File Layout Window

The File Layout window displays the expected format of an import or export file. This window can be opened from most import or export steps (for example, the Meter Readings Import window in UB> Meter Management> Readings Import).

• The values that display in the Index column do not necessarily represent how the information will or should be organized on the file. The index number just represents a unique piece of information about the file. For example, the first line in the File Layout window generally displays information about the format of the file (CSV, fixed width).
• The first row in the grid generally displays the format of the file. If the import or export file is a CSV format, the values in the file should be separated by a comma. If the file is a fixed width format, the columns in the import or export file will begin at specific positions in the file, and they will have a specific length. The file will not include commas, but it may include spaces between the columns.
• The text "First Row is column headings" means that the first row in the import file will not be read. For example, if there is information entered on the first row of the file, it will not be read by the import process. This text refers to the first row of the file, not the first column in the import file.
• When a file is in fixed width format, the @ symbol is followed by the position of the field on the file. For example, "READING @34" means the field titled Reading begins at position 34.
• Fixed width format files also display the length of each field. For example, "READING @ 34, FORMAT X(10)" means the field titled Reading begins at position 34 and is 10 characters long.