A dimension definition file (IVD) can be created either manually, or by saving a dimension from a table or another dimension definition file.

To create a dimension definition file manually:

  1. From the File menu, choose New. The New dialog box appears:
  2. Select Dimension Defn and click OK. An untitled Dimension view appears. By default, its type is Normal and it has a single field called Code.
  3. Add any items, fields, labels, groups, and/or summaries that are required.

    If you want to name the dimension, add a dimension description, or edit the dimension attributes (e.g. default label field), edit the dimension.

  4. From the File menu, choose Close. You are prompted to save the file. Click Yes.

    The Save Dimension Fields dialog box appears.

  5. In File Name, enter a name and location for the dimension definition file.
  6. Click OK.

To save a dimension definition file (IVD) from a table or source field:

  1. Select the dimension whose definition you want to save, and then do one of the following:
    • Click the Display Active Dimension button on the toolbar.
    • In the View menu, choose Dimension.
    • (Extracts only) Double-click the source field tile whose definition you want to save.
      Note: If you do this for a non extract source field, the dimension definition file is automatically saved to <first 4 letters of the source file name><first 4 letters of the source fieldname>.ivd
  2. In the File menu, choose Save As. The Save Dimension Fields dialog box appears.
  3. In File name, enter a name and location for the file you want to save.
  4. In Save as type, select the filetype you want to save as:
    • .ivd - Beyond 20/20 Dimension Definition File
    • .ivn - ASCII Dimension Definition File
    • .csv - Comma-separated value file (this format does not contain group totals or default label settings)
  5. Click Save.