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Appendix A: Supported Output
File Formats
Output Formats
DataImport can create output files for most standard spreadsheet and database
programs including Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro, Access and dBase compatible
applications. The next section in this appendix lists the types of formats DataImport
can read and write. Check the README file for output format additions, if you do
not see the format you need.
Keep in mind that most programs can read earlier versions of their file formats. In
most cases, a file format with a version number equal to or less than your software
version will work, unless you are combining or appending files. In this case, you
must output your data in the same format as the existing output file.
If the application you want to get data into is not on the list of supported output
types, check your application's help system or manual for an import feature. Then
use DataImport to create a file of the type your application can import. For example,
WinFax Pro will import dBase files (DBF) and FedEx Ship will import comma
separated ASCII (CSV) files. The most common types of files that applications can
import are comma separated values (CSV - sometimes referred to as ASCII or text),
tab separated values (TSV), dBASE (DBF) and Lotus version 1A (WKS).
Many database management software products use the dBase format as their native
format. These products are often referred to as an xBase product and include
FoxPro, Clipper and Alpha.
Output File Types
There are five main types of formats that DataImport supports: spreadsheets,
databases, word processing merge data formats, text formats and interchange
formats. Some formats may not support features and formats provided by
DataImport. For example, formulas are only supported by the spreadsheet output
types and field names can only be written to database files. If you are using
advanced features of DataImport, read the documentation carefully to make sure
that your chosen output format will support it. DataImport will not write anything
to the output file that is not supported by the selected output format
DataImport 6.0 User’s Guide
Appendix A: Supported Output File Formats • 109