Defining Columns/Fields for Fixed Width Text Files
Defining the columns or fixed-widths in text files is the third of four steps in the process of importing ASCII files, depending on the delimiter format selection made in Step 2. If the text files are separated by a delimiter, then that selection must be made in Step 2 and a different dialog is used for Step 3 to specify the delimiters used. If the text files are fixed width format, the width for each field in the text file must be specified here, in the Step 3 dialog of the ASCII Import Wizard.
The ASCII Preview Window is updated as each field width is specified to guide you in determining the correct width for each field.
Learn more about the ASCII Preview Window
Step 3: Define Columns/Fields
Adding Columns and Assign Widths
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Complete Steps 1 and 2 of the ASCII file import process if you have not already done so. See ASCII Import Wizard for the list of steps.
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On the Step 3 page, click the Add button to create a new column for assigning a width. The new column will appear in the Columns list.
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Select the new column in the Columns list (e.g., Column1), and then specify the Column Width using the up and down arrows
to increase or decrease the width or type a value into the box.
When defining the column widths for a selected Column in the list, the ASCII Preview Window will continually update and will display a pipe (|) symbol between each field in the text file to represent where each column ends. Use the sample display to determine the correct width for each field or column. -
Repeat steps 2 and 3 above to create a new column and specify a width for each text field.
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Click Next to go to the next step.
Go to Step 4: Defining the Fields to Import
Go back to Step 2: Selecting a Text Format and Start Row
Go back to ASCII Import Wizard
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