Edit Format String Dialog Box

Right-click the Format Into File function or the Format Into String function and select Edit Format String from the shortcut menu to display the Edit Format String dialog box.

Use this dialog box to convert data to strings, such as converting numbers to strings. Refer to Format Specifier Syntax for additional information on format specifiers.

This dialog box includes the following components:

Option Description
Current format sequence

Indicates the selected operation format for converting numbers to strings.

Add New Operation

Sets a maximum string length for the output string. This option is available only when you select Format string (abc) from the Selected operation pull-down menu.

Remove This Operation

Adds an operation from the Selected operation listbox to the Current format sequence listbox.

Corresponding format string

Displays the format string of the selected format sequence or operation. This is a read-only display.

Selected operation

Lists available conversion operations.

Options Specifies the following formatting options:
  • Justification

    Sets whether the output string is right justified or left justified.

  • Padding

    Sets whether the output string is padded with spaces or with zeros.

  • Use minimum field width

    Sets a minimum field width for the output string.

  • Use maximum string length

    Removes the selected operation from the Current format sequence listbox.

  • Use specified precision

    Formats the numbers with the precision you specify. This option is available only when you select Format fractional number (12.345), Format scientific number (1.234E1), or Format fract/sci number (12.345) from the Selected operation pull-down menu.

  • String

    Specifies the output as the exact string you enter in this text box. This option is available only when you select Output exact string (abc) from the Selected operation pull-down menu.

  • Default

    Specifies the character to use to separate the whole number from the decimal part of the number. You can select the system default, a period, a comma, or a custom character. This option is available only when you select Specify decimal point character from the Selected operation pull-down menu.