# 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.

<figure><img src="/files/QqZlgPb7nJy0O1lsvxB5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Before adding the expression to the report, go to **Other Settings**.
* Ensure the **Script Editor** is set to **VBScript**.

<figure><img src="/files/US8rZzar6siLdptkuOMX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* 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**

<figure><img src="/files/K37bBe9AvTCKOiLXaocU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Click the (+) Plus icon to create a new expression.
* Fill in the required fields:&#x20;
  * **Expression Name** – A unique name for your expression.
  * **Expression Type** – Choose either **Text** or **Numeric** depending on the expected output.

<figure><img src="/files/H9Z2PIgR9nQpQ8EWsn8t" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 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.

<figure><img src="/files/CESgUsSXGb8LWJuao0aM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Save the expression once defined.
* Scroll down and **check the box** beside the expression name to enable it.

<figure><img src="/files/2xi7yCPlOQ8tUF2o6nuS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Save and proceed to check the effect.
* **Refresh the report** to view the final result.

<figure><img src="/files/kqrKRBnqZemjUrdHpwWL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **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.

<figure><img src="/files/01zqtIAH9JUwKy4jrZR5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* 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")`

<figure><img src="/files/4hOKVerisEJkGjqNcbKQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Save the expression once defined.
* Scroll down and **check the box** beside the expression name to enable it.

<figure><img src="/files/iTXu7pUMQgEqM136eYBr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Save and proceed to check the effect.
* **Refresh the report** to view the final result.

<figure><img src="/files/yfX57g1i4vGC69aPfan6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**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`     |


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