--- title: "Attribute format controls" description: "Every control on the Format tab, grouped by data type, with defaults and choices. Use it to check alias, number, currency, measurement, and date options." --- Format controls change how attribute values display in popups and data search — turning `12345.6789` into `12,345.68`, `$12,345.68`, `12.3 km`, or `9 May 2026`. This page lists every control on the `Format` tab, grouped by data type, with defaults and choices. The underlying value in your data is never altered. The `Format` tab appears for vector layers (point, line, polygon). Raster and WMS layers do not have it. ## Per-row controls Each attribute on the layer gets one row on the Format tab. Three controls per row: ### Field alias | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | The original field name | | Where | Text input on the left of each row | The display label for the attribute. Affects popup labels, data search results, and the legend wherever it names the field. The underlying field name in your data is unchanged. See [How to rename an attribute label](/docs/formatting-attributes/rename-attribute). ### Format | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `Auto detect` | | Where | Pencil icon in the middle of each row, opens the `Attribute formatting` drawer | The display format for the value. Set it in the drawer that opens when you click the pencil. Per-data-type controls are listed below. The format chip and pencil are hidden for text, true/false, ID, and nested-data columns — those have nothing to format. ### Visibility | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | Visible | | Choices | Visible, Hidden | | Where | Eye icon on the right of each row | Controls whether the attribute appears in the default popup and data search results. Hidden attributes are still on the layer and still drive styling and filters — they're excluded from display only. See [How to hide an attribute from popups](/docs/formatting-attributes/hide-attribute). A header-level eye icon toggles visibility across every attribute at once. ## Format drawer — Data Type The drawer is the right-side panel that opens when you click the pencil on a row. ### Data Type | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `Auto detect` | | Choices | `None`, `Auto detect`, `Number`, `Currency`, `Measurement`, `Date & Time` | | Where | First control in the drawer | The category of formatting to apply. Each choice unlocks its own sub-controls below. `None` applies no formatting. `Auto detect` lets MangoMap pick based on the value. The other four (`Number`, `Currency`, `Measurement`, `Date & Time`) each carry the sub-controls listed in the sections below. ## Number sub-controls Available when `Data Type` is `Number`. ### Number Format | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `Rounded` | | Choices | `Integer`, `Float`, `Rounded` | How the numeric value displays: - `Integer` — whole number, no decimals (`12345.67` → `12345`). - `Float` — full precision as stored (`12345.67` → `12345.67`). - `Rounded` — rounds to the number of places in `Decimals` (2 by default) and always shows them (`12345.6789` → `12,345.68`). Unlocks the `Decimals` control. ### Decimals | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `2` | | Choices | `0`, `1`, `2`, `3`, `4`, `5`, `6` | | Where | Visible only when `Number Format` is `Rounded` | Number of digits after the decimal point. ## Currency sub-controls Available when `Data Type` is `Currency`. ### Currency Symbol | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `$` (Dollar Sign) | | Choices | 31 currency symbols including `$`, `€`, `£`, `¥`, and major regional currencies | The symbol prepended (or appended, depending on the currency) to every value. Each option in the dropdown shows the symbol next to the currency name (for example, `$ Dollar Sign`, `€ Euro`). ### Decimals | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `2` | | Choices | `0`, `1`, `2`, `3`, `4`, `5`, `6` | Number of digits after the decimal point. Most currencies conventionally use `2` (cents/pence), but Japanese yen and similar use `0`. ## Measurement sub-controls Available when `Data Type` is `Measurement`. The stored numeric value is interpreted in the chosen unit and converted at display time. ### Unit Type | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `Distance` | | Choices | `Distance`, `Area`, `Velocity` | The category of measurement. Determines which unit options appear in the `Unit` dropdown below. ### Unit | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `Metres` (Distance), `Square Metres` (Area), `Metres per second` (Velocity) | | Where | Choices depend on the selected `Unit Type` | Per `Unit Type`: - **Distance**: `Millimetres`, `Centimetres`, `Metres`, `Kilometres`, `Inches`, `Feet`, `Yards`, `Miles`, `Nautical Miles`. - **Area**: `Square Millimetres`, `Square Centimetres`, `Square Metres`, `Square Kilometres`, `Square Inches`, `Square Feet`, `Square Yards`, `Square Miles`, `Hectares`, `Acres`. - **Velocity**: `Millimetres per second`, `Centimetres per second`, `Metres per second`, `Kilometres per hour`, `Feet per second`, `Miles per hour`, `Knots`. ### Decimals | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `2` | | Choices | `0`, `1`, `2`, `3`, `4`, `5`, `6` | Number of digits after the decimal point. ## Date & Time sub-controls Available when `Data Type` is `Date & Time`. ### Format Style | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `Date only` | | Choices | `Date only`, `Datetime` | Whether to display only the date portion or include the time of day. ### Date Format | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Default | `YYYY-MM-DD` | | Choices | `DD-MM-YYYY`, `YYYY-MM-DD`, `MM-DD-YYYY`, `Long format` | The date pattern. `Long format` renders as `Sat 09 May 2026` (or `Sat 09 May 2026 10:00:00 AM` when `Datetime` is also set). The other three render literally as their pattern shows. ## Preview | | | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Where | Bottom of the drawer | Live preview of the formatted sample value as you change settings. ## Where formatted values appear Formatted values are used by: - The default popup on the map. - Custom popup templates (variable substitution). - Data search result cards. - Print and export popup overlays. - The default popup side panel. - Legend numbers at the ends of a continuous colour gradient and beside a size key. Raw (unformatted) values are used by: - Legend class-break labels on quantity-styled layers. - Filters and queries. - Style category labels and class boundaries. - Exports of the underlying data (CSV, GeoJSON). See [How attribute formatting works in MangoMap](/docs/formatting-attributes/concepts-attribute-formatting) for the full model. ## Related - [How to format a number column](/docs/formatting-attributes/format-numbers) - [How to format a currency column](/docs/formatting-attributes/format-currency) - [How to format a date column](/docs/formatting-attributes/format-dates) - [How to format a measurement column](/docs/formatting-attributes/format-measurements) - [How to rename an attribute label](/docs/formatting-attributes/rename-attribute) - [How to hide an attribute from popups](/docs/formatting-attributes/hide-attribute) - [How attribute formatting works in MangoMap](/docs/formatting-attributes/concepts-attribute-formatting) ---