE or XML-Tagsets ? >> >>People, >>Could someone give me their thoughts on whether it is better to use DDE or >>XML-tags to manipulate data exported to excel from SAS? >> >>Customers here like their reports presented in excel spreadsheet format. >>I have been working at a way to add titles, format data, etc. after the >>spreadsheet has been created but before delivering it to the customer. >>I have just figured out DDE enough to format data. My thought is to >>stick with what I know and learn more. But it xml tagsets are far >>superior maybe I should learn them. >> >>Everyones thoughts will be appreciated and recognized. >>Thanks >>Dave >> >>Dave Fickbohm >> >>Use Technology to the Fullest >>1250 45th st suite 200 >>Emeryville, CA, 94608 >>510 594 4151 voice