Using the User-Defined Format Page

How to use the User-Defined Format page

The User-Defined Format page allows you to format a Text input for commonly used fields so that you can easily enter appropriate data. 

Field formats do not validate entries. They provide you with a format that meets the requirements of the data. For example, you may have a form with a Social Security Number field. You could create a format of 000-00-0000 so that when a user enters a social security number the field is automatically formatted.

If a field is set to 6 numbers you will be able to enter up to 6 digits, but you are not prevented from entering fewer than 6.

We don't recommend using user-defined formats for emails because the formatting used is too restrictive for general use. Instead use an Email input.

1. From the Reusable Components menu, select User-Defined Formats. Click New Format. The User-Defined Format page opens.
   
2. Enter a name for the format you are setting up. You cannot enter duplicate format names; each format name must be unique.
3. Using only the characters and symbols defined in the legend, enter the components of the format.
   Note: Any characters that are entered in the Format Builder field, the equivalent is typed in the actual field. However, symbols entered in the Format Builder field appear in the field as part of the format, so you do not need to enter them. 
4. Select the keyboard type to use when entering information in the field: Alphabetical, Numeric or Phone. The keyboard type you choose should be based on the intention of the field.
5. Enter a test entry to confirm the formatting works. Based on your entries in the Format Builder field, you can enter letters, numbers, or symbols.
6. Save your entries. The user-defined format is now available to add to a form.