# Fixed file data source

A fixed file data source is presented using a data preview.

## Field configuration

Data fields are added individually by specifying the offset and width. This can be laborious but remember that you can paste in these details from a data layout (see Data Source – [Paste From Clipboard](<https://help.apteco.com/en/designer/data-source/data-source-menu/index.md>)).

- **Add** creates a new field.
- **Width** specifies the size of the field.
- **Offset** is the zero-based start column of the field in the fixed record (i.e. first field is offset zero).
- **Position** is the one-based start column of the field in the fixed record (i.e. first field is position 1).
- Use **Offsets** or **Positions** to specify the fields; choose whichever matches your field layout.
- **CRLF between records** indicates that the records are delimited by new line characters in the data file - this is usually the case. Some fixed file formats (particularly from mainframe environments have fixed length records without new line delimiters).
- **Line length** specifies the fixed record size. This is only required in the case of fixed length records.
- **Preview** panel shows a sample of the data identified by the currently highlighted field.
- **Remaining to the right** panel shows a sample of the data that occupies the columns to the right of the currently highlighted field.

## Preview panels

The preview panels are useful to verify the field position and size.

Click **OK** to create the delimited file data source in FastStats Designer.