In fixed length record files, fields are separated by their length. For example, an inventory file might have a 10 character SKU code, a 30 character description, and a 20 character location. Even if the actual SKU code is only 5 characters, and the description is only 15, the location field will still begin at character position 41. In a variation on this format, all of the fields present in a record are fixed length, but a line break is inserted after the last field that contains data. These are often called line delimited files.

A format in which the size of the item does not change. In reference to a file; all records have the same number of bytes even though some of the information is not used.

Term used to describe a data field in an Element String with an established number of characters

refers to records or fields that always contain a set number of bytes.

Characteristic of a bar code symbology in which the number of characters per symbol is predetermined. Opposite of variable length.