Paper 21

Creating Custom Excel Spreadsheets with Built-in Autofilters Using PROC REPORT and ODS EXCEL

September 23, 2025: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Intermediate and Advanced Coding Skills (IACS), Breakout Room #9

Authors	Abstract
Kirk Paul Lafler	Spreadsheets have become one of the most popular and successful data tools ever created, with current estimates showing more than 750 million Excel users worldwide. Their widespread adoption can be attributed to simplicity and ease of use, which make them accessible to a broad audience. Over time, additional features have expanded the functionality and value of spreadsheets, including collaborative capabilities, customization, data manipulation, visualization techniques, mobile accessibility, automation of repetitive tasks, integration with other software, advanced data analysis, and filtering capabilities. This paper focuses on one of these features: filtering with autofilters. Autofilters allow users to quickly find data of interest by making selections from lists of text, numeric, or date values. An example application will be presented that demonstrates how to create a custom Excel spreadsheet with built-in autofilters using the SAS® Output Delivery System (ODS) Excel destination and the REPORT procedure.

Kirk Paul Lafler

Spreadsheets have become one of the most popular and successful data tools ever created, with current estimates showing more than 750 million Excel users worldwide. Their widespread adoption can be attributed to simplicity and ease of use, which make them accessible to a broad audience. Over time, additional features have expanded the functionality and value of spreadsheets, including collaborative capabilities, customization, data manipulation, visualization techniques, mobile accessibility, automation of repetitive tasks, integration with other software, advanced data analysis, and filtering capabilities. This paper focuses on one of these features: filtering with autofilters. Autofilters allow users to quickly find data of interest by making selections from lists of text, numeric, or date values. An example application will be presented that demonstrates how to create a custom Excel spreadsheet with built-in autofilters using the SAS® Output Delivery System (ODS) Excel destination and the REPORT procedure.