Mask
Specifies a pattern of symbols that the indexer uses to match data that is located in the field columns. If the data matches the Mask, then the indexer selects the field.
If you are using the PDF indexer, the mask can contain any characters, including but not limited to the symbols listed in the table.
If you are using ACIF as the indexer, you can specify the following symbols in the mask:
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| @ |
matches alphabetic characters |
| # |
matches numeric characters |
| = |
matches any character |
| ¬ |
matches any non-blank character |
| ^ |
matches any non-blank character |
| % |
matches the blank character and numeric characters |
For example, if you are using the PDF indexer to locate an invoice number, a mask of INV######-## would cause the indexer to select the field only if the data in the field (from left to right) contains the characters 'INV' followed by six numeric characters, a dash, and two more numeric characters. If you are using ACIF as the indexer, a mask of @@@######^## would cause ACIF to select the field only if the data in the field contains three alphabetic characters, followed by six numeric characters, any non-blank character, and two more numeric characters.
Note: When using a mask, an index that is based on the field cannot include any other fields.
Notes for ACIF: When using a mask, the field must be based on a floating trigger and an index that is based on the field must not create grouprange or pagerange indexes.