Interpret as character

Character number items interpret the data as symbolic data. Symbolic data has the same meaning on different computers. For example, a comma is symbolic because it has the same meaning, regardless of the computer type.

Character text items can have content size and pad properties.

When you select Character, the Release property is specific to the Character value and is not available as an option for a Binary value. For more information, see "Release characters".

When interpret is set to Character, integer, decimal, and zoned presentation options are available.