The MASK line command displays the =MASK> line. On this line, you can type characters that you want to insert into an unformatted data set or member. These characters, which are called the mask, are inserted whenever you use the I (insert), TE (text entry), or TS (text split) line commands, or when you edit an empty data set.

Description

To display the =MASK> line:

1. Type MASK in the line command field of any line.
2. Press Enter. The =MASK> line is displayed.

Initially, the mask contains all blanks. To define a mask:

1. Add characters to or delete characters from the =MASK> line while it is displayed.
2. Press Enter. The mask is now defined.

Once a mask is defined, the contents of the =MASK> line are displayed whenever a new line is inserted. This occurs when you use the I (insert), TE (text entry), and TS (text split) line commands, and when you edit an empty data set. You can change the mask definition whenever you need to by repeating the preceding steps.

The mask line is never saved as part of the data. However, the mask remains in effect, even if it is not displayed, until you change it. The contents of the mask are retained in the current edit profile, and are automatically used the next time you edit the same kind of data.

The MASK command is ignored in formatted edit mode. You enter formatted edit mode when you type the name of a previously defined format in the Format Name field on the Edit Entry panel when beginning an edit session. If you have defined a mask before entering formatted edit mode, the mask is not retained in the current edit profile.