Output a Flat File

The Flat file (.flat) type is meant to be used with ASCII files (.asc) which contain fixed length fields and optionally contain line ends to mark the end of records.

To output a flat text file:

  1. Connect an Output Data tool to the data stream in the workflow.
  2. Browse to the output file name and location, using the *.txt file extension when naming the file. In the file explorer, set Save as Type to Comma Separated Value (*.csv). Click Save.
  3. In the Configuration window under Options, select Flat ASCII file (*.flat) from File Format.

Two files are output:

  • The specified *.txt file
  • A layout description file with a *.flat extension

Use the *.flat file need to use the file as an input in a subsequent workflow. See Flat File for more information on flat files.