# Generating reference files

In the Advanced tab of the File Target endpoint, you can enable the Generate a reference file option. The Reference File contains a list of the [Change File](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/replicate/May2025/Content/Replicate/Main/File/file_as_target_overview.htm#change_data) locations and is therefore only relevant if the task's Apply Changes or Store Changes options are enabled.

The reference file name format is as follows:

`<file_target_endpoint_name><counter>.csv|json`

Example:

`FileTarget00000001.csv`

Information note

The counter suffix increases incrementally each time a new Reference File is generated (i.e. when the file reaches the maximum size defined [in the General tab](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/replicate/May2025/Content/Replicate/Main/File/set_up_file_as_target_in_task.htm#Maximum_size)). Once a new Reference File has been generated, you can delete the old reference file(s) if required.

Whenever an Apply Changes data file is created, a new row is added to the Reference File in the following format:

`<Source_Table_Name>,<full_path_to_data_file>`

Example:

`MyTable,c:\temp\filetarget\dbo.MyTable\20170102-091759447.csv`

Note that if the Post-process files option in the Advanced tab is also enabled, the Reference File will be generated *after* the post-processing completes.

Information note

* When both the Post-process files and the Delete files (after post-processing completes) options are enabled, the reference file will not be generated.
* If the Archive files to folder (after post-processing completes) option is selected, the reference file will be updated to reflect the archive location of the data files.