Input Definition Files

An input definition file (IDF) contains the Input tag group tags that are automatically generated when you work with a print stream using the data viewer or graphic viewer. The Input tag group defines the path to the print stream as well as the locations of fields, control areas, and other properties. For more information on the Input tag group, see the Enrichment Language Reference Guide.

You can use an IDF to apply a set of input tags to different print streams. This would allow you to define things like fields once then reuse them in different control files.

IDF files are not required. Usually you will not create an IDF because the definitions you create while using one of the print stream viewers will be automatically transferred to the control file that was open when you launched the viewer. You only need to create an IDF if you want to reuse an input tag group in different control files or if you open a print stream without having a control file open.

An example of an input definition file is shown below.

<INPUT>
<NAME>INPUT 
<FILE>c:\printstreams\letters.lin 
<TYPE>I A
<DOC>T %%ID_NUMBER CHANGE 
<FIELD>%%ID_NUMBER         
<REF> ' ' ' Identification Number:' 1 E
<LOC> 0  3  11   
</FIELD>
<FIELD>%%NAME         
<LOC> 10p 2p 33   
</FIELD>
<SUBSTITUTE>Y 
</INPUT>