Managing variable and value labels without syntax is way more work than necessary. This tutorial explains how to do this more efficiently.

Changing Variable Labels in SPSS

• As with other parts of the dictionary, there's no "Paste" option for modifying variable labels.
• Be aware that manual modifications - apart from being time consuming - are not recorded in the journal file. The way to go here is using syntax.
• Changing or adding variable labels is straightforward using the VARIABLE LABELS command.
• Although not always necessary, it is recommended to always use quotes around the label text.
• If more than one variable is labelled in a single command, use slashes (/) to separate specifications.

SPSS Variable Labels Syntax Examples

(The test data used by the syntax below are found here.)

Changing Value Labels in SPSS

• The VALUE LABELS command should be used carefully since it will first erase all value labels for a variable and then apply whatever you specify. This often made mistake is demonstrated in the syntax below.
• Often, ADD VALUE LABELS is a better alternative for changing or adding value labels.
• Note that both commands can be applied to multiple variables simultaneously. This may save a lot of time when combined with TO and ALL keywords.
• Note that the value labels themselves should be quoted. If there's a single quote in a label, you need to escape it by doubling it. Alternatively, double quotes can be used around a labels containing single quotes.

SPSS Value Labels Syntax Examples

(The test data used by the syntax below are found here.)