# Line Count

*Line Count* option in Astera enables users to specify the number of lines over which a data region spans. This feature is useful when transposing data that appears in rows in an unstructured file and convert it into vertical fields (columns) inside a report model.

In this document, we will explore how *Line Count* feature helps with the selection of a data region in Astera.

## **Sample Use-Case**

In this case, we have unstructured data in a PDF file.

Download the sample PDF file from [here](https://www.astera.com/Downloads/Misc/2020/07/8-Auto-Parsing-Name-and-Address.zip).

![](/files/ZSLdfKtqi9ECALpjXyrr)

This file contains a customer list report including their account name, contact and address details.

Observe that a single record spans over 4 lines on this PDF file. In order to capture this data and place it into different fields, we will use the *Line Count* feature.

First, let’s load this unstructured file onto the Report Model designer.

Go to *File > New > Report Model*. A *Report Options* window opens. Here, provide the *File Path* for the unstructured PDF file by clicking on the folder icon.

![](/files/xKKXSxoRoIpRkvNhW9O1)

There are many options available on the *Report Options* window to configure how Astera reads the unstructured PDF file such as specifying the scaling factor, font, tab size and password.

You can read about these options [here](https://documentation.astera.com/v/astera-data-stack-v7/report-model/report-model-interface/report-options#pdf-reading-options).

Click *OK* and the file will open in the report model designer.

![](/files/oY6xUjvyTTzhddMyCLz9)

Now that the file is open in Astera, we will create an extraction template.

## **Creating a Report Model**

1. Right-click on the *Record* node under *Model Layout* panel. Select *Add Data Region* from the context menu.

![](/files/wo9QjBN7dnP1o4GEY4iz)

A pattern box, properties panel and a data node is added on the Report Model screen.

![](/files/8x2yxVM4jxZegksUBtz8)

2. Specify a pattern with which Astera can match your file to capture data. You can use an alphabet, character, number, word or a wild card or any combination of these to define your pattern.

In this case, write “ACCOUNT” in the pattern box to match it on the file as shown below.

![](/files/c0Ugov2pNBmE6odyW0ZQ)

Observe that only one field information is captured through matching pattern. In order to capture the data spanning over 4 lines, we must increase the *Line Count* value.

3. Increase the *Line Count* value to 4.

![](/files/XHdWQaUee7ZDmbPHzfR9)

Each data region block contains information of a single record. Let’s create data fields.

4. Highlight the data region after “ACCOUNT:”, right-click on it and select *Add Data Field* from the context menu. Rename it to Account.

![](/files/yjl9u76f2ovhs13ekyyn)

Repeat the process to create more data fields and name them as shown below. You can see the layout of the extraction template in the *Model Layout* panel.

![](/files/KyHl1ES9cY4Ghx6uORSm)

5. Preview data by clicking on *Preview Data* icon placed in the toolbar at the top of the designer window.

A *Data Preview* window will open displaying a preview of the extracted data.

![](/files/ytvUqIXikU7CkVZkF4S5)


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