Chapter 3
Field mappings
A field mapping turns one file layout into another. Each rule takes a column from the incoming file, optionally cleans it, and writes it to a column in the result, in the order you set.
The Field Mappings list
Open Field Mappings from the Transform group. The list shows your mappings and how many of your 5 you have used, with New, Edit, Duplicate, Delete and Refresh in the command bar. A mapping with no rules is flagged: it passes every column through unchanged.
Creating a mapping
- Click New and enter a Mapping name and, optionally, a Description.
- Under Templates, choose a Source template. This is optional, but naming it lets the editor offer the source column names in a list. Leave it on Any source to map any file whose headers match the rules.
- Optionally choose a Target template: the shape the transform writes out. Leave it on Any target to keep whatever the rules produce.
- Add rules (below) and click Save.
Rules
Rules are applied in the order shown. Click Add Rule to add one, or Fill From Source to create one copy rule per column of the source template, then edit from there. Each rule has:
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Source field | The column in the incoming file. With a source template chosen you pick from its columns; otherwise you type the header name. |
| Target field | The column name in the result. Use a different name here to rename a column. |
| Transform | What to do to the value on the way through (below). |
| Transform | Result |
|---|---|
| Copy | The value unchanged. |
| Uppercase | The value in capital letters. |
| Lowercase | The value in small letters. |
| Trim | The value with spaces removed from both ends. |
Use the arrows to reorder rules, the bin icon to remove one, and Remove All to start again. Rows with no source field are highlighted.
The 5-mapping limit
The free edition stores up to 5 mappings. When you have 5, saving another is refused with "You have reached the limit of 5 field mappings." Delete one you no longer need, or keep an exported copy (chapter 6). Any paid module removes the limit Full edition.
Next
Run your mapping over a real file with Transform Data.