The sub was there simply because I understood that the variables had to be in scope when the format was defined - calling the sub allowed me to choose when to define it.

I do like the idea for the structure, though .. that works very well in the environment here.

Still, the variable issue is still there, with or without the sub, and regardless of the structure of the modules.

Thanks, though, you've given me some ideas to experiment with.

--Foxcub