# Format PLC Output Buffer Data Format Dialog

This dialog, which can be launched by either pressing the Edit button in the Properties or double-clicking the block, is used to define the data description for the Format PLC Output Buffer block. To add a pin, press the New Pin button in the top-right of the table.

Note: A byte may be mapped into several bits, and it is possible to map and use all of the individual bits of a byte, one by one.

Setting | Description
--- | ---
Byte Array Length | Defines the array length property. This value is only editable if Automatic Array Length is disabled.
Automatic Array Length | Specifies whether or not the length of the output byte array will always be set to the smallest possible value. Disable to define a custom output byte array length.
Format According to FFP Protocol | Specifies whether or not PLC protocol formatting (FFP) will be applied to the data. When enabled, the specific PLC formatting defined in the Protocol selection will automatically be applied to the block.
Protocol | Specifies the type of PLC protocol (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, SLMP or Custom) to apply, which determines the endianness and byte swapping that will be applied to the data. Select Custom to create a non-protocol specific formatting.
Endianness | Specifies the type of endianness to apply (Little Endian or Big Endian) when the selected protocol is Custom. This setting is automatically set for all other protocols.
Swap bytes in 16-bit words | Specifies whether or not to use byte swapping when the selected protocol is Custom. If enabled, the bytes are swapped for 2-byte words.
Name | Defines the name of the output pin.
Type | Defines the pin type:
PLC Data Type | Pin (.NET) Type | Length in Bytes (on the PLC) | Endianness Applied | Byte Swapping Applied
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Single bit | Boolean | 1 | No | No
Single byte | Byte | 1 | No | No
16-bit signed integer | Short | 2 | Yes | Yes
16-bit unsigned integer | Integer | 2 | Yes | Yes
32-bit signed integer | Integer | 4 | Yes | Yes
32-bit unsigned integer | Long | 4 | Yes | Yes
64-bit signed integer | Long | 8 | Yes | Yes
64-bit unsigned integer | Decimal | 8 | Yes | Yes
32-bit floating point | Double | 4 | Yes | Yes
64-bit floating point | Double | 8 | Yes | Yes
ASCII Text | String | Various | No | Yes
Byte Array | Byte[ ] | Various | No | Yes
Byte Offset | Specifies the 0-based index of the data to parse in the byte array.
Length in Bytes | Specifies the length of the data, in bytes.
Bit Offset | Specifies the bit address.
Show as Pin | Specifies whether or not the parameter will be displayed as a pin.
Value | Specifies the value to use when the parameter is not displayed as a pin. This setting is disabled if Show as Pin is enabled.