# Format() Function
**YouTube:** [How to Use the Format () Function in Report Custom Columns?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-6-hia-8B8)
## How to Use the Format () Function in Report Custom Columns?
In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to use the **`Format` function** to customize the displays style of **dates** and **numbers** in your reports.
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### Accessing the Expression Designer:
* Navigate to the **Reporting** section.
* Open the **Sales Register Detailed Report** or any **"Report".**
* Go to **Setup Column Attributes**.
* Here, you'll see a list of available columns that can be used to build expressions.
* Click on **"Add/Edit Expression Columns"** where you can write your expression using predefined functions.
* Before adding the expression to the report, go to **Other Settings**.
* Ensure the **Script Editor** is set to **VBScript**.
* Click **Save**.
* *Note: VBScript is the default for new configurations but always verify this setting.*
### Writing Your First Expression
* Every expression must start with the script header: **'#@LSCRIPT**
* Click the (+) Plus icon to create a new expression.
* Fill in the required fields:
* **Expression Name** – A unique name for your expression.
* **Expression Type** – Choose either **Text** or **Numeric** depending on the expected output.
### Example 1: Format a Date (Bill Date)
* Double-click your newly created expression to insert it into the script editor.
* Define the expression using the syntax:
* Expression Name = FORMAT(CDATE(BILL\_DATE),"dd MMMMM yyyy")
* `Format` Start your Expression with `Format` Keyword that is used to apply styles in Date & Text.
* `CDate(BILL_DATE)` converts the value to a date.
* `"dd-MMMM-yyyy"` is the desired date format.
* Save the expression once defined.
* Scroll down and **check the box** beside the expression name to enable it.
* Save and proceed to check the effect.
* **Refresh the report** to view the final result.
* **Result**: Bill date will be shown like `09-June-2025`.
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### Example 2: Format a Number (Rate with 2 Decimal Places)
* Click the (+) Plus icon to create a new expression.
* Double-click your newly created expression to insert it into the script editor.
* Define the expression using the syntax:
* Expression Name = FORMAT(RATE\_UNIT,"#0.00")
* `RATE` is the numeric field name.
* `"#0.00"` ensures **two decimal places**.
> To format with 4 decimal places: `Format(RATE, "#0.0000")`
* Save the expression once defined.
* Scroll down and **check the box** beside the expression name to enable it.
* Save and proceed to check the effect.
* **Refresh the report** to view the final result.
**Result**: A rate like `123.5` will be shown as `123.50`.
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### Summary
| Format Type | Example Expression | Output Example |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------ | -------------- |
| Date | `Format(CDate(BILL_DATE), "dd MM yyyy")` | `30 06 2025` |
| Date | `Format(CDate(BILL_DATE), "dd MMMM yyyy")` | `30 June 2025` |
| Number | `Format(RATE, "#0.00")` | `89.00` |
| Number | `Format(GROSS_AMT, "#0.000")` | `1050.235` |
