What are fixed and delimited files for Import Mapper

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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.

 

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

 

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

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.

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.