Dear fellow users

I am repeatedly having the same problem while exporting to SPSS 27 (Mac Version): warning error 4463 in column 21/22..., claiming that VAR LABELS contains more than 256 byte. Yet no data or  is being exported. Unfortunately I cannot find any information in this forum or on Google as to a possible fix. I would be very glad for any help or suggestions. Thank you

So when doess the problem occur? Where does this error message appear? If it is during the export from Limesurvey to SPSS, your version of SPSS is completely irrelevant, because SPSS hasn't even touched the file to this point (And there is no specific export for the Mac Version)

In this case it would be far more relevant to mention which Limesurvey Version you are using.

Now if it is during the import into SPSS 27 on a Mac, you'd probably be luckier in a forum dedicated to SPSS.

Thank you for your reply. The Limesurvey version is 3.21.1 and the error occurs while running the syntax (I did include the data path file).

and the error occurs while running the syntax

This seems to be the "Catalina issue".
Here some words of the "University of Tennessee:
Overall, the SPSS for Mac and Catalina (macOS 10.15) are compatible however, there are a few issues to be aware of when upgrading to Catalina or installing SPSS Statistics on Catalina for the first time.

Issue with Opening Files:
Due to tighter security in Catalina, all versions of SPSS will be blocked from accessing the following folders: Documents, Downloads, Desktop and connected external disks. 

• Workaround: You can move your working files to another folder.

As this occured more than once there are a few threads here in the LS forum. I think to remember there was shown a solution somewhere. 
You should find some solutions on Youtube, like this
[url] www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNzev2hokU [/url]

and of course in a SPSS related forum.

Joffm