# Format Codes in Infor LN: Data Formats and Masks

> Source: https://netray.co/erp-help/infor-ln-format-codes-data-formats-and-masks
> Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems.
> Section: ERP Help

## Short answer

In Infor LN the way a number, date or code is displayed comes from the format attached to its domain, not from the table column. A format code or display mask (for example separators, decimals, leading zeros) is defined on the domain in the Tools data dictionary, and every field that uses the domain inherits it. Change formats on the domain, in development, and test affected sessions and reports.

## Kind

how-to

## System

infor-ln

## Erp

Infor LN

## Module

Tools / Domains and Display Formats

## Query

format code infor ln

## Alternate Queries

- infor ln display format domain
- infor ln number format mask
- infor ln date format code

## Applies To

Infor LN 10.x and ERP LN 6.x; the Domains session is commonly ttadv4500m000, confirm in your release

## Steps

### How to define or change a format

**Items:**

- Identify the field and its domain in the data dictionary (the field definition names the domain).
- Open the Domains session in Tools (commonly ttadv4500m000, or search for domain).
- Check the domain's type, length and display format (mask), for example how many decimals and whether thousands separators show.
- Change the format on the domain only if every field using it should change; otherwise create a new domain for the new need.
- Convert and compile the affected dictionary objects as your change process requires, in a development VRC first.
- Test the sessions, forms and reports that use the domain, including exports.
- Transport the change through your normal release route.

## Sections

### Format versus storage

**Body:**

A display format changes how a value looks, not how it is stored. A quantity stored with four decimals can be shown with two, but the stored precision is set by the domain definition itself. Mixing these up leads to rounding questions that are really storage questions.

Changing the stored length or decimals of a domain is a structural change that needs table conversion. Changing only the display mask is lighter, but still touches every field on the domain.

### Date, number and code formats

**Body:**

Dates follow the user or system date format and language settings, so two users can see different layouts for the same stored date. Numbers follow the decimal and thousands separators of the language setting. Code fields (such as item or order codes) use masks that control case and allowed characters.

If users complain about a layout, first check their language and user data before changing a domain.

### Reports and exports

**Body:**

Report layouts can apply their own format on top of the domain. When a value looks right on screen but wrong in a report, check the report field's format property. For exports to Excel, prefer exporting raw values so the receiving tool applies its own format.

Keep a record of custom domains so upgrades do not overwrite or lose them.

## Pitfalls

- Editing a shared domain to fix one field and altering every field that uses it.
- Confusing display format with stored precision.
- Changing domains directly in production instead of a development VRC.
- Not retesting reports and exports after a format change.

## Ai Angle

Netray adds a private AI layer on top of the Infor LN you already run, including on-prem installs. ERPray answers questions in plain language over LN data read-only, shows the query it ran and respects LN roles, so a consultant can ask the question instead of hunting for the session. The model runs on your own GPUs, nothing leaves your network, and any write-back needs a human approval. Cloud-hosted LN works too, but the design is tuned for on-prem and air-gapped sites. For pure navigation questions, LN's own session search and help are often enough.

## Faq

### What is a format code in Infor LN?

**Answer:** It is the display mask or format attached to a domain that decides how a number, date or code is shown. Fields using the domain inherit it.

### Can I change the format for just one field?

**Answer:** Not on a shared domain without affecting others. Give the field its own domain, or format it in the report or form layer.

### Why do dates look different for different users?

**Answer:** Date layout follows the user's language and regional settings. Check the user data before changing the domain.

### Does changing the format convert stored data?

**Answer:** A display-only change does not alter stored values. Changing length or decimals is structural and needs a table conversion.

## Search terms

format code infor ln, infor ln display format, infor ln domain, ttadv4500m000, infor ln number format, infor ln date format, baan domain format mask, infor ln data dictionary

---
Talk to an engineer: https://netray.co/contact?intent=erp_ai | Machine catalog: https://netray.co/agent/catalog.json