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What are fixed and delimited files for Import Mapper

  • When importing files or creating an Import map you have the option to choose between a Fixed or Delimited file type.

    Fixed Files

    Fixed files are files where the fields are referenced in regards to their starting points and lengths within a record. Fixed files are usually saved in a text format (.txt)

    In the following example you’ll see on the first line a complete record from a fixed file, and underneath a description of the fields and its start position and length.

     Fixed file example

    To break it down further you can see that Debit sort code starts as the first character and is six characters long.

     Fixed file first field

    The next field is the Debit account number which starts as the seventh character and is eight characters long.

    Fixed file second field

    You will upload in the detailed import mapper the start position and extension of your records, as well as showing which of them require decimal spaces to be considered.

    Delimited files

    Delimited files use an indicator called a delimiter to separated files. The most common form of delimited file is a CSV file where the delimiter is usually a comma (,).

    In the following example you’ll see on the first line a complete record from a delimited file, and underneath a description of the fields.

    Delimited example
    You’ll notice the first line that has the fields next to each other and are only separated by a comma.

    If you open the CSV in Microsoft Excel the fields will be separated out into different cells.

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