Once a spooled file is available to a writer, the OUTPTY parameter determines the order in which the files are produced. The OUTPTY parameter supports the value *JOB (use the default output priority for the job) and a range of values from 1 to 9. All available files that have an output priority of 1 are positioned at the top of the output queue and are the first files to be printed. Next are the priority 2 files and so on. By selecting the appropriate output priority for spooled files, you can ensure that the spooled files needed right away will be printed first.
The priority of a spooled file when it is created is set from the printer file. Use the Create Printer File, Change Printer File, or Override with Printer File commands to set the OUTPTY parameter to the desired value before the file is opened. After the file is opened, the output priority of the spooled file can be changed by using the CHGSPLFA command.