Opening and preparing a template flat file

A template flat file helps you create a flat file definition. Use this procedure to open and prepare a template flat file.

  1. In the Flat File Describer File menu, select Template > Open Template file.
  2. Select an existing template flat file and click Open.

    The template file displays in the Template Flat view.

  3. If the template flat file is based on a sample flat file, use these guidelines to prepare the template file:

    Remove all duplicate records.

    Add optional records to enable the records to be defined.

  4. In the Flat File Describer File Menu, select Template > Save Template file to save your work.
    Caution: 

    Editing parts of the template flat file that have already been defined might cause the flat file definition to become inconsistent with the template flat file.