Mark,

SQL Server doesn't set the field length until the entire query is completed. It will not truncate the results based on the first row like VFP does.

>When creating a view in Sql Server how do I ensure the length of a field returned is kept to a specific zize
>
>In Visual Foxpro I would do this
>SELECT PADR(LEFT(ALLTRIM(sect_desc),25)+" / "+LEFT(ALLTRIM(head_desc),20)+" / "+LEFT(ALLTRIM(item_desc),20)as Myfield
>
>
>But I can not find the equivelant of the PADR() command.