> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/read-metadata-from-copybook.md). # Read metadata from Copybook The Read metadata from Copybook step reads a binary fixed-length copybook definition file and outputs the file and column descriptor information as fields to PDI rows. You can then use these rows with the [ETL Metadata Injection](https://github.com/pentaho/documentation/blob/main/PDIA/9.3/PDI/Transformation%20steps/PDI%20transformation%20steps%20reference%20\(overview\)/ETL%20metadata%20injection=GUID-DFD39FB2-F48B-46E8-96F6-62F905AF7F3B=3=en=.md) step to populate the [Copybook Input](https://github.com/pentaho/documentation/blob/main/PDIA/9.3/PDI/Transformation%20steps/PDI%20transformation%20steps%20reference%20\(overview\)/Copybook%20Input%20\(pdi%20step\)=GUID-1A13E373-2BFD-4D14-963C-A810BE5D2A77=3=en=.md)step. Also, you can use this step to create a metadata template for multiple data files or to create a data model for a relational database. See [Copybook steps in PDI](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/advanced-topics-pentaho-data-integration-overview/copybook-steps-in-pdi-cp.md) for more information. This step is required to use metadata injection with the Copybook Input step. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/read-metadata-from-copybook.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.