Minitab file types

These are file types that you can save and open in Minitab.

Minitab project (MPX, MPJ)

A Minitab project file contains all the information in the project, including worksheets, output, and history. When you save a project, you save all your work at the same time.

Note

With the release of Minitab 19 and tabbed output, Minitab saves projects as MPX files. You cannot open MPX files in versions of Minitab that do not support tabbed output.

Minitab worksheet (MWX, MTW)

A Minitab worksheet file contains all the information in the worksheet, including columns, constants, matrices, and design objects. You can send worksheets to a Minitab user without sending the entire project.

Note

With the release of Minitab 19 and tabbed output, Minitab saves worksheets as MWX files. You cannot open MWX files in versions of Minitab that do not support tabbed output.

Microsoft^® Excel (XLS, XLSX, XML)

A Microsoft^® Excel file contains only column data. You can open and save Excel files in Minitab.

Note

In the web app, you cannot open XLS and XML files.

Text (CSV, TXT, DAT)

A text file contains only column data. You can use a text file to transfer data between Minitab and other applications. You can open and save the following types of text files in Minitab:

• TXT or DAT: A standard text file
• CSV (comma separated values): A text file in which commas (or some other divider) separate values

You can save text files using either ANSI (sometimes called ASCII) or Unicode encoding. ANSI is the older standard. Unicode was developed to represent more characters and to be independent of the computer's regional settings. Some older applications might support only ANSI.

Minitab macro (MAC)

A MAC file is text file that contains Minitab commands that you can use to automate a repetitive task, such as generating a monthly report, or to extend Minitab's capabilities, such as calculating a special test statistic.

Minitab exec (MTB)

An exec file is simpler form of a Minitab macro.