Use Export to IDL Variable to export and/or subset a band or file to an IDL variable.

1. From the Toolbox, select Raster Management > Export to IDL Variable. The Export to IDL Input File/Band dialog displays.
2. Select an input file or band and perform optional spatial subsetting and spectral subsetting.
3. In the Export Variable Name dialog, select one of the following options:
• If the variable was previously defined, select on the name in the Select variable to receive export list.
• If the variable is a new one, enter the name of an undefined ENVI variable in the New Variable Name field.
4. Click OK. The exported data is available to use at the ENVI command line.