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Mathematica > Visualization and Graphics > Graphics Options & Styling > Graphics Annotation & Appearance > FormatType >
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FormatType

FormatType
is an option for output streams, graphics, and functions such as Text that specifies the default format type to use when outputting expressions.
MORE INFORMATION
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 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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