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FormatType

FormatType
is an option for output streams, graphics and functions such as Text which specifies the default format type to use when outputting expressions.
Automaticinherit from surrounding constructs
InputFormone-dimensional form suitable for direct keyboard input
OutputFormcharacter-based two-dimensional form
StandardFormstandard two-dimensional form
TraditionalFormform approximating traditional mathematical notation
  • SetOptions[stream, FormatType->type] resets the format type for an open stream.
  • For graphics functions, box-based format types such as StandardForm and TraditionalForm can be used only when a notebook front end is present.
EXAMPLESCLOSE ALL
Basic Examples   (3)
By default, expressions are displayed using TraditionalForm in graphics:
Display expressions using StandardForm:
Labels are also affected by the FormatType setting:
By default, expressions are displayed using TraditionalForm in graphics:
In[1]:=
Click for copyable input
Out[1]=
In[2]:=
Click for copyable input
Out[2]=
 
Display expressions using StandardForm:
In[1]:=
Click for copyable input
Out[1]=
In[2]:=
Click for copyable input
Out[2]=
 
Labels are also affected by the FormatType setting:
In[1]:=
Click for copyable input
Out[1]=
Possible Issues   (1)
When different format types are combined the result is likely to be unpredictable:
This is equivalent to:
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