If you were to close the Data Editor window and type 'rename var1 votechoice,' it would rename 'var1' as 'votechoice.' In fact, this is what Stata is actually doing if you use the first method (it just runs it for you, rather than you having to type it in yourself). You can also rename the variables using the 'rename' command. Alternately, you can also now double click on the column name in the dataset ('var2,' etc.) and just start typing. Let's call it 'votechoice.' You can rename the same variables using the same method. We can now go over to the 'Properties' box in the lower right hand corner, highlight the name 'var1' and replace it with something new. In the above example, the 11th row of the var1 column is selected. To rename the variables (which are automatically named var1, var2, etc.), click on one of the cells in the column you want to rename. Let's assume the first column is whether someone voted for Obama or Romney, the second gender, the third race, the fourth education, and the fifth age. This will bring up a window that looks like this:įrom here you can enter your data much like you would in Excel. Start by clicking on the 'Data Editor (Edit)' button, which looks like this:

This section describes the easiest method for beginners. If you click on a variable from the variables list, the properties window will display basic information about that variable.Ĭreating a dataset from scratch in Stata is easy. Properties Windowįinally, to the bottom left is the properties window. These variables are pulled from the datase that you import into Stata. This is where you can see what variables are available in the dataset. This keeps track of all the commands you have entered. On the left side of the screen is the Review window. For large research projects, you should use a Do File to keep track of all your commands, which will also be discussed later. We'll explain what commands are and how you use them later. This is where you can directly enter a command. The small box below the main window is the Command line.

This window is the output window that displays the statistical outputs and results of all analytical procedures. The main window is the big box in the middle of the screen. This page briefly describes what each window is for. When you open Stata, the program looks like this:

Stata for mac student