Number formats

The number format can be set for a whole table or group of cells. For example, cells can be set to display in a particular currency, to four decimal places, or in a particular date format.

Number recognition specifies that numbers in a text table are recognized and formatted as numbers. If number recognition is not selected, numbers are saved in text format and are automatically left-aligned. Number recognition can be set on or off under Tools > Options > OpenOffice.org Writer > Table.

Select the cells to format, then right-click and select Number Format from the pop-up menu. The Number Format dialog box opens for you to set options for various categories of numerical data.

• In the Category drop-down list, select the category you want, such as currency, date, or text.

• In the Format drop-down list, choose a format for the category you just selected.

• For some categories, such as date, you may wish to change the language using the Language list.

• Additional options are available for different categories.