Left padding wth spaces

[krankin]

Hello, I would like to left pad a string with spaces to a total number of characters. I've tried to use PadLeft([field],12," "), but the space in between the quotes is not being read. If I put in a character, it works, but I need spaces. Any ideas?

[Claje]

Hi, I just tested this and it worked, the space was properly read. Are you trying to put 12 spaces in front of ALL records in that field?

[krankin]

Hi.... no I just want to have the field padded to 12 characters. I working with a string field that is 12 characters and the values are 7 characters. PDMCU = '2382010'..... need to have ' 2382010'

[krankin]

This is what I have in the formula. padleft([NMCU],12," ")

[estherb47 · Accepted solution]

 @krankin 

Just like @Claje , I tried this and it worked for me. A few suggestions. First, make sure your text field is long enough to accommodate the spaces. A Select tool before the Formula tool can help with that.

The next suggestion is to add a browse tool, run the workflow, and check the results in a new window. Sometimes it's easier to see that way.

Let me know if that helps.

Cheers!

Esther

[krankin]

Hi again, I was expecting to see the result in the preview of the formula function. It doesn't seem to show the spaces there, but in my output, the Padleft with the spaces worked. Thanks!

[estherb47]

Hi @krankin 

Yes. The input arrow are the results prior to applying the formula. That's why I'm a fan of the Browse. You don't need to think about which side of the tool you're clicked on.

Cheers,

Esther