Create a Structure File and Record Layouts

Structure files and the record layouts within them cannot be created or viewed in Data File Editor. You must create the structure file and record layouts using the Classic Data File Tools product; after which, you can apply the resulting .str file to your data files in Data File Editor.
  1. From a Visual COBOL or Enterprise Developer command prompt, type mfdatatools, then press Enter.
  2. On the File menu, click New, then select Record Layout and click OK.

    The Select a file to construct the layouts from dialog box appears.

  3. Navigate to and select the debug information file (.idy file) from a program that uses the data file for which you are creating this structure file, then select Open.

    A Layout window appears, showing the Data Division of the COBOL program.

  4. Create a default layout (optional):
    1. From the left-hand pane, right-click the top-level data item on which to base your layout, then select New Layout.

      The New Record Layout Wizard dialog box appears.

    2. Select Default Layout, then click Next.
    3. Click Finish.

    The default layout is displayed in the right-hand pane.

  5. Create a conditional layout (optional):
    1. From the left-hand pane, right-click the top-level data item on which to base your l