---
title: "Formatting Objects With Format Text Step"
slug: "formatting-objects-with-format-text-step"
description: "Use the Format Text step to convert object values into formatted strings using a specified .NET String.Format expression."
tags: ["format", "text", "string", "object "]
updated: 2026-06-26T14:04:07Z
published: 2026-06-26T14:04:07Z
canonical: "documentation.decisions.com/formatting-objects-with-format-text-step"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.decisions.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Formatting Objects With Format Text Step

## Overview

Utilizing the **Format** **Text** step (located under **Toolbox > DATA > TEXT**) allows users to format an **Object** in **Decisions** using **.NET String.Format** methodology. String.Format allows the ability to convert Object values into **Strings** via the provided **Format** **String**.

Addition Information on String.Format The following document implements a basic String.Format String. For more information on how to use String.Format see [Microsoft: String.Format Method.](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.string.format?view=net-5.0#Starting) 

The following document demonstrates how to use a Format Text step to insert a numerical value into a Format String.

---

## Example

1. From **Decisions** **Studio**, select the CREATE FLOW button on the **Global** **Action** **Bar**. Then, CREATE a new **Flow**.
2. From the **Flow** **Designer**, from **Toolbox > FAVORITE STEP**S, attach a **Create** **Data** step to the **Start** step.
3. From the Create Data step's **Properties** tab, select SHOW EDITOR.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1778786644331.png)
4. Provide a NAME (for this example "YearValue") for the **Data** **to** **Create**, then select **Int32 [Number]** from the TYPE drop-down, and define the INPUT as "2021".  **Save** the Data then close via **X**.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1782482532132.png)
5. Back in the Flow Designer, under **Toolbox > DATA > TEXT**, attach a **Format** **Text** step to the **Done** path of the Create Data. Then connect the Format Text step's Done path to the **End** step.
6. From the Properties tab of the Format Text step, **Flow Data** map **YearValue** to **Input**.

More on Input The **Input** **Object** represents the **Object** that will be converted via the **Format** **String** INPUT. 

![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1782482623618.png)
7. Still in the Properties of the Format Text step, **Constant** map the desired **Format** **String**.

Format String Configuration Input the following under Format String "The current year is .; "

![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1778786828682.png)
8. Save the Flow, then if desired close via X.

---

## Debug

1. From the **Flow** **Designer**, click the **Debug** link on the top **Action** **Bar**, then click START DEBUGGING.
2. After the **Flow** runs, select **Format Text 1** to view the **Input** and **Output Data**.About Debug ResultsThe resulting **Output** **Data** will display in the form of the **Format** **String** with the period character being replaced by define **Input**. 

![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1778787060247.png)