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2.1.12 Job File Names and Output File Names

How does job and file naming work within dynamic PlanetPress Suite processes?

When an input task sends a new data file down a process, it gives it an internal file name referred to as the

job file name (associated with the %f variable). The new job file typically keeps the same name until the end

of the process.

• If the job file comes to a branch in the process, the PlanetPress Suite Workflow Tools make a copy of

the job file and give the new file a new job file name.

• If the job file is processed by a splitter action task, the task typically creates a number of new files

which are all given new job file names.

Since these files are generated and managed by the PlanetPress Suite Workflow Tools, you should not actually

pay too much attention to their names.

Many output tasks, on the other hand, let you determine exactly how you want the files they generate to be

named. In the case of Send to Folder output tasks, for example, output files are saved under their job file

names by default (using the variable %f), but you may use a static (MyOutput.txt, for example) or variable

name (%O_Invoices, for instance) of your choosing.

A) By default, in the properties dialog box of Send to Folder output tasks, the File name text box contains a variable that

uses the current job file name as the output file name. B) If you change the value of the File name box to

%O_Invoice.txt, the output file will have a name made up of the original file name, with its extension truncated, to

which the static text “_Invoice.txt” will be appended (txt will thus become the file name extension).

Variables such as %o (original file name) bring up the issue of file overwriting. If the process receives two

source files with the same name, the second output file may overwrite the first one. This may be what you

want, but otherwise you may consider using another variable, such as in %u (unique 13-character string).

When choosing naming schemes for output files, consider the following:

• For the benefit of users who must identify files, be it in a folder or on a printer queue, consider using

names that are as meaningful and precise as possible.

• Some devices or applications may use file name extensions to know what to do with incoming files.

Since variable properties can be entered in the boxes where you specify the folder and file names, you can

use variables, data selections and static text. You could, for example, use the following:

ClientID_@(1,1,1,1,14,KeepCase,Trim)_StatMonth_%m.

One last consideration regarding output file names has to do with standard JPEG and TIFF files generated by

PlanetPress Image. When an output job contains multiple pages, multiple JPEG or TIFF files are generated

(one image per file), each one identified by a sequence number appended to its name (this is managed by

Understanding PlanetPress Suite Workflow Tools - Key Concepts