ISPF Edit User Profile

An Edit Profile in ISPF is a configuration file that retains settings for editing datasets. These profiles store preferences like modes, masks, tabs, bounds, and more, allowing users to customize and save their editing environment for future sessions.

Key points -

Retained Across Sessions: Edit profiles are saved automatically and reloaded each time a dataset is edited. Profiles are tied to the last qualifier of the dataset name.

View/Edit Profile:

Use the PROF command to view the current profile.
PROF displays the profile.
PROF 4 shows 4 lines of profile settings.
PROF 8 shows 8 lines of profile settings.

Customizable Settings: Users can create additional profiles for specific needs.

Common Edit Profile Values and Their Functions are listed below -

Value	Description
RECOVERY	Controls whether data recovery is enabled (`ON` or `OFF`).
NUMBERS	Specifies sequence numbering in columns (e.g., `NUM ON STD COB`).
CAPS	Converts all data to uppercase (`ON`) or retains case (`OFF`).
HEX	Displays data in hexadecimal format (`HEX ON`) or normal format (`HEX OFF`).
NULLS	Allows inserting characters by enabling null spaces in blank areas.
TABS	Enables hardware or logical tabs (`TABS ON ALL`).
SETUNDO	Defines how changes are tracked for the `UNDO` command (storage or recovery).
AUTOSAVE	Specifies how unsaved changes are handled: `ON:` Automatically saves changes on exit. `OFF PROMPT:` Prompts to save changes. `OFF NOPROMPT:` Exits without saving or prompting.
AUTONUM	Automatically renumbers lines upon saving (`ON`) or disables renumbering (`OFF`).
STATS	Enables or disables saving ISPF statistics for members.
PROFILE LOCK	Ensures consistent profiles across all members in a PDS.
IMACRO	Specifies a macro to run on newly created members.
PACK	Controls whether data is stored in packed form (`ON` or `OFF`).
NOTE	Includes explanatory notes with model code (`NOTE ON`).
TABS	Displays or resets tab locations.
MASK	Inserts predefined characters on new lines.
BNDS	Indicates and resets bounds with the `BOUNDS` command.
COLS	Displays or hides column numbers (`COL ON` or `COL OFF`).

Value

Description

RECOVERY

Controls whether data recovery is enabled (ON or OFF).

NUMBERS

Specifies sequence numbering in columns (e.g., NUM ON STD COB).

CAPS

Converts all data to uppercase (ON) or retains case (OFF).

HEX

Displays data in hexadecimal format (HEX ON) or normal format (HEX OFF).

NULLS

Allows inserting characters by enabling null spaces in blank areas.

TABS

Enables hardware or logical tabs (TABS ON ALL).

SETUNDO

Defines how changes are tracked for the UNDO command (storage or recovery).

AUTOSAVE

Specifies how unsaved changes are handled:

ON: Automatically saves changes on exit.
OFF PROMPT: Prompts to save changes.
OFF NOPROMPT: Exits without saving or prompting.

AUTONUM

Automatically renumbers lines upon saving (ON) or disables renumbering (OFF).

STATS

Enables or disables saving ISPF statistics for members.

PROFILE LOCK

Ensures consistent profiles across all members in a PDS.

IMACRO

Specifies a macro to run on newly created members.

PACK

Controls whether data is stored in packed form (ON or OFF).

NOTE

Includes explanatory notes with model code (NOTE ON).

TABS

Displays or resets tab locations.

MASK

Inserts predefined characters on new lines.

BNDS

Indicates and resets bounds with the BOUNDS command.

COLS

Displays or hides column numbers (COL ON or COL OFF).

Examples -

Purpose	Command
To view the current profile	`PROF`
To see a detailed view	`PROF 8`
To display data in hexadecimal	`HEX ON`
To return to normal display	`HEX OFF`
Enable tabs	`TABS ON ALL`
Reset tabs	`TABS OFF`
Automatically save changes	`AUTOSAVE ON`
Prompt before saving	`AUTOSAVE OFF PROMPT`
Show column numbers	`COL ON`
Hide column numbers	`COL OFF`
Reset bounds to default	`BOUNDS`

Purpose

Command

To view the current profile

PROF

To see a detailed view

PROF 8

To display data in hexadecimal

HEX ON

To return to normal display

HEX OFF

Enable tabs

TABS ON ALL

Reset tabs

TABS OFF

Automatically save changes

AUTOSAVE ON

Prompt before saving

AUTOSAVE OFF PROMPT

Show column numbers

COL ON

Hide column numbers

COL OFF

Reset bounds to default

BOUNDS