How To Fix DO272 - Output length will be reset (& has variable output length)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DO - Dictionary: Mass activation of domains and data elements

• Message number: 272

• Message text: Output length will be reset (& has variable output length)

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DO272 - Output length will be reset (& has variable output length) ?

  The SAP error message DO272 indicates that there is an issue with the output length of a document or report that has a variable output length. This typically occurs in the context of output management, such as when generating print layouts or electronic documents.
  Cause:
  The error message DO272 is triggered when the system detects that the output length of a document is not consistent with the expected length. This can happen due to several reasons, including:
  
  Variable Output Length: The document or report is designed to have a variable output length, but the system is unable to determine the correct length based on the data provided.
  Incorrect Configuration: The output type or form may not be configured correctly, leading to discrepancies in the expected output length.
  Data Issues: The data being processed may contain unexpected values or formats that affect the output length.
  Form Design Issues: If you are using SAPscript, Smart Forms, or Adobe Forms, there may be issues in the design of the form that lead to incorrect output length calculations.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the DO272 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Output Type Configuration:
  
  Go to the output type configuration in transaction code NACE.
  Ensure that the output type is correctly configured for the document type you are processing.
  
  
  
  Review Form Design:
  
  If you are using SAPscript, Smart Forms, or Adobe Forms, review the form design to ensure that it is set up to handle variable output lengths correctly.
  Check for any fixed-length fields that may be causing issues.
  
  
  
  Validate Data:
  
  Check the data being processed for any anomalies or unexpected values that could affect the output length.
  Ensure that all required fields are populated correctly.
  
  
  
  Test with Sample Data:
  
  Create a test case with sample data to see if the error persists. This can help isolate whether the issue is with specific data or the configuration.
  
  
  
  Check for Notes and Patches:
  
  Look for any SAP Notes or patches related to the output type or form you are using. There may be known issues that have been addressed in updates.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Review SAP documentation for the specific output type and form technology you are using to ensure compliance with best practices.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above steps, consider reaching out to SAP support for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: NACE (Output Types), SMARTFORMS (Smart Forms), SE71 (SAPscript), SFP (Adobe Forms).
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address specific issues related to output length and forms.
  Documentation: Review SAP Help documentation for output management and form design best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the DO272 error in your SAP system.