Yes, datalines are always left aligned, so the pointer starts reading your data from column 1: data test;     input @1 Subj $3.;     datalines;     001 ^     ; run;   Read pointer indicated by ^.  Two tips, align the semicolon at column1 also.  Instead of using tabs - which can cause confusion and render differently on different editors, use spaces.  You can use the option in SAS (assuming you have base - not sure where the option is in Enterprise Guide for instance), with an Enhanced Editor window selected choose Tools->Options->Enhanced Editor.  And then in the dialog that appears look down to the Tabs section, there is a checkbox for Insert Spaces for Tabs.  Check this and when you press tab from then on it will insert the number of spaces defined in Tab Size.  Spaces should always render the same across text editors and so your code always appears the same. ... View more