IDM and IMM

Category 4’s method of IDM and IMM command insertion is to assign a general PAGEDEF and/or FORMDEF on the dataset level (same as Category 3). The PAGEDEF consists of a number of Page Formats. The FORMDEF consists of a number of Copy Groups. By inserting an AFP structured field (command) in-line, the page is printed using a specific Page Format and/or Copy Group from within the defined PAGEDEF/FORMDEF.

Figure 1 Every PAGEDEF Can Consist of More Than One Page Format

To select a specific Page Format from a PAGEDEF, an AFP structured field must be inserted in-line at the beginning of the page. This AFP structured field is called IDM (Invoke Data Map).

Figure 2 Every FORMDEF Can Consist of More Than One Copy Group

To select a specific Copy Group from a FORMDEF, another AFP structured field is required at the beginning of the page. This AFP structured field is called IMM (Invoke Medium Map).

All subsequent line formats are now printed using that specific Page Format/Copy Group until superseded by a new IDM/IMM control record.

Pages that do not have an IDM or IMM structured field are printed with the most recent specified IDM or IMM. If the output does not contain an IDM or IMM, then PSF uses the default Page Format and Copy Group, whichever is listed first in the active PAGEDEF and FORMDEF.