Example: Converting from a Fixed Width Text File to Excel

Here we provide a step by step example of how to convert a fixed width text file, say c:\input\flowers.txt, to an Excel file c:\output\Flowers.XLS. For the example, let’s say we are given the format specification below:

Character Position	Number of Characters	Field	Pad With	Alignment
1-6	6	Date	Space	Left
7-18	12	Amount	Space	Left
19-22	4	State	Space	Right
23-52	30	Description	Space	Left
53-82	30	Flower Type	Space	Left

In summary we have 5 columns that are all padded with the space character and all but the 3rd column is left justified. Follow these directions to accomplish this task:

1. Run ‘Convert XLS’ and set the Action To Do to Convert Files, and the Conversion Method to Use ‘Convert XLS’.

2. Press F3 to display the fixed width profile editor.

3. Enter 1 for the Total Number of Columns, the click the Apply button.

4. Enter 30 for the Width, choose the [32] Space for the Pad With, and Left for the Justification.

5. Enter 5 for the Total Number of Columns, the click the Apply button

6. Enter 6 for the width, then <enter>. Typing <enter> takes you to the next item.

7. Type 12<enter>4<enter> Note the last two columns already have the width of 30.

8. Click on the 3rd row in the grid and specify Right justification. Double clicking the 3rd row is a quick way to toggle the justification. We are done editing the profile.

At this point you may want to give a unique name to this profile, if so enter it in the Profile Name drop down list box.

9. Click the Save and Close button

10. Enter c:\input\Flowers.TXT for the Input File and c:\output\Flowers.XLS for the Output File. Be certain the Input File Type is what you want it to be, in our case, [21] Text (ASCII) Fixed Width (*.TXT). The Output File Type should be also be specified as *.XLS or *.XLSX.

11. Click Add, and then Convert.

In the future if you have a similar fixed width text profile required, you can skip steps 3-8 and simply select the profile from the list provided. Furthermore, you can save the program configuration know as a Conversion Job from the file menu to recall at a later time.