https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/work-fmtdesc/m-p/72102#M20873 After importing an SPSS file via PROC IMPORT, I have been able to view a table in the work library called "_fmtdesc". This table shows the format names, starting and ending values, and the format labels of the imported file.<BR /> <BR /> I find this table extremely useful. Unfortunately it does not always appear in the Work library and I am at a lost as to how to regularly access it. Is anyone familiar with this table that can help? Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:24:35 GMT eln 2009-02-03T14:24:35Z https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/work-fmtdesc/m-p/72102#M20873 After importing an SPSS file via PROC IMPORT, I have been able to view a table in the work library called "_fmtdesc". This table shows the format names, starting and ending values, and the format labels of the imported file.<BR /> <BR /> I find this table extremely useful. Unfortunately it does not always appear in the Work library and I am at a lost as to how to regularly access it. Is anyone familiar with this table that can help? Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:24:35 GMT https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/work-fmtdesc/m-p/72102#M20873 eln 2009-02-03T14:24:35Z https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/work-fmtdesc/m-p/72103#M20874 I happened to search the SAS.COM site using Google, and found reference to a similar-named file WORK._FMTDESC. This file happens to be generated using PROC FORMAT with the CNTLOUT= keyword. Again, this example appears similar to your post topic/reference point.<BR /> <BR /> So, I would suggest reviewing your SASLOG, looking for where PROC FORMAT is creating WORK._FMTDESC, and there you will find the SAS session location responsible for creating this file.<BR /> <BR /> Scott Barry<BR /> SBBWorks, Inc. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:05:42 GMT https://communities.sas.com/t5/SAS-Procedures/work-fmtdesc/m-p/72103#M20874 sbb 2009-02-04T00:05:42Z