List
The hot folder or SFTP input device looks for a text-based list file containing a list of all the files that make up the job. When the hot folder or SFTP input device finds a list file, it reads the list and looks for all the files; as soon as it finds all the files, it submits them as a single job. The files print in the order specified in the list file.
The list file must meet these criteria:
- The file name must match the pattern specified in the List patterns property. The default pattern matches files that have the extension
.lst
. - Each file in the print job must be on a separate line in the list file.
- The file names listed in the list file must include only file names, not path information; all files must be in the same directory.
afpinput1.afp afpinput2.afp afpinput3.afp inputfile.afp
When you use the List batching method, set these input device properties as indicated:
- Workflow: ParentNoPrint
- Child workflow: The workflow that is appropriate for the print files in the job.
- Submit step: SubmitInputFiles
- Create .zip file: If this property is set to Yes, all input files that match the value set in the Data patterns property are combined as a ZIP file and submitted as a single job. If this value is set to No, all input files are submitted as child jobs.
- List patterns: A pattern that matches some part of the file name of your list files.
By default, this value is the regular expression .*lst$.
- Data patterns: A pattern that matches some part of the file name of your print files. For hot folder
or SFTP input devices, the default value is the regular expression: .*$. That pattern matches all file names.
If a print file is listed in the list file, but the file name does not match the Data patterns value, the input device does not identify the file as a print file. Because a listed print file appears to be missing, the input device waits for it and does not create the job.
- Overrides patterns: if you use overrides files, a pattern that matches some part of the file name of your overrides files.