Naming formats

    Naming formats allows admins to define reusable format patterns for generating consistent attribute values, such as display names or logon names, across users in the organization. Formats can be built using a guided category-based approach or written directly as expressions for more complex requirements.

    Steps to add a naming format

    1. Navigate to Settings > Management Settings > Naming Formats.
    2. Click + Add New Format.
    3. Enter a name in the Format Name field.
    4. Select a Format Type:
      • Basic: Select a category from the Category drop-down menu, then select the specific element from the second drop-down and click + Add to build the format expression. The Format Value field updates as elements are added. A preview of the resulting format is shown in the Format Preview field.
      • Advanced: Type the expression directly into the Expression field, or click elements from the Expression Elements panel to insert them. The panel is organized into Special Characters, Functions, and Attributes. A preview of the resulting format is shown in the Format Preview field.
    5. Optionally, click Format Settings to apply constraints to the format:
      • Restrict the length of the resulting format value: Enter the maximum character length for the output.
      • Remove umlauts from the text: Strips umlaut accents from the resulting value.
      • Exclude specific characters: Removes specified characters from the resulting value.
      • Click OK to apply.
    6. Click Save.

    Steps to view format settings

    • Click View Settings in the Format Settings column for the format. A popover displays the status of each constraint: Format value length limit, Remove umlauts from the text, and Exclude specific characters.

    Steps to edit a naming format

    1. Click the edit icon Edit icon in the Action column for the format.
    2. Make the required changes and click Save.

    Steps to delete a naming format

    • Click the delete icon Delete icon in the Action column for the format.

    Tips

    • Use the Basic format type for straightforward combinations such as FirstName+LastName. Switch to the Advanced type only when the format requires functions or expressions that the category drop-downs cannot produce.
    • Use Format Settings to enforce length restrictions when the resulting value feeds into a field with a character limit, such as a logon name attribute with a maximum length defined by the directory.
    • Use the Format Preview field to verify the output before saving, especially for advanced expressions where a syntax error can produce an unexpected result.