Scrapeer
Variables

Format Block

Format runs one or more independent formatting rows. Each row reads an input variable, applies ordered operations, and writes an output.

At a glance

Best for
Cleaning extracted values
Operations
Trim, replace, split, date, type, more
Lists
Arrays fan out element-wise
Error handle
Yes

What it does

Format is the main cleanup Block for scraped text and simple values.

Rows are independent. A row can overwrite its input variable when no output variable is configured.

Use it when

  • Trim text and collapse whitespace.
  • Extract a substring with a pattern.
  • Convert cases, normalize quotes, split text, or reformat dates.

Do not use it when

  • You need numeric math; use Calculate.
  • You need to edit object fields; use Edit Fields.
  • Nested arrays must be transformed recursively.

Settings

Format rows select an input variable, output variable, and ordered operations from the supported operation list.

Rows

Required: Yes
Variables
Input/output are variable names
Description
Independent formatting jobs run by the Block.

Operations

Required: Yes
Variables
Some operation values accept variables
Description
Ordered operations such as trim, replace, extract, split, convert, and date formatting.

Output variable

Required: No
Variables
Variable name
Description
When empty, the row overwrites the input variable.

Outputs

Format writes each row output to its configured variable.

{{outputVariableName}}string | number | boolean | array

Formatted value for each row.

failuresarray<object>

Failure details when a row cannot be formatted.

Example Flow

Use Format between extraction and export when scraped values need cleanup.

  1. Extract raw text.
  2. Format it into the needed shape.
  3. Use the cleaned variable in Template, Calculate, or export Blocks.

Errors and fixes

Start with symptoms visible in the editor or Inspector, then check the earliest Block that produced the wrong page state, variable, or output.

A formatted output is empty.

Check
Check whether the input variable is missing or null.
Fix
Create the input earlier or add fallback logic.

A list row fails.

Check
Check whether the array contains nested arrays.
Fix
Flatten or transform the list before Format.

Local and cloud runs

Format commits successful rows even if another row fails. Any failure still sends the Block through the error path.

Blocks

Understand how Blocks connect and pass state through a Flow.

Runs and outputs

Inspect Block output, errors, and variables after a run.