Configure the File tab details - Write to File

Use the File tab to define details about your processing output.

  1. At the File Name field, click the file name button to display the Save File selection dialog. Flow Designer displays a list of available files at the default location.
    You can select an existing file to overwrite or define a new output file.
  2. To define a new output file, enter the file name in the File Name field.

    To select an existing file:

    1. Go to another location using the navigation character (<).
    2. Filter the list of files using a letter or string, then click the Filter button.
    3. Click to select a file name in the scroll box, and click OK to confirm your choice.
    Flow Designer returns to the Write to File configuration page "File" tab, displaying your output file in the File Name field.
  3. Review the populated File tab fields to ensure correctness and make adjustments if needed.
  4. Select the options that provide more detail on the file content:
    • First row is header record – Check if the first row in the output file is a header record.
    • Treat records with fewer fields than defined as malformed – check to implement this global record handling option. You can learn more about handling malformed records here: Managing malformed input records.
  5. Use the File Schema preview workspace to:
    1. Change the order of the output fields:
      1. Click any gray bar in front of a field name; the pointer changes to a hand.
      2. Hold down the mouse button and drag the field selection to its new position.
      3. Click Regenerate to save the change.
    2. Rename a field – Double-click a field name to open a text input box, allowing you to change the field's name.
    3. Change the field content type (format) – Double-click the Type column for any field to display the drop-down, and select a valid format for the field content.
    4. Selectively trim fields to their used length - Eliminate unused space in any field.
    5. Add a field – Click Add in the File schema view or click the Quick Add button above the table. Enter the new field name and click away from the row. You will see the new field name and can make adjustments to it.
    6. Selectively delete fields – Click the trash can: You will see a confirmation message before you can proceed.
      Note: Click the Regenerate button to re-examine and re-display the file schema after you make changes.
    7. Recalculate field position – Select this option to recalculate the position and length of the fields when you modify, move, or remove a field in the output file. You can de-select this option if you do not want the position and length recalculated and instead want the fields to stay in their existing position after you edit the output file.
      Note: This option is available only if your record type is Fixed Width or Line Sequential.
  6. Click Apply so that your changes take effect, or click Cancel to return to the workflow canvas without saving changes.
You are ready to configure the Sort Tab details.